A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Messina vs. Santiago de Compostela for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Messina or Santiago de Compostela?

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 Santiago de Compostela 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.

Santiago de Compostela

Santiago de Compostela is a inspirational, iconic, and historic city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for nightlife, food, and hiking.

Messina and Santiago de Compostela: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Messina or Santiago de Compostela?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Santiago de Compostela than Messina. While Messina is larger than Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Santiago de Compostela is very popular for its museums, food, historical sights, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Messina attracts visitors for its beaches and big city activities. Santiago de Compostela is more touristy than Messina and is known for its classic old town, its Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque architecture, and its significance as the culmination point for the Camino de Santiago. It is also well known for the Cathedral of Santiago. Messina is famous for being the entry and departure point to Sicily for those traveling by ferry.

How is Messina different from Santiago de Compostela?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Santiago de Compostela 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 Santiago de Compostela?

Santiago de Compostela is renowned for its museums and landmarks. Also, Messina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Santiago de Compostela that are not to be missed. The iconic Cathedral of Santiago has long attracted pilgrims and travelers from around Europe and the world. The spectacular sight includes a museum and the crypt and tomb of Saint James. Another interesting sight in town is the former hostel for pilgrims, the Hostal de los Reyes Católicos. Also make sure you visit Plaza del Obradoiro and the Galician Center of Contemporary Art.

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 Santiago de Compostela? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Santiago de Compostela 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, Santiago de Compostela makes for a great culinary experience. Galician food has plenty of fresh seafood, lots of local beef, and regional vegetables that are seasonal and locally grown. Make sure you try the polbo á feira (boiled octopus), pimientos de padrón (fried green peppers), and steamed mussels.

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 Santiago de Compostela Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Messina and Santiago de Compostela.

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 Santiago de Compostela for the nightlife scene. As a university city, much of the nightlife is created by the student population. You'll find a lot of bars around Rúa de Santiago de Chile and Rúa de San Pedro de Mezonzo as well as along Rúa do Franco.

Is Messina or Santiago de Compostela Better for Beaches?

Messina is a port city with a few options for the beache. However, Santiago de Compostela 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.

Santiago de Compostela is not a beach destination.

Is Messina or Santiago de Compostela Better for its Old Town?

Santiago de Compostela is renowned for its historic old town. However, Messina does not have a historic old town.

The old town of Santiago de Compostela is one of the most recognized in the world. The old town reflects the city's importance in the Christian religion. There are Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque buildings that draw Christian pilgrims from around the world.

Messina does not have a historic old town.

Is Messina or Santiago de Compostela Better for Hiking?

Santiago de Compostela is renowned for its hiking experiences. However, Messina is not a hiking destination.

Around Santiago de Compostela visitors will find world-class hiking trails. This small city is the culmination point for the famed Camino de Santiago. The 780 kilometer route is followed by pilgrims and travelers who seek enlightenment or adventure. Hikers travel both independently or as part of organized tours.

Messina is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Messina or Santiago de Compostela?

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

Santiago de Compostela is an extremely popular place for shoppers. There are local markets, souvenir shops, and boutiques where you can buy items to commemorate the completion of your hike or your visit to 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 Santiago de Compostela Better for Families?

Messina is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Santiago de Compostela is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Messina is a very kid-friendly port city. 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.

Santiago de Compostela offers lots of family activities. The city has a sightseeing train as well as parks and playgrounds that kids can enjoy. A visit to the Museum of the Galician People is also fascinating for the whole family. Visiting the colorful markets around town is fun as well.

Is Messina or Santiago de Compostela Better for Couples?

Both Messina and Santiago de Compostela are nice destinations for a couple's getaway.

Messina is a nice destination for couples. 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.

Santiago de Compostela makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The cobblestone streets and beautiful gardens make this a nice place for a couple's getaway. There are viewpoints that look out over the town as well as interesting buildings and great architecture.

Is Messina or Santiago de Compostela Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Santiago de Compostela 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 Santiago de Compostela. Backpackers hiking the Camino del Santiago will be rewarded with a beautiful city and many nice sights. There are plenty of hostels around town where backpackers can meet other travelers and swap stories.

