A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Messina vs. Sorrento for Food, Couples, Backpackers, and Nightlife

Should you visit Messina or Sorrento?

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 Sorrento 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 historic, bustling, and local port city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Sorrento

Sorrento is a laid back, colorful, and historic small city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches.

Messina and Sorrento: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Messina or Sorrento?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Sorrento. Although Messina and Sorrento are both popular with visitors, Sorrento has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Sorrento is more popular for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Messina is known for its museums and nightlife. Sorrento is more touristy than Messina and is known for its lemon groves and limoncello, charming cafes, and access to the Amalfi coast. It is also home to Marina Grande and Marina Piccola. Messina is popular for being the entry and departure point to Sicily for those traveling by ferry.

How is Messina different from Sorrento?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Messina is a port city with good options for its museums and landmarks. However, Sorrento does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Sorrento does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Sorrento 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 Sorrento have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The food is world class and you'll find most Italian classics here including pizza, fine cheeses, and fresh seafood. Many visitors enjoy taking a pasta or pizza making class while they're in town. You'll also find Limoncello everywhere, made from the locally grown lemons, which are impressive in both their size and flavor. Also make sure you allow for plenty of stops at gelato shops.

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 Sorrento Better for Nightlife?

Messina is a great destination for nightlife. Also, Sorrento is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

The people in Messina know how to have a good time. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Sorrento has a few options to choose from. The city is known for its laid back atmosphere, but there are still a number of clubs where you can dance the night away. While the main city center has its share of bars and activities, some of the best known clubs are actually a bit outside of the city center. Many visitors dress to impress and don't show up until after midnight, which is when the party really starts.

Is Messina or Sorrento Better for Resorts?

Sorrento is well known for its resorts. However, Messina is not a resort destination.

In Sorrento, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. The city offers a wide selection of luxury and budget hotels, particularly in the Piazza Tasso area. Because of its accessibility, many people use it as a base for exploring the area, or stop off for a day or two in route to other towns.

Messina is not a resort destination.

Is Messina or Sorrento Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Sorrento is a small city with a few options for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Messina is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Sorrento has a few snorkeling spots. There are snorkeling excursions that you can book in the area, but this is often an overlooked activity for many visitors.

Messina is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Messina or Sorrento Better for Beaches?

Sorrento is a small city with good options for its beaches. However, Messina is not particularly known for the beache.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Sorrento. The rugged coastline is filled with dramatic hills and rocky inlets that offer hidden beaches. Many of the most unique beaches can be challenging to access and the beaches closer to town get very crowded. Some of the best beaches in the area include Marina Piccola Beach, Regina Giovanna, and Puolo. Some beaches are public while others are private and come at a price.

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 Sorrento Better for Hiking?

Sorrento is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Messina is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Sorrento. The area has a number of walking trails that you can explore. Many follow historic donkey trails that once connected the villages and today offer a well-established route with stunning views and pristine landscapes. The trails navigate the region's steep hills and offer a breathtaking look at the rugged coastline.

Messina is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Messina or Sorrento?

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

Sorrento is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Head to the heart of the city around Piazza Tasso for the best shopping opportunities. You can simply enjoy window shopping or pop in one of the many local boutiques or larger European brand stores. Popular items to purchase include leather goods, Limoncello, and inlaid wood items.

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 Sorrento Better for Families?

Both Messina and Sorrento are great 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, Sorrento is very family-friendly. It makes a good base or first stop for families who want to enjoy the area. It's well connected with transportation and has all the kid approved foods you could need. The whole family will also enjoy taking a pasta making class or going for a swim in the Mediterranean. And make sure you allow plenty of time for everyone to eat their fill of gelato.

Is Messina or Sorrento Better for Couples?

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

Sorrento is a great small city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. This beautiful romantic destination is one of the world's top honeymoon areas. It's a small city that offers access to the many nearby destinations, so it makes a good base or gateway city for visiting places like Capri and the Blue Grotto as well as the Amalfi Coast. You can enjoy romantic hikes full of stunning views, explore by kayak, dine at romantic restaurants, or experience a one-of-a-kind farm tour. If you base yourself in Sorrento, you'll likely be doing a lot of day trips.

