A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Messina vs. Positano for Food, Couples, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Messina or Positano?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Messina and Positano can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Messina

Messina is a local, historic, and bustling port city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Positano

Positano is a picturesque, colorful, and stunning Mediterranean village. This is also a fantastic small town with plenty of charm and local activities. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. It's also known for hiking, shopping, and food.

Messina and Positano: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Messina or Positano?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Positano than Messina, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Positano is better known for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, shopping, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Messina is more popular for its museums, nightlife, and big city activities. Positano is more touristy than Messina and is popular for its beautiful cliffside setting, its colorful buildings, and its quintessential Amalfi atmosphere. Also, Positano is famous for The Church of Santa Maria Assunta. Messina is well known for being the entry and departure point to Sicily for those traveling by ferry.

How is Messina different from Positano?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Positano and Messina. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Messina or Positano?

Messina is a good destination for its historical sights. However, Positano does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Messina. There are a number of historic sights around town including the Cathedral and the Piazza del Duomo, the Bell Tower and Astronomical Clock, Santissima Annunziata dei Catalani, and the Regional Museum. There are also many ornate fountains around town.

Positano does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Messina or Positano? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Positano is renowned for its restaurant scene. Also, Messina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Many restaurants in Positano have been singled out for their culinary prowess. Seafood is the obvious choice along the Amalfi Coast but Positano is also famous for its salami, chestnuts, cheese, and figs.

Messina has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. The city's cuisine is a mix of the cultures that have influenced Sicily over the centuries. The city has a longstanding fishing industry and one of the most popular dishes are swordfish rolls. Also try the pidone (similar to calzones with different fillings), and the focaccia (a local bread).

Is Messina or Positano Better for Nightlife?

Messina is great for its evening party scene. However, Positano is not a good destination for nightlife.

Many people head to Messina for the nightlife scene. The nightlife scene is mostly centered around the old town and you'll find a mix of locals and tourists hanging out in pubs and bars. During the summer months there are often free outdoor concerts to enjoy.

Most people don't head to Positano specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. The town has a relaxing nightlife that is usually centered around the clubs found at nearby resorts.

Is Messina or Positano Better for Resorts?

Positano is renowned for its resorts. However, Messina is not a resort destination.

Positano is a world class resort vacation destination. The town has a number of luxury resorts including Le Sirenuse, Il San Pietro di Positano, and Hotel Le Agavi.

Messina is not a resort destination.

Is Messina or Positano Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Positano is a Mediterranean village with a few options for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Messina is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Positano has a few snorkeling spots. There are snorkeling boat trips that you can book to enjoy exploring the undersea world.

Messina is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Messina or Positano Better for Beaches?

Positano is a Mediterranean village with good options for its beaches. However, Messina is not particularly known for the beache.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Positano. Like the rest of the Amalfi Coast, beaches near Positano tend to be pebbly instead of sandy. They can also get a bit crowded during the summer months. Still, the picturesque setting makes these beaches truly amazing. The main beach at the edge of town is Spiaggia Grande, but there are several others nearby as well.

You can check out the beach in Messina. There are pebbly beaches in the area that are becoming more popular with tourists.

Is Messina or Positano Better for its Old Town?

Positano is renowned for its historic old town. However, Messina does not have a historic old town.

The old town of Positano is one of the most recognized in the world. Exploring the old town, soaking up the atmosphere, and simply enjoying the colorful buildings is what a trip to Positano is all about.

Messina does not have a historic old town.

Is Messina or Positano Better for Hiking?

Positano is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Messina is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Positano. The best way to explore the area out of town is on foot. There are a number of foot paths and trails that will take you through the stunning landscapes.

Messina is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Messina or Positano?

Positano is well known for shopping. Also, Messina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Positano is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The main street in town is lined with quaint shops that sell local lemon products, ceramics, clothing, and more.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Messina. The best shopping is around Piazza Cairoli with the main shopping streets being Viale Europa and Viale San Martino. There are many small boutiques that have cheaper prices than some of the more upscale Sicilian towns.

Is Messina or Positano Better for Families?

Messina is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Positano is not as popular, but is still a nice Mediterranean village for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Messina. There are a number outdoor activities that kids will enjoy including Parco Avventura Dei Peloritani, which has ropes and obstacle courses. There's also the Karting Center, which is fun for the whole family, or a small aquarium in town. If you're looking for an excursion outside of town, head to Cascata Cataolo waterfall, which is very kid-friendly.

Positano is a family-friendly place to visit. Fun activities include boat rides, eating gelato, and hanging out at the beach. Some of the best family-friendly beaches are Spiaggia Grande, Fornillo Beach, and Arienzo Beach.

