A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Messina vs. San Sebastian for Food, Nightlife, Beaches, and Families

Should you visit Messina or San Sebastian?

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 Sebastian 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 nightlife, food, and shopping.

San Sebastian

San Sebastian is a splendid, outdoorsy, and fun-filled city. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches.

Messina and San Sebastian: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Messina or San Sebastian?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Messina than San Sebastian. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Messina is very popular for its big city activities, while San Sebastian attracts visitors for its food, resorts, beaches, and shopping. San Sebastian is more touristy than Messina and is known for its many Michelin-starred restaurants, its world class beaches, and its beautiful buildings. 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 San Sebastian?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Both Messina and San Sebastian have nice landmarks and museums for visitors.

Messina is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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 Sebastian offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Head to Castillo de la Mota for nice views and walks. Museo San Telmo offers an overview of Basque culture and Palacio de Miramar is another interesting place to visit.

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

San Sebastian 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 San Sebastian have been singled out for their culinary prowess. It is a famed culinary capital of not just Spain, but the entire world. The city has many Michelin-starred restaurants where you can experience modern or traditional recipes prepared by world class chefs. There are also pintxo bars, food markets, and gourmet food shops, that sell local ingredients and dishes. Much of the cuisine includes seafood, but you'll also find a local twist on traditional tapas. Dining is a true experience in this town.

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 Sebastian Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Messina and San Sebastian.

Messina is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

Many people head to San Sebastian for the nightlife scene. You can expect a lively nightlife scene around town with many bars and places to hang out. Some of the best nightlife is found in and around Parte Vieja, Centro, Reyes Católicos and Gros.

Is Messina or San Sebastian Better for Resorts?

San Sebastian is a city with good options for its resorts. However, Messina is not a resort destination.

San Sebastian has a handful of resorts to choose from. It's both a city and a resort vacation destination with many beachside resorts that are popular during the summer months.

Messina is not a resort destination.

Is Messina or San Sebastian Better for Beaches?

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

The beaches at San Sebastian attract visitors from all over. The city has three urban beaches that are a huge attraction during the summer months. For surfing and a lively atmosphere, head to the Playa de la Zurriola. The playa de la Concha is the most photographed and famous beach in town and Ondarreta is another beautiful option.

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 San Sebastian?

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

San Sebastian is an extremely popular place for shoppers. A mix of familiar brands and locally made items make shopping a fun activity. You'll also find many artisan food shops around town where you can take home some local wine or other culinary treats.

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 San Sebastian Better for Families?

Both Messina and San Sebastian are high quality 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 Sebastian is very family-friendly. This city is surprisingly family-friendly. Not only is there the beach, but there are playgrounds everywhere. There's also the fun Monte Igueldo San Sebastian Amusement Park and the San Sebastian Aquarium. You could also take a boat ride or explore the many parks and gardens around town. And, of course, there are the many ice cream shops to check out.

Is Messina or San Sebastian Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit San Sebastian frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. With its nice beaches, stunning view points, and world class restaurants, this city makes an excellent couple's destination. There are Michelin star restaurants to dine in and many parks and gardens where you can take a stroll 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 San Sebastian Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

San Sebastian is well known for backpackers. Also, Messina is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit San Sebastian. There are a number of hostels around town, and you'll find enough other backpackers looking to meet up so you'll never be lonely.

Plenty of backpackers 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.

Is Messina or San Sebastian Better for Students?

San Sebastian is well known for students. Also, Messina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Students come from all over to stay in San Sebastian. There are good educational programs in town, as well as nice beaches and a good student population. The locals are also welcoming and friendly.

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.

Is Messina or San Sebastian 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 Sebastian.

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 Sebastian offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's a comprehensive bus system around town that's operated by Dbus.

Is Messina or San Sebastian a more walkable city?

Messina and San Sebastian both are high quality 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 Sebastian is a very walkable port city. It's a great city for walking, with many pedestrian areas and places where you can take a stroll along the river or seaside.

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

Should I spend more time in San Sebastian or Messina?

How long in Messina or San Sebastian?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Messina and San Sebastian. In our opinion, San Sebastian has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in San Sebastian than Messina. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in San Sebastian 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 San Sebastian.

One day in Messina or San Sebastian?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the local destination of Messina. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

In San Sebastian, you'll find nightlife and food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. One reason most visitors come is for the food. This city 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 San Sebastian?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Messina. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

In San Sebastian, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Most people come for the beaches. 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 San Sebastian has to offer.

Five days in Messina or San Sebastian?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the historic destination of Messina. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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.

San Sebastian 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 Sebastian?

You'll find food and shopping around the port city of Messina. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in San Sebastian. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting San Sebastian. One reason most visitors come is for the food. 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 Sightseeing Tours in Spain, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Spain.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Messina and San Sebastian, we can see that Messina is more expensive. And not only is San Sebastian much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to San Sebastian would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in San Sebastian 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 San Sebastian.

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 Sebastian Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Messina or San Sebastian?

Messina has a larger population, and is about 37% larger than the population of San Sebastian. When comparing the sizes of Messina and San Sebastian, 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 Sebastian?

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 San Sebastian in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Messina and San Sebastian. Most visitors come to Messina for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to San Sebastian because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Messina is a little warmer than San Sebastian. Typically, the summer temperatures in Messina in July average around 27°C (80°F), and San Sebastian averages at about 20°C (68°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Sebastian this time of the year. In Messina, it's very sunny this time of the year. Messina usually receives more sunshine than San Sebastian during summer. Messina gets 332 hours of sunny skies, while San Sebastian receives 209 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Messina usually receives less rain than San Sebastian. Messina gets 19 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Messina or San Sebastian in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Messina as well as San Sebastian. The autumn months attract visitors to Messina because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, the shopping scene are the main draw to San Sebastian this time of year.

In October, Messina is generally a little warmer than San Sebastian. Daily temperatures in Messina average around 21°C (69°F), and San Sebastian fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In the autumn, Messina often gets more sunshine than San Sebastian. Messina gets 189 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Sebastian receives 144 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in San Sebastian. Messina receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Messina usually gets less rain in October than San Sebastian. Messina gets 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Messina or San Sebastian in the Winter?

Both San Sebastian and Messina are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Messina this time of year. Also, many travelers come to San Sebastian for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Messina is a little warmer than San Sebastian in the winter. The daily temperature in Messina averages around 13°C (55°F) in January, and San Sebastian fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Messina usually receives more sunshine than San Sebastian during winter. Messina gets 115 hours of sunny skies, while San Sebastian receives 85 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in San Sebastian. It's quite rainy in Messina. In January, Messina usually receives less rain than San Sebastian. Messina gets 113 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Messina or San Sebastian in the Spring?

Both San Sebastian and Messina during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Messina for the beaches and the activities around the city. Furthermore, many visitors come to San Sebastian in the spring for the beaches.

In the spring, Messina is a little warmer than San Sebastian. Typically, the spring temperatures in Messina in April average around 16°C (60°F), and San Sebastian averages at about 12°C (54°F).

It's quite sunny in Messina. In the spring, Messina often gets more sunshine than San Sebastian. Messina gets 207 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Sebastian receives 141 hours of full sun.

San Sebastian gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Messina usually gets less rain in April than San Sebastian. Messina gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for San Sebastian and Messina