A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Messina vs. Saint-Tropez for Nightlife, Families, Couples, and Beaches

Should you visit Messina or Saint-Tropez?

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 Saint-Tropez 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. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Saint-Tropez

Saint-Tropez is a glamourous, opulent, and ritzy resort town. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Messina and Saint-Tropez: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Messina or Saint-Tropez?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Messina. Although Messina and Saint-Tropez are popular destinations, Messina has more sights and attractions for tourists. Messina is very popular for its museums and big city activities, while Saint-Tropez attracts visitors for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, and impressive beauty. Saint-Tropez is more touristy than Messina and is known for its trendy beach clubs around the Bay of Pampelonne, as well as its popularity with celebrities and the extravagantly wealthy. 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.

How is Messina different from Saint-Tropez?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Saint-Tropez 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 Saint-Tropez?

Messina is a popular place for its museums and landmarks. However, Saint-Tropez does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Saint-Tropez does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Messina or Saint-Tropez? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at nice restaurants in both Messina and Saint-Tropez.

Messina offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. 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).

Saint-Tropez has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. The food is all about the local flavors. You'll find plenty of local seafood as well as local organic meats, fruits, vegetables, olive oil, garlic, and truffles. Cheese is a common ingredient as well. There are many different soups and stews, and bouillabaisse is a common fish soup found in the restaurants around town. Daube is another popular stew that is made with beef. Ratatouille is a vegetable casserole that has made a name for itself both inside and outside of France. And, of course, you have to try the local salads and pastries. Because it's such a touristy area, there are many restaurants geared specifically to the tourists, many of which are overpriced.

Is Messina or Saint-Tropez Better for Nightlife?

Saint-Tropez is renowned for nightlife. Also, Messina is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

Saint-Tropez is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. It is a place to see and be seen, so if you're looking for A-list celebrities, glamourous yacht parties, and ritzy dance clubs, then this is your place. While the nightlife scene is filled with extravagance, there are still laid back clubs where you can sip a cocktail in style. The best season to come and party is during the summer months, but you'll still find plenty to do throughout the year.

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.

Is Messina or Saint-Tropez Better for Resorts?

Saint-Tropez is renowned for its resorts. However, Messina is not a resort destination.

Saint-Tropez is a world class resort vacation destination. Luxury and extravagance is what this resort town is all about. If you have the money to spend, you'll have no trouble finding a glamourous villa or luxury hotel where you can relax, party, or soak up the French Riviera sun.

Messina is not a resort destination.

Is Messina or Saint-Tropez Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Saint-Tropez is renowned for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Messina is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Saint-Tropez is a world class destination for scuba diving and snorkeling. The Gulf of Saint Tropez is one of the best places to snorkel and scuba dive along the French Riviera. There are wreck dives including the most famous, The Rubis, a submarine that is surrounded by marine life. Although you're not allowed to enter the vessel, there is still plenty to see. There are also plenty of dive spots that feature rock formations, schools of fish, and lobsters.

Messina is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Messina or Saint-Tropez Better for Beaches?

Saint-Tropez is well known for its beaches. However, Messina is not particularly known for the beache.

The beaches at Saint-Tropez attract visitors from all over. The beaches are frequented by celebrities, so you'll find plenty of glitz and glamour by the water. For some of the best beaches, you'll want to head a little out of town. The most famous beach in the area is Pampelonne Beach which is popular with Hollywood celebrities during the summer months. Bouillabaisse Beach is the place to go if you want to look at the yachts, but for a more natural setting head to Graniers Beach.

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

Is the Shopping Better in Messina or Saint-Tropez?

Saint-Tropez is renowned for shopping. Also, Messina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Saint-Tropez is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. Surrounded by luxury, shopping is a must in this glamourous resort town. There are international luxury brands as well as local designer boutiques. Whether you're looking for yachting clothes, cigars, jewelry, or perfume, this is one of the best shopping destinations along the Cote d'Azur. Art is a particularly popular item to purchase while you're in town.

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 Saint-Tropez Better for Families?

Saint-Tropez is renowned for its family-friendly activities. Also, Messina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Saint-Tropez is an extremely popular resort town to visit for families. With great beaches, several amusement parks, waterparks, and even Marineland, there are an endless supply of activities for kids. There's also a zoo and nature reserve for wildlife enthusiasts. For adventure lovers, there are a number of different watersports to try and if the weather isn't cooperating, there are a few good museums and other indoor activities as well.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Messina is very family-friendly. 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.

Is Messina or Saint-Tropez Better for Couples?

