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

Should you visit Mykonos or Messina?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Mykonos and Messina. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Mykonos

Mykonos is a glamourous, party-oriented, and ritzy Greek island. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. It's also known for nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

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.

Mykonos and Messina: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Mykonos or Messina?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Mykonos than Messina. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Mykonos is very popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Messina attracts visitors for its big city activities. Mykonos is more touristy than Messina and is known for its active party scene, luxury accommodation, and picturesque villages. It is also well known for the traditional windmills near Chora. Messina is famous for being the entry and departure point to Sicily for those traveling by ferry.

How is Mykonos different from Messina?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Messina and Mykonos. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Mykonos or Messina?

Plenty of people visit the nice sights and museums in both Mykonos and Messina.

Mykonos offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Visitors enjoy checking out the windmills and churches around the island. You can also hop over to Delos to see its archeological sites.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Messina. 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 Mykonos or Messina? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Mykonos 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 Mykonos have been singled out for their culinary prowess. Like most things on the island, food is expensive, but its also very good. Make sure you try the louza sausage, kopanisti cheese, and melopita pie.

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 Mykonos or Messina Better for Nightlife?

Mykonos is renowned for nightlife. Also, Messina is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

Mykonos is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. With many exclusive clubs and bars, this island is among the best for nightlife in Greece. Popular options include Tropicana Club, Scarpa, and Super Paradise Beach Club.

Many people head to Messina for the nightlife scene. 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.

Is Mykonos or Messina Better for Resorts?

Mykonos is renowned for its resorts. However, Messina is not a resort destination.

Mykonos is a world class resort vacation destination. There are many world class luxury resorts on the island that offer a variety of amenities including pools, restaurants, and spas. Popular options include Myconian Avaton Resort, Myconian Imperial Resort and Villas, and Myconian Utopia Resort.

Messina is not a resort destination.

Is Mykonos or Messina Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Mykonos is well known for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Messina is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Mykonos is an extremely popular place to visit for scuba diving and snorkeling. There are many good diving and snorkeling spots around the island include shipwrecks and reefs with good visibility.

Messina is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Mykonos or Messina Better for Beaches?

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

The beaches at Mykonos attract visitors from all over. This island has become popular for its sandy beaches, but these days they come with a high price. Many are lined with umbrellas and sunbeds that you can rent. They often have bars that bring high energy and loud music. The water is often calm enough to enjoy swimming or water sports. Most of the best beaches are on the southern side of the island, but there are less crowds on the northern side, although the weather may not be as good.

You can check out the beach in Messina. There are pebbly beaches in the area that are becoming more popular with tourists.

Is Mykonos or Messina Better for its Old Town?

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

The old town of Mykonos is one of the most recognized in the world. Chora, the old town and largest town on the island, is filled with windmills, cafes, churches, and charming streets.

Messina does not have a historic old town.

Is Mykonos or Messina Better for Hiking?

Mykonos is not so good for its hiking experiences. However, Messina is not a hiking destination.

Mykonos has hiking trails for those that seek them out. This island doesn't have any real hiking but you can walk to the beach along the road. The island is mostly flat.

Messina is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Mykonos or Messina?

Mykonos is renowned for shopping. Also, Messina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Mykonos is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. This island has become the playground for celebrities and the wealthy, so there are plenty of shopping opportunities in 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 Mykonos or Messina Better for Families?

Messina is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. However, Mykonos is not a good Greek island 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.

Mykonos is not always a place people visit with their families. This island is a bit of a party destination, so many people choose alternative islands when visiting Greece with their kids. If you do head to Mykonos, you'll find nice beaches and some good museums.

Is Mykonos or Messina Better for Couples?

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

Mykonos is a great Greek island for couples, as it has plenty to offer. Couples who enjoy beautiful coastal settings with a great party scene will love a vacation or honeymoon to this Greek island.

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 Mykonos or Messina Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Messina is a good destination for backpackers. However, Mykonos is not a good Greek island for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

Mykonos is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. The island appeals to the wealthy and glamourous, but for backpackers and budget travelers, there are a few budget-friendly hotels. It'll be a bit harder to find affordable food though, as restaurants can be quite expensive.

Is Mykonos or Messina Better for Students?

Messina is a good destination for students. However, Mykonos is not popular with students.

Messina is a good port city to visit for 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.

Mykonos is not popular with students.

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

Both Mykonos and Messina offer nice public transit options.

Mykonos has a few public transit options. There is a bus system that connects the towns and beaches on the island. Both major bus stations are on the western side of the island.

Messina has some public transit options. If your legs are tired then there's an efficient bus system that you can use.

Is Mykonos or Messina a more walkable city?

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

Getting around Mykonos on foot is easy. Walking is actually one of the only ways to get around town.

Messina is a very walkable Greek island. 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 Mykonos Worth Visiting? and Is Messina Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Messina or Mykonos?

How long in Mykonos or Messina?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Mykonos and Messina. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Mykonos than in Messina. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Mykonos, and 2-3 days is enough time in Messina.

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

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

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

One day in Mykonos or Messina?

In Mykonos, you'll find shopping and museums. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This Greek island offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

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.

A weekend in Mykonos or Messina?

In Mykonos, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

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.

Five days in Mykonos or Messina?

Mykonos 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 Mykonos has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

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.

A week in Mykonos or Messina?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Mykonos. Many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting Mykonos. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Contiki Tours to Greece, The Best G Adventures Tours to Greece, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Italy, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Mykonos and Messina, we can see that Mykonos 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 Mykonos would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Mykonos 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 Mykonos Expensive? and Is Messina Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Mykonos or Messina?

Mykonos has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Messina. When comparing the sizes of Mykonos and Messina, 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.