A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Messina vs. San Remo for Food, Nightlife, Beaches, and Families

Should you visit Messina or San Remo?

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 San Remo 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 food, shopping, and museums.

San Remo

San Remo is a authentic, historic, and relaxing coastal city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

Messina and San Remo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Messina or San Remo?

You'll generally find more things to do in Messina than San Remo. Messina is bigger than San Remo, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Messina is better known for its museums, nightlife, and big city activities, while San Remo is more popular for its food, beaches, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Messina is well known for being the entry and departure point to Sicily for those traveling by ferry. Also, Messina is famous for Piazza del Duomo. San Remo is well known for its olives, lemons, and flower market.

How is Messina different from San Remo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Messina is a popular place for its museums and history. However, San Remo 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.

San Remo does not have museums and landmarks.

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

San Remo 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, San Remo makes for a great culinary experience. The local restaurants are charming and sell a number of local specialties. Many traditional dishes are made with rabbit or chicken. There are also vegetable pies and sardenaira, which is a type of pizza that's made with tomatoes, garlic, and anchovies. Also make sure you pick up Baci di Sanremo, which are soft chocolate biscuits that are available in local bakeries.

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 San Remo Better for Nightlife?

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

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.

San Remo has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The city has a number of clubs and bars where you can enjoy a drink or hang out late into the evening. It's a pretty mellow nightlife scene, but there's still plenty of places to go as well as a local vibe that doesn't have the influx of tourists that you find in many of other Italian cities.

Is Messina or San Remo Better for Beaches?

San Remo is well known for its beaches. However, Messina is not particularly known for the beache.

The beaches at San Remo attract visitors from all over. The beautiful sandy beaches are nice to visit and it's possible to rent chairs and umbrellas in many places. The main beach in town is Spiaggia dei Porti. Other popular nearby beaches include Spiaggia dei tre ponti, which is a large public beach, and Cala degli Orsi, which is one of the most beautiful public beaches in the area.

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 San Remo Better for its Old Town?

San Remo is well known for its historic old town. However, Messina does not have a historic old town.

San Remo is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The old quarter of Pigna is a Medieval area with narrow streets that feel as if they're frozen in time. The hills offer impressive city views and the area has a unique historic character.

Messina does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Messina or San Remo?

Shopping is a popular activity in both San Remo 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 San Remo. There are local and international brands as well as a shopping mall and outlets where you can enjoy shopping.

Is Messina or San Remo Better for Families?

Both Messina and San Remo are excellent 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, San Remo is very family-friendly. The area offers plenty of outdoor activities that the whole family will enjoy. There's horseback riding, hiking, rowing, snorkeling, cooking classes, farm tours and more. There are also a number of hotels in the area that have kid-friendly activities.

Is Messina or San Remo Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit San Remo frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It's known as the city of flowers, and the many beautiful gardens make this a truly romantic place to visit. Couples will enjoy soaking up the city's history and enjoy the vibrant culture and outdoor activities that are available.

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 San Remo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Messina is a popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, San Remo is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Messina. 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.

San Remo is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There aren't many hostels in town, and most backpackers head to more popular Italian destinations. If you're looking for a more off-the-beaten path destination, then this may be your style.

Is Messina or San Remo Better for Students?

Messina is a popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, San Remo 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.

San Remo is not popular with students.

Is Messina or San Remo 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 San Remo.

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 San Remo offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are local buses around town.

Is Messina or San Remo a more walkable city?

Messina and San Remo both are excellent 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.

San Remo is a very walkable port city. The old quarter is fun to explore on foot and there are a number of walking tours through town.

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

Should I spend more time in San Remo or Messina?

How long in Messina or San Remo?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Messina or San Remo to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Messina than San Remo 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 San Remo.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Messina than San Remo 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 San Remo?

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.

In San Remo, you'll find shopping and nightlife. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This coastal city 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 San Remo?

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.

In San Remo, you'll find nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that San Remo has to offer.

Five days in Messina or San Remo?

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.

San Remo is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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 San Remo?

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 San Remo. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting San Remo. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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 San Remo, we can see that San Remo 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 San Remo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in San Remo 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 San Remo Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Messina or San Remo?

Messina has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of San Remo. When comparing the sizes of Messina and San Remo, 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 San Remo?

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 San Remo in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Messina as well as San Remo. Many travelers come to Messina for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to San Remo in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Messina is generally a little warmer than San Remo. Daily temperatures in Messina average around 27°C (80°F), and San Remo fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Remo. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Messina this time of the year. In the summer, Messina often gets more sunshine than San Remo. Messina gets 332 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Remo receives 295 hours of full sun.

Messina usually gets more rain in July than San Remo. Messina gets 19 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while San Remo receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Messina or San Remo in the Autumn?

Both San Remo and Messina are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Messina in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to San Remo for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

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

Messina usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as San Remo during autumn. Messina gets 189 hours of sunny skies, while San Remo receives 183 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in San Remo. It's quite rainy in Messina. In October, Messina usually receives around the same amount of rain as San Remo. Messina gets 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while San Remo receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Messina or San Remo in the Winter?

Both San Remo and Messina during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Messina for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to San Remo because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.

In the winter, Messina is a little warmer than San Remo. Typically, the winter temperatures in Messina in January average around 13°C (55°F), and San Remo averages at about 9°C (48°F).

In the winter, Messina often gets less sunshine than San Remo. Messina gets 115 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Remo receives 127 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Messina. Messina usually gets more rain in January than San Remo. Messina gets 113 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while San Remo receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Messina or San Remo in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Messina and San Remo. The spring months attract visitors to Messina because of the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to San Remo this time of year.

In April, Messina is generally a little warmer than San Remo. Daily temperatures in Messina average around 16°C (60°F), and San Remo fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In Messina, it's very sunny this time of the year. Messina usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as San Remo during spring. Messina gets 207 hours of sunny skies, while San Remo receives 198 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Messina usually receives around the same amount of rain as San Remo. Messina gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while San Remo receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for San Remo and Messina