A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Messina vs. Varenna for Food, Couples, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Messina or Varenna?

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 Varenna 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. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Varenna

Varenna is a beautiful, scenic, and pristine village. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It's also known for shopping, museums, and food.

Messina and Varenna: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Messina or Varenna?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Messina. Although Messina and Varenna are popular destinations, Messina has more sights and attractions for tourists. Messina is very popular for its nightlife, beaches, and big city activities, while Varenna attracts visitors for its food, hiking, and impressive beauty. Varenna is more touristy than Messina and is popular for its beautiful location by Lake Como. 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 Varenna?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Both Messina and Varenna 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.

Varenna offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Most people visit the town for its beautiful setting on Lake Como. There are some popular sights around town though such as the Church of San Giorgio and Castello di Vezio.

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

Varenna 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 Varenna have been singled out for their culinary prowess. Despite the touristy nature of the town, the restaurants are surprisingly good and you'll find some excellent Italian food around 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 Varenna Better for Nightlife?

Messina is an excellent place to visit for nightlife and partying. However, Varenna is lacking in options for its evening party scene.

Messina has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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.

Varenna is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. The best way to enjoy the evening is to head to a restaurant and spend the time sipping wine in a laid back setting.

Is Messina or Varenna Better for Beaches?

Messina is a decent place to visit for the beache. However, Varenna 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.

Varenna is not a beach destination.

Is Messina or Varenna Better for Hiking?

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

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Varenna. There are lakefront trails and other hiking options near town. The Lungolago di Varenna - Baia di Varenna loop follows the water and makes for a pleasant stroll.

Messina is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Messina or Varenna?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Varenna 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 Varenna. The streets are lined with artisan shops and boutique venders that are fun to explore.

Is Messina or Varenna Better for Families?

Messina is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Varenna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Varenna. The charming village has play areas for children and the beautiful Villa Monastero, which are gardens that they'll enjoy exploring. It's also worth visiting the Castle of Vezio.

Is Messina or Varenna Better for Couples?

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

Varenna is a great village for couples, as it has plenty to offer. This beautiful village has a romantic atmosphere with a "lovers promenade" and many stunning views. It makes the perfect couples trip, whether you're on your honeymoon or just need some time away.

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 Varenna Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Messina and Varenna 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 Varenna. There are some hostels and guesthouses that cater to budget travelers. There's also plenty of outdoor activities that are free.

Is Messina or Varenna Better for Students?

Messina is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Varenna 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.

Varenna is not popular with students.

Is Messina or Varenna 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 Varenna.

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 Varenna offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The town is easily accessible by public transit and once you're in town you can walk everywhere.

Is Messina or Varenna a more walkable city?

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

Getting around Varenna on foot is easy. Everything is walkable and the town is best explored on foot.

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 Varenna Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Varenna or Messina?

How long in Messina or Varenna?

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

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

One day in Messina or Varenna?

In Messina, you'll find nightlife and food. This port city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Varenna, you'll find museums and food. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the food. This village 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 Varenna?

In Messina, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Messina has to offer.

In Varenna, 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. 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 Varenna has to offer.

Five days in Messina or Varenna?

Messina is a great place to explore. 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.

Varenna is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this 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 Varenna?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Messina. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting 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 Varenna. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Varenna. One reason most visitors come is for the food. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Varenna, we can see that Varenna 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 Varenna would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Varenna 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 Varenna Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Messina or Varenna?

Messina has a larger population, and is about 300 times larger than the population of Varenna. When comparing the sizes of Messina and Varenna, 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 Varenna?

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 Varenna in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Messina as well as Varenna. The beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Messina this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Varenna for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Varenna. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Messina this time of the year. In the summer, Messina often gets more sunshine than Varenna. Messina gets 332 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Varenna receives 250 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Varenna. Messina usually gets less rain in July than Varenna. Messina gets 19 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Varenna receives 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Messina or Varenna in the Autumn?

Both Varenna and Messina are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Messina for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Varenna in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Messina is generally a little warmer than Varenna. Daily temperatures in Messina average around 21°C (69°F), and Varenna fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

Messina usually receives more sunshine than Varenna during autumn. Messina gets 189 hours of sunny skies, while Varenna receives 152 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Varenna. It's quite rainy in Messina. In October, Messina usually receives less rain than Varenna. Messina gets 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Varenna receives 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Messina or Varenna in the Winter?

Both Varenna and Messina during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Messina in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Varenna for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Varenna can be very cold during winter. Messina is much warmer than Varenna in the winter. The daily temperature in Messina averages around 13°C (55°F) in January, and Varenna fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Messina often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Varenna. Messina gets 115 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Varenna receives 119 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Messina. Messina usually gets more rain in January than Varenna. Messina gets 113 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Varenna receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Messina or Varenna in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Messina and Varenna. Most visitors come to Messina for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Varenna because of the natural beauty.

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

In Messina, it's very sunny this time of the year. Messina usually receives more sunshine than Varenna during spring. Messina gets 207 hours of sunny skies, while Varenna receives 176 hours of full sun in the spring.

Varenna receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Messina usually receives less rain than Varenna. Messina gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Varenna receives 152 mm (6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Varenna and Messina