A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Messina vs. Ravenna for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Messina or Ravenna?

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 Ravenna 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 bustling, local, and historic port city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Ravenna

Ravenna is a charming, authentic, and historic town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Messina and Ravenna: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Messina or Ravenna?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Messina than Ravenna. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Messina is very popular for its nightlife, beaches, and big city activities, while Ravenna attracts visitors for its museums, food, and small town charm. Messina is famous for being the entry and departure point to Sicily for those traveling by ferry. It is also well known for Piazza del Duomo. Ravenna is famous for its many stunning mosaics which date back to the early Christian and Byzantine empires.

How is Messina different from Ravenna?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Ravenna 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 Ravenna?

Ravenna is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Messina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Ravenna. Most sights in town are centered around the the beautiful mosaics. Neonian Baptistery is a good place to begin your visit. Other highlights include San Vitale, the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, and Sant'Apollinare Nuovo.

Messina offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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.

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

Ravenna is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Messina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Ravenna makes for a great culinary experience. The region is most known for its first course dishes, so pasta lovers will enjoy dining on homemade egg pasta dishes that are served with meat or cheese sauces. You'll also find lots of grilled meats and many great desserts.

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 Ravenna Better for Nightlife?

Messina is a very popular place for nightlife and partying. Also, Ravenna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

Messina has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Ravenna has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. You'll find most of the pubs and clubs in town around Marina di Ravenna. There are a couple of places that attract a crowd, but many are open only during the summer months.

Is Messina or Ravenna Better for Beaches?

Messina is a decent place to visit for the beache. However, Ravenna is not a beach destination.

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

Ravenna is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Messina or Ravenna?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Ravenna and Messina.

Messina is a great destination for shopping. 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Ravenna. There are some nice shopping streets in town where you can buy locally made mosaics. You'll also find art studios and artisan shops, as well as your typical souvenir shops and clothing stores. Via Cavour, via Diaz, and via Cairoli are some of the most popular shopping streets.

Is Messina or Ravenna Better for Families?

Both Messina and Ravenna are very good to visit with kids.

Messina is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Ravenna is very family-friendly. In town you'll find mosaics, museums, and a charming town, and ten kilometers outside of town you'll find Italy's largest amusement park - Mirabilandia. The city is also filled with parks where kids can explore and learn, and the food, like any Italian city, is very kid-friendly.

Is Messina or Ravenna Better for Couples?

Ravenna is well known for romance. Also, Messina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Couples visit Ravenna frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Many visitors to Italy don't add this charming town to their itinerary, but for couples who want to experience a small town setting with beautiful art and architecture, then Ravenna is a great option. There are parks to explore and great restaurants to experience as well.

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 Ravenna Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Messina and Ravenna are nice 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 Ravenna. It's a bit off-the-beaten path, so you won't find a large number of hostels or a lot of backpackers to hang out with. That doesn't mean it won't make a great addition to your itinerary though.

Is Messina or Ravenna Better for Students?

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

Plenty of students 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.

Ravenna is not popular with students.

Is Messina or Ravenna 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 Ravenna.

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 Ravenna offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Buses in and around town are managed by START ROMAGNA and offer access to many nearby towns.

Is Messina or Ravenna a more walkable city?

Messina and Ravenna both are very good when exploring on foot.

Messina is very walkable. 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.

Ravenna is a very walkable port city. There are care-free areas to the town that can only be explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Ravenna or Messina?

How long in Messina or Ravenna?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Messina or Ravenna to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Messina than Ravenna because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Messina, and 1-2 days is enough time in Ravenna.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Messina than Ravenna 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 Messina.

One day in Messina or Ravenna?

In Messina, you'll find nightlife and food. This port city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Ravenna is a small town with plenty to do. This town offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Messina or Ravenna?

In Messina, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Messina has to offer.

Ravenna 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. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Ravenna has to offer.

Five days in Messina or Ravenna?

Messina is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Ravenna is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Messina or Ravenna?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Messina. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Messina. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ravenna. Since Ravenna is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

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 Ravenna, we can see that Messina is more expensive. And not only is Ravenna much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Ravenna would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Ravenna 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 Messina would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Messina than you might in Ravenna.

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

Which is Bigger, Messina or Ravenna?

Messina has a larger population, and is about 87% larger than the population of Ravenna. When comparing the sizes of Messina and Ravenna, 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 Ravenna?

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 Ravenna in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Messina as well as Ravenna. The beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Messina this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Ravenna for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Messina is a little warmer than Ravenna. Typically, the summer temperatures in Messina in July average around 27°C (80°F), and Ravenna averages at about 22°C (72°F).

Messina usually gets less rain in July than Ravenna. Messina gets 19 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Ravenna receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Messina or Ravenna in the Autumn?

Both Ravenna and Messina are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Messina for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Ravenna in the autumn for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere.

In October, Messina is generally a little warmer than Ravenna. Daily temperatures in Messina average around 21°C (69°F), and Ravenna fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

It's quite rainy in Messina. In October, Messina usually receives more rain than Ravenna. Messina gets 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Ravenna receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Messina or Ravenna in the Winter?

Both Ravenna and Messina during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Messina in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Ravenna for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Ravenna can be very cold during winter. Messina is much warmer than Ravenna in the winter. The daily temperature in Messina averages around 13°C (55°F) in January, and Ravenna fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Messina. Messina usually gets more rain in January than Ravenna. Messina gets 113 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Ravenna receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Messina or Ravenna in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Messina and Ravenna. Most visitors come to Messina for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Ravenna because of the small town charm.

In the spring, Messina is a little warmer than Ravenna. Typically, the spring temperatures in Messina in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Ravenna averages at about 11°C (53°F).

In April, Messina usually receives more rain than Ravenna. Messina gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Ravenna receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Ravenna and Messina