Is Messina or Positano Better for Couples?

Positano is renowned for romance. Also, Messina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Positano is a great Mediterranean village for couples, as it has plenty to offer. It is a picturesque coast town that is both romantic and fun. Wandering through the streets and sampling Italian food make this the perfect honeymoon getaway.

Messina makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Most visitors see the city as an arrival or departure point for Sicily, but those couples who linger will appreciate a number of historical sights and a nice atmosphere.

Is Messina or Positano Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Messina and Positano are notable places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Messina is a good port city to visit for backpackers. If you're traveling by train or ferry, you'll likely arrive or depart from this city. There are a number of hostels and cheap guesthouses around town that offer affordable accommodation.

Plenty of backpackers visit Positano. The town has a handful of great hostels that make the Amalfi Coast accessible to backpackers on a budget.

Is Messina or Positano Better for Students?

Messina is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Positano is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Messina. There are a few study abroad opportunities that bring international students to town. The city also have good transportation connections and a friendly atmosphere that is welcoming to students.

Positano is not popular with students.

Is Messina or Positano Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Messina and Positano.

You'll find some public transit in Messina, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. If your legs are tired then there's an efficient bus system that you can use.

While Positano offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. You can walk everywhere once you arrive, and the SITA bus travels to and from the town.

Is Messina or Positano a more walkable city?

Positano is renowned for its walkability. Also, Messina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

Getting around Positano on foot is easy. The town is best explored on foot. You can wander the quaint streets or take the foot path to the beach or nearby castles.

Messina is a very walkable port city. Most of the city's attractions can be reached on foot and the port is a ten to fifteen minute walk from Piazza del Duomo.

For even more information, also check out Is Messina Worth Visiting? and Is Positano Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Positano or Messina?

How long in Messina or Positano?

Both Messina and Positano have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Positano than in Messina. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Messina, and 2-7 days is enough time in Positano.

Families should spend more time in Positano than Messina. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Positano, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Positano than Messina. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Positano that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Positano than Messina if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Positano.

One day in Messina or Positano?

The port city of Messina offers food and shopping. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Positano is a small town with plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. One reason most visitors come is for the food. This Mediterranean village offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Messina or Positano?

Messina is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this port city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Messina, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Positano might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One reason most visitors come is for the food. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Positano has to offer.

Five days in Messina or Positano?

Messina is a popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Positano is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Positano has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Messina or Positano?

Messina is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This port city offers something for everyone.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Positano. Positano is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and food. One reason most visitors come is for the food. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Italy, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy, The Best Walking Tours in Italy, and The Best Luxury Tours to Italy.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Messina and Positano, we can see that Positano is more expensive. And not only is Messina much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Messina would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Messina and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Positano would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Positano than you might in Messina.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Messina Expensive? and Is Positano Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Messina or Positano?

Messina has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Positano. When comparing the sizes of Messina and Positano, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Messina or Positano?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Messina or Positano in the Summer?

Both Positano and Messina during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Messina this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Positano for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Messina is generally a little warmer than Positano. Daily temperatures in Messina average around 27°C (80°F), and Positano fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

In Positano, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Messina. In the summer, Messina often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Positano. Messina gets 332 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Positano receives 313 hours of full sun.

Messina usually gets less rain in July than Positano. Messina gets 19 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Positano receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Messina or Positano in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Messina and Positano. Many travelers come to Messina for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Positano in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Messina is a little warmer than Positano in the autumn. The daily temperature in Messina averages around 21°C (69°F) in October, and Positano fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

Messina usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Positano during autumn. Messina gets 189 hours of sunny skies, while Positano receives 189 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Positano receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Messina gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Messina usually receives less rain than Positano. Messina gets 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Positano receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Messina or Positano in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Messina as well as Positano. Many visitors come to Messina in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Positano for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Messina is much warmer than Positano. Typically, the winter temperatures in Messina in January average around 13°C (55°F), and Positano averages at about 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Messina often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Positano. Messina gets 115 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Positano receives 115 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Positano. Messina receives a lot of rain in the winter. Messina usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Positano. Messina gets 113 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Positano receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Messina or Positano in the Spring?

Both Positano and Messina are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Messina for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Positano because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In April, Messina is generally a little warmer than Positano. Daily temperatures in Messina average around 16°C (60°F), and Positano fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Messina. Messina usually receives more sunshine than Positano during spring. Messina gets 207 hours of sunny skies, while Positano receives 189 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Messina usually receives less rain than Positano. Messina gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Positano receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Positano and Messina