A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Messina vs. Volterra for Food, Couples, Attractions, and Nightlife

Should you visit Messina or Volterra?

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 Volterra 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.

Volterra

Volterra is a medieval, cultural, and historic town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for food, shopping, and museums.

Messina and Volterra: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Messina or Volterra?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Messina. Although Messina and Volterra are both popular with visitors, Messina has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Messina is more popular for its nightlife, beaches, and big city activities, while Volterra is known for its museums, food, historical sights, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Messina is popular for being the entry and departure point to Sicily for those traveling by ferry. It is also home to Piazza del Duomo. Volterra is popular for its medieval history, its hilltop setting and its alabaster.

How is Messina different from Volterra?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Volterra is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Messina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Volterra. For such a large town there are a huge number of historic sights packed into a small area. Check out the Roman Theater, the Etruscan Museum, and the Duomo.

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 Volterra? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Volterra 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 Volterra have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The town is surrounded by the region of truffles, so you'll find this item included in all kinds of recipes. Pumpkin sauce is also a specialty of the area and there are also many local cheeses. Many restaurants also have bruschetta as an appetizer.

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 Volterra Better for Nightlife?

Messina is well known for nightlife. However, Volterra is not particularly known for nightlife and partying.

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.

Volterra doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. There are cozy bars and cafes where you can sip wine and soak up the atmosphere, but the town isn't known as a nightlife destination.

Is Messina or Volterra Better for Beaches?

Messina is a port city with a few options for its beaches. However, Volterra is not a beach destination.

Messina is a good spot to see the beach. There are pebbly beaches in the area that are becoming more popular with tourists.

Volterra is not a beach destination.

Is Messina or Volterra Better for its Old Town?

Volterra is renowned for its historic old town. However, Messina does not have a historic old town.

The old town of Volterra is one of the most recognized in the world. The walled town is perched on a hilltop and dates back to the 8th century BC. Visitors come specifically to explore its winding streets and stunning setting.

Messina does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Messina or Volterra?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Volterra 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 Volterra. Some of the streets are lined with boutique shops and one of the most popular things to buy in town is Alabaster. You'll also find plenty of Italian wine from the nearby vineyards.

Is Messina or Volterra Better for Families?

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

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.

Volterra offers lots of family activities. If you have a Twilight fan, this town is home to the Volturi, who are the royal family of vampires. For everyone else, its a charming town with medieval walls and wandering alleys that kids will enjoy exploring.

Is Messina or Volterra Better for Couples?

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

Volterra is a great town for couples, as it has plenty to offer. It's unique atmosphere, amazing food, and medieval style make for a unique and world class couples destination. While many people visit as a day trip, you can spend the night and soak up the evening atmosphere 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 Volterra Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Messina and Volterra are good 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 Volterra. There's only one or two hostels in town, so if you're looking for a more social backpacker setting, then this may not be your spot. It does make for a great day trip though and if you're more interested in culture than meeting other backpackers, then definitely stop by.

Is Messina or Volterra Better for Students?

Messina is a popular place for students. However, Volterra 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.

Volterra is not popular with students.

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

Messina is a popular place for its public transit. However, Volterra is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Public transit is mostly limited in Volterra. Public transit isn't necessary as the city is best explored on foot.

Is Messina or Volterra a more walkable city?

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

Getting around Volterra on foot is easy. Most people explore the town 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 Volterra Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Volterra or Messina?

How long in Messina or Volterra?

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

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

One day in Messina or Volterra?

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.

Volterra is a small town with plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the food. This town 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 Volterra?

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.

Volterra might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. 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. 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 Volterra has to offer.

Five days in Messina or Volterra?

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.

Volterra 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 Volterra?

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 Volterra. Since Volterra is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. One reason most visitors come is for the food. 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 Walking Tours in Italy, and The Best Luxury Tours to Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Messina or Volterra?

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

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 Volterra in the Summer?

Both Volterra 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 Volterra in the summer for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

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

It's quite sunny in Volterra. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Messina. Messina usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Volterra during summer. Messina gets 332 hours of sunny skies, while Volterra receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Messina usually receives less rain than Volterra. Messina gets 19 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Volterra receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Messina or Volterra in the Autumn?

Both Volterra 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 Volterra for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Messina is a little warmer than Volterra. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Messina in October average around 21°C (69°F), and Volterra averages at about 16°C (61°F).

In the autumn, Messina often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Volterra. Messina gets 189 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Volterra receives 177 hours of full sun.

Volterra 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 Volterra. Messina gets 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Volterra receives 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Messina or Volterra in the Winter?

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

In January, Messina is generally much warmer than Volterra. Daily temperatures in Messina average around 13°C (55°F), and Volterra fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

Messina usually receives more sunshine than Volterra during winter. Messina gets 115 hours of sunny skies, while Volterra receives 105 hours of full sun in the winter.

Messina gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Messina usually receives more rain than Volterra. Messina gets 113 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Volterra receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Messina or Volterra in the Spring?

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

Messina is a little warmer than Volterra in the spring. The daily temperature in Messina averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Volterra 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 Volterra. Messina gets 207 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Volterra receives 192 hours of full sun.

Messina usually gets less rain in April than Volterra. Messina gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Volterra receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Volterra and Messina