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 Sorrento Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Sorrento is renowned for backpackers. Also, Messina is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Sorrento is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. Because its a small city with accessible transportation, you'll find a decent number of hostels that make it an affordable base for exploring the area. You can hit many nearby sights as day trips or use this as a first stop off point as you make your way along the coast.

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 Sorrento Better for Students?

Messina is a port city with good options for students. However, Sorrento 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.

Sorrento is not popular with students.

Is Messina or Sorrento Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Sorrento is well known for its public transit. Also, Messina is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Sorrento. Buses travel around town and you can also visit nearby areas using the Circumvesuviana train line, EAV and Sita buses, Cooperativa Tasso minibuses, or one of the many ferry companies.

While Messina offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. If your legs are tired then there's an efficient bus system that you can use.

Is Messina or Sorrento a more walkable city?

Messina and Sorrento both are great 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.

Sorrento is a very walkable port city. The old town is fun to walk around and window shop, but bring good walking shoes as the area has a lot of hills.

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

Should I spend more time in Sorrento or Messina?

How long in Messina or Sorrento?

Both Messina and Sorrento have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Sorrento than in Messina. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Messina, and 3-7 days is enough time in Sorrento.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Sorrento 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 Sorrento.

One day in Messina or Sorrento?

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 Sorrento, you'll find shopping and nightlife. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. One reason most visitors come is for the food. This small 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 Sorrento?

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 Sorrento, you'll find nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One reason most visitors come is for the food. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Messina or Sorrento?

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.

Sorrento is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Sorrento has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Messina or Sorrento?

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 Sorrento. In Sorrento, you'll find shopping and nightlife. One reason most visitors come is for the food. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

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 Sorrento, we can see that Sorrento 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 Sorrento would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sorrento 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 Sorrento Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Messina or Sorrento?

Messina has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Sorrento. When comparing the sizes of Messina and Sorrento, 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 Sorrento?

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 Sorrento in the Summer?

Both Sorrento and Messina are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Messina because of the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Sorrento this time of year.

Messina is a little warmer than Sorrento in the summer. The daily temperature in Messina averages around 27°C (80°F) in July, and Sorrento fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

It's quite sunny in Sorrento. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Messina. Messina usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Sorrento during summer. Messina gets 332 hours of sunny skies, while Sorrento receives 313 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Messina usually receives less rain than Sorrento. Messina gets 19 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Sorrento receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Messina or Sorrento in the Autumn?

Both Sorrento and Messina during the autumn are popular places to visit. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Messina this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Sorrento for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Messina is a little warmer than Sorrento. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Messina in October average around 21°C (69°F), and Sorrento averages at about 17°C (63°F).

In the autumn, Messina often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Sorrento. Messina gets 189 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sorrento receives 189 hours of full sun.

Sorrento gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Messina. Messina usually gets less rain in October than Sorrento. Messina gets 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Sorrento receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Messina or Sorrento in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Messina and Sorrento. Many travelers come to Messina for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Sorrento in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

In January, Messina is generally much warmer than Sorrento. Daily temperatures in Messina average around 13°C (55°F), and Sorrento fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Messina usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Sorrento during winter. Messina gets 115 hours of sunny skies, while Sorrento receives 115 hours of full sun in the winter.

Sorrento receives a lot of rain in the winter. Messina gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Messina usually receives around the same amount of rain as Sorrento. Messina gets 113 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Sorrento receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Messina or Sorrento in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Messina as well as Sorrento. Many visitors come to Messina in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city. Additionally, most visitors come to Sorrento for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty during these months.

Messina is a little warmer than Sorrento in the spring. The daily temperature in Messina averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Sorrento fluctuates around 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 Sorrento. Messina gets 207 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sorrento receives 189 hours of full sun.

Messina usually gets less rain in April than Sorrento. Messina gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Sorrento receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Sorrento and Messina