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

Saint-Tropez is a great resort town for couples, as it has plenty to offer. Whether you're honeymooning or taking a short getaway to the French Riviera, this is a great option for couples. You can take a stroll at sunset, relax on one of the beautiful beaches, dine on local seafood, and soak up the rich local culture. The romance and beauty of this French Riviera city make it a world class romantic destination.

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 Saint-Tropez Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Messina and Saint-Tropez 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 Saint-Tropez. For many backpackers it may seem cost prohibitive to visit the French Riviera, but for those with the money, it is well worth the splurge. You can save some money by staying outside of town or finding a vacation rental where you can cook meals. There are also hostels and rooms in local homes that come at a more reasonable price.

Is Messina or Saint-Tropez Better for Students?

Messina is a popular place for students. However, Saint-Tropez is not popular with students.

Messina is popular with students. 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.

Saint-Tropez is not popular with students.

Is Messina or Saint-Tropez 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 Saint-Tropez.

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 Saint-Tropez offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is a bus system that connects many parts of the area.

Is Messina or Saint-Tropez a more walkable city?

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

Getting around Saint-Tropez on foot is easy. It's easy to explore many places on foot, passing by beautiful beaches, stunning views, impressive yachts, and glamourous villas.

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 Saint-Tropez Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Saint-Tropez or Messina?

How long in Messina or Saint-Tropez?

It's fun to spend time in either Messina or Saint-Tropez. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Saint-Tropez due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Messina, and 2-4 days is enough time in Saint-Tropez.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Saint-Tropez 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 Saint-Tropez.

One day in Messina or Saint-Tropez?

In Messina, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this bustling port city offers. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

In Saint-Tropez, you'll find nightlife and food. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This resort town 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 Saint-Tropez?

Messina is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

In Saint-Tropez, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Most people come for the beaches. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Saint-Tropez has to offer.

Five days in Messina or Saint-Tropez?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the bustling destination of Messina. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Saint-Tropez is a great place to explore. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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 Saint-Tropez?

Messina is a popular place to visit. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Saint-Tropez. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Saint-Tropez. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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 Food and Culinary Tours in France, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in France.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Messina and Saint-Tropez, we can see that Saint-Tropez 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 Saint-Tropez would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Saint-Tropez 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 Saint-Tropez Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Messina or Saint-Tropez?

Messina has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Saint-Tropez. When comparing the sizes of Messina and Saint-Tropez, 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 Saint-Tropez?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Messina or Saint-Tropez in the Summer?

Both Saint-Tropez and Messina are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Messina for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Saint-Tropez in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Messina is a little warmer than Saint-Tropez. Typically, the summer temperatures in Messina in July average around 27°C (80°F), and Saint-Tropez averages at about 23°C (73°F).

It's quite sunny in Saint-Tropez. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Messina. Messina usually receives less sunshine than Saint-Tropez during summer. Messina gets 332 hours of sunny skies, while Saint-Tropez receives 366 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Messina usually receives more rain than Saint-Tropez. Messina gets 19 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Saint-Tropez receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Messina or Saint-Tropez in the Autumn?

Both Saint-Tropez and Messina during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Messina in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Furthermore, most visitors come to Saint-Tropez for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Messina is generally a little warmer than Saint-Tropez. Daily temperatures in Messina average around 21°C (69°F), and Saint-Tropez fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In Saint-Tropez, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Messina often gets less sunshine than Saint-Tropez. Messina gets 189 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint-Tropez receives 205 hours of full sun.

Saint-Tropez gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Messina. Messina usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Saint-Tropez. Messina gets 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Saint-Tropez receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Messina or Saint-Tropez in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Messina and Saint-Tropez. Most visitors come to Messina for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Saint-Tropez because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Messina is a little warmer than Saint-Tropez in the winter. The daily temperature in Messina averages around 13°C (55°F) in January, and Saint-Tropez fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Messina usually receives less sunshine than Saint-Tropez during winter. Messina gets 115 hours of sunny skies, while Saint-Tropez receives 150 hours of full sun in the winter.

Messina gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Messina usually receives more rain than Saint-Tropez. Messina gets 113 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Saint-Tropez receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Messina or Saint-Tropez in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Messina as well as Saint-Tropez. The spring months attract visitors to Messina because of the beaches and the activities around the city. Additionally, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Saint-Tropez this time of year.

In the spring, Messina is a little warmer than Saint-Tropez. Typically, the spring temperatures in Messina in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Saint-Tropez averages at about 13°C (56°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint-Tropez. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Messina this time of the year. In the spring, Messina often gets less sunshine than Saint-Tropez. Messina gets 207 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint-Tropez receives 245 hours of full sun.

Messina usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Saint-Tropez. Messina gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Saint-Tropez receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Saint-Tropez and Messina