A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Pamukkale vs. Messina for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Pamukkale or Messina?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Pamukkale and Messina can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Pamukkale or Messina?

Pamukkale

Pamukkale is in southeastern Aegean Turkey and is historically a spa town that has been in existence since the 2nd century BC. It is popular with tourists for its beautiful hot springs and travertines, or pools that are coated in a very unique calcium covering. The area is very rich in mineral content and the water, which has been flowing for thousands of years, has deposited calcium in each pool. This unique whiteness creates an unworldly beauty that draws visitors from around the world. If you're visiting during the summer months when the sun is out in full force, don't forget the sunscreen, as the white reflects the light and you can end up with a sunburn quite quickly. You'll also want to make sure you have sunglasses available because the glare can be quite extreme.

Messina

Messina is a city in the northwest area of Sicily. There are only five kilometers across the Straits of Messina to the Calabria region of mainland Italy. You can reach Messina by boats which travel every hour from the town of Villa San Giovanni in mainland Italy. There are also a couple of hydrofoils that make the trip every day from Reggio di Calabria. During the summer season don't be surprised to see cruise ships arriving with crowds of tourists. They are usually docked right downtown and are therefore hard to miss. Messina is also connected to mainland Italy by train, which are transported across the Straits of Messina by ferry.

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


Which place is cheaper, Messina or Pamukkale?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Pamukkale is $156, while the average daily cost in Messina is $127. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Pamukkale and Messina in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Pamukkale $56
    Messina $70
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Pamukkale $112
    Messina $140
Compare Hotels in Pamukkale and Messina

Looking for a hotel in Pamukkale or Messina? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Pamukkale


Hotels in Messina


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Pamukkale Hotel Prices and Messina Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Pamukkale $35
    Messina $24

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pamukkale

Also for Pamukkale, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Antalya: Guided Pamukkale Tour w/Lunch/Transfer: $84
  • Antalya; Pamukkale Hot Air Balloon Tour with Transfer: $280
  • City of Pamukkale/Denizli: Antalya Airport Private Transfer: $165
  • Denizli Cardak Airport Transfers to Denizli City Hotels: $104
  • Denizli Cardak Airport Transfers to Pamukkale Karahayit Hotels: $104
  • Denizli Cardak Airport Transfers to Pamukkale Saraykoy Hotels: $81
  • Denizli City Hotels to Denizli Cardak Airport Transfers: $136
  • Pamukkale - Karahayit Transfer from Denizli Cardak Airport: $100
  • Pamukkale Hot Air Balloon w/Flight Certificates,Champagne Toast & Hotel Transfer: $90
  • Pamukkale Saraykoy Hotels to Denizli Cardak Airport Transfers: $109
  • Pamukkale to Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport-Departure Transfer: $125
  • Private Denizli Pamukkale Airport Transfer Service: $98

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Messina

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Messina:

  • From Private Air-Conditioned Transfer to Taormina: $99

Is it cheaper to fly into Pamukkale or Messina?

Prices for flights to both Messina and Pamukkale change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Pamukkale $69
    Messina $40

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Messina

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Messina.

  • Private Home Cooking Demo with a Four-Course Meal: $112
  • Cesarine: Dining & Cooking Demo at Local's Home in Messina: $115
  • Market Tour & Lunch/Dinner at a Cesarina's Home: $149
  • Messina Private Home Cooking Class: $155
  • Home Cooking Class & Meal with a Local in Messina: $158
  • Market Tour, Private Home Cooking Class and Dinner: $202

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Pamukkale $54
    Messina $23
Typical Entertainment Prices in Pamukkale

For Pamukkale, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Entrance fees Travertines & Pool
    $2.01

Tours and Activities in Pamukkale

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Pamukkale.

  • Antalya: Pamukkale Guided Tour With Optional Balloon Flight: $37
  • Pamukkale City Highlights Small Group Guided Tour with Lunch: $40
  • Full Day Pamukkale City Tour From Pamukkale And Karahayit Hotels: $45
  • Pamukkale Paragliding Experience By Local Expert Pilots: $48
  • From Antalya: Pamukkale and Hierapolis Tour with Lunch: $48
  • Shared Pamukkale Group Tour from Pamukkale: $57
  • From Bodrum: Pamukkale & Hierapolis Guided Tour with Lunch: $63
  • Kusadasi or Selcuk: Pamukkale Guided Group Tour: $67
  • Pamukkale Tour From Pamukkale : $71
  • Antalya: Full-Day Pamukkale Tour: $80
  • Shared Cultural Tour in Pamukkale and Hierapolis: $81
  • Pamukkale and Hierapolis Tour: $85