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 Santiago de Compostela Better for Students?

Messina and Santiago de Compostela are nice places to visit for 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.

It's common for students to visit Santiago de Compostela. It's a small city with many students during the week, but on weekends it quiets down as many students leave town.

Is Messina or Santiago de Compostela 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 Santiago de Compostela.

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 Santiago de Compostela offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are buses around town that are operated by Tralusa.

Is Messina or Santiago de Compostela a more walkable city?

Messina and Santiago de Compostela 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.

Santiago de Compostela is a very walkable port city. Many visitors reach the city on foot by doing the pilgrimage of the Camino del Santiago. The city itself and small and fairly walkable as well.

For even more information, also check out Is Messina Worth Visiting? and Is Santiago de Compostela Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Santiago de Compostela or Messina?

How long in Messina or Santiago de Compostela?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Santiago de Compostela 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 Santiago de Compostela.

One day in Messina or Santiago de Compostela?

The port city of Messina offers museums and nightlife. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Santiago de Compostela, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This 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 Santiago de Compostela?

The historic destination of Messina offers nightlife and food. This port city offers something for everyone. It is common to spend a weekend here. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

In Santiago de Compostela, you'll find food and shopping. 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. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Santiago de Compostela has to offer.

Five days in Messina or Santiago de Compostela?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Messina. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Santiago de Compostela is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Santiago de Compostela?

Messina is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of 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 Santiago de Compostela. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Santiago de Compostela. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 3-Week Tours in Spain, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Messina or Santiago de Compostela?

Messina has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Santiago de Compostela. When comparing the sizes of Messina and Santiago de Compostela, 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 Santiago de Compostela?

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 Santiago de Compostela in the Summer?

Both Santiago de Compostela 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 Santiago de Compostela in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Messina is a little warmer than Santiago de Compostela. Typically, the summer temperatures in Messina in July average around 27°C (80°F), and Santiago de Compostela averages at about 19°C (66°F).

It's quite sunny in Santiago de Compostela. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Messina. Messina usually receives more sunshine than Santiago de Compostela during summer. Messina gets 332 hours of sunny skies, while Santiago de Compostela receives 248 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Messina usually receives less rain than Santiago de Compostela. Messina gets 19 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 25 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Messina or Santiago de Compostela in the Autumn?

Both Santiago de Compostela 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. Also, most visitors come to Santiago de Compostela for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Messina is generally a little warmer than Santiago de Compostela. Daily temperatures in Messina average around 21°C (69°F), and Santiago de Compostela fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

In the autumn, Messina often gets more sunshine than Santiago de Compostela. Messina gets 189 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Santiago de Compostela receives 155 hours of full sun.

Santiago de Compostela 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 Santiago de Compostela. Messina gets 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Messina or Santiago de Compostela in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Messina and Santiago de Compostela. Most visitors come to Messina for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Santiago de Compostela because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Messina is a little warmer than Santiago de Compostela in the winter. The daily temperature in Messina averages around 13°C (55°F) in January, and Santiago de Compostela fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Messina usually receives more sunshine than Santiago de Compostela during winter. Messina gets 115 hours of sunny skies, while Santiago de Compostela receives 103 hours of full sun in the winter.

Santiago de Compostela receives a lot of rain in the winter. Messina gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Messina usually receives less rain than Santiago de Compostela. Messina gets 113 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Messina or Santiago de Compostela in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Messina as well as Santiago de Compostela. The spring months attract visitors to Messina because of the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Santiago de Compostela this time of year.

In the spring, Messina is a little warmer than Santiago de Compostela. Typically, the spring temperatures in Messina in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Santiago de Compostela averages at about 13°C (55°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Messina this time of the year. In the spring, Messina often gets more sunshine than Santiago de Compostela. Messina gets 207 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Santiago de Compostela receives 167 hours of full sun.

Messina usually gets less rain in April than Santiago de Compostela. Messina gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Santiago de Compostela receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Santiago de Compostela and Messina