Tours and Activities in Messina

Here are a few actual costs in Messina for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Full Day Taormina and Castelmola Tour with Messina Shore Excursion: $120
  • Messina Taormina: cultural heritage experience: $85
  • 2,5-Hour Messina Walking Tour: $46
  • 2-Hour Private Walking Tour of Messina: $271
  • 3-Hour Messina Segway PT Authorized Tour: $118
  • Alfotour 2/3 hour tour with swimming stop: $32
  • Cesarine: Market Tour & Dining at a Local's Home in Messina: $152
  • Etna Alcantara tour: the majestic lava landscape : $126
  • Etna Taormina and Castelmola The best excursion for cruise passengers from Messina: $208
  • Etna and Taormina Private Tour from Giardini Naxos: $240
  • From Private Guided Day Tour of Savoca and Taormina: $642
  • From Private Tour of Etna & Taormina with Pickup: $684

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Pamukkale $15
    Messina $19


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


Which is Bigger, Pamukkale or Messina?

Messina has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Pamukkale. When comparing the sizes of Pamukkale 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.


When is the best time to visit Pamukkale or Messina?

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 Pamukkale or Messina in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Pamukkale as well as Messina. Also, many visitors come to Messina in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Pamukkale is around the same temperature as Messina. Typically, the summer temperatures in Pamukkale in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Messina averages at about 27°C (80°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Messina. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Pamukkale this time of the year. In the summer, Pamukkale often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Messina. Pamukkale gets 356 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Messina receives 332 hours of full sun.

Pamukkale usually gets less rain in July than Messina. Pamukkale gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Messina receives 19 mm (0.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Pamukkale 28°C (82°F) 
    Messina 27°C (80°F)

Should I visit Pamukkale or Messina in the Autumn?

Both Messina and Pamukkale are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Messina for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Pamukkale is generally around the same temperature as Messina. Daily temperatures in Pamukkale average around 19°C (67°F), and Messina fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Pamukkale. Pamukkale usually receives more sunshine than Messina during autumn. Pamukkale gets 232 hours of sunny skies, while Messina receives 189 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Messina. In October, Pamukkale usually receives less rain than Messina. Pamukkale gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Messina receives 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Pamukkale 19°C (67°F) 
    Messina 21°C (69°F)

Should I visit Pamukkale or Messina in the Winter?

Both Messina and Pamukkale during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Messina because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Pamukkale is cooler than Messina in the winter. The daily temperature in Pamukkale averages around 9°C (48°F) in January, and Messina fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the winter, Pamukkale often gets more sunshine than Messina. Pamukkale gets 137 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Messina receives 115 hours of full sun.

Messina gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Pamukkale. Pamukkale usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Messina. Pamukkale gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Messina receives 113 mm (4.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Pamukkale 9°C (48°F) 
    Messina 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Pamukkale or Messina in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Pamukkale and Messina. Furthermore, the beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Messina this time of year.

In the spring, Pamukkale is around the same temperature as Messina. Typically, the spring temperatures in Pamukkale in April average around 17°C (62°F), and Messina averages at about 16°C (60°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Messina this time of the year. In Pamukkale, it's very sunny this time of the year. Pamukkale usually receives more sunshine than Messina during spring. Pamukkale gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Messina receives 207 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Pamukkale usually receives less rain than Messina. Pamukkale gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Messina receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Pamukkale 17°C (62°F) 
    Messina 16°C (60°F)

Typical Weather for Messina and Pamukkale

Pamukkale Messina
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 9°C (48°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 13°C (55°F) 113 mm (4.5 in)
Feb 10°C (50°F) 96 mm (3.8 in) 13°C (55°F) 98 mm (3.9 in)
Mar 13°C (55°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 14°C (57°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Apr 17°C (62°F) 52 mm (2 in) 16°C (60°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
May 21°C (70°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 20°C (67°F) 32 mm (1.3 in)
Jun 26°C (78°F) 17 mm (0.7 in) 24°C (74°F) 14 mm (0.5 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 27°C (80°F) 19 mm (0.8 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 27°C (81°F) 24 mm (1 in)
Sep 24°C (76°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 25°C (76°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 21°C (69°F) 109 mm (4.3 in)
Nov 14°C (58°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 17°C (62°F) 107 mm (4.2 in)
Dec 10°C (51°F) 129 mm (5.1 in) 14°C (57°F) 117 mm (4.6 in)