A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Paros vs. Messina for Food, Beaches, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Paros 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 Paros 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.

Paros

Paros is a stunning, breathtaking, and striking island. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

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.

Paros and Messina: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Paros or Messina?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Paros. Although Paros and Messina are popular destinations, Paros has more sights and attractions for tourists. Paros is very popular for its museums, food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Messina attracts visitors for its big city activities. Paros is more touristy than Messina and is popular for its world-class beaches, beautiful undersea world, and quaint coastal villages. It is also well known for The Byzantine Monastery of Ekatontapyliani. Messina is famous for being the entry and departure point to Sicily for those traveling by ferry.

How is Paros different from Messina?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Paros 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 Paros. There are many interesting archeological sights and museums around the island. Some interesting places to visit are the Venetian Castle in the old port of Naoussa, the Monastery of Panagia Ekatontapiliani near Parikia, and the beautiful church of Agios Ioannis (Saint John) Detis, which dates back to the 17th century. There's also the Archeological Museum of Paros, which is found in the capital of Parikia.

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 Paros or Messina? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Paros 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 Paros have been singled out for their culinary prowess. Cheese and wine are mainstays on the island and restaurants in general pride themselves on using locally-sourced, high quality ingredients. Many of the traditional recipes can be found in restaurants, but they're also still prepared in the homes of the residents as well. Seafood, vegetables, and grains are all common ingredients.

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 Paros or Messina Better for Nightlife?

The very good nightlife scene is relatively similar in Paros and Messina.

Paros has a large number of nightlife venues. It doesn't have the hard core party scene that you find on some Greek islands, but it does have plenty of dance clubs, bars, and music venues. There's a wide diversity of options on the island, from quiet local bars to beach clubs that host wild parties, and everything in between.

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.

Is Paros or Messina Better for Resorts?

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

In Paros, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. The island is relatively large and you'll find everything from local hotels and guesthouses to large resorts and backpacker hostels. Many resorts have pools and great views.

Messina is not a resort destination.

Is Paros or Messina Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

Paros is an extremely popular place to visit for scuba diving and snorkeling. The island is filled with caves and interesting rock formations that make for excellent diving and snorkeling opportunities. There are a number of tours available that take you to the island's best dive and snorkeling spots. There are also private and group courses available for those who are learning to scuba dive.

Messina is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Paros or Messina Better for Beaches?

Paros is renowned for its beaches. However, Messina is not particularly known for the beache.

Paros is considered to be a world-class beach destination. The beaches are clean, diverse, and relatively easy to access. There are a range of options, from quiet hidden gems to beaches with clubs and bars nearby. Favorite beaches on the island include Kolymbithres Beach, Chrissi Akti Beach, and Santa Maria Beach.

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

Is Paros or Messina Better for Hiking?

Paros is a island with good options for its hiking experiences. However, Messina is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Paros. The island has about 35 kilometers of hiking trails that pass by small cottages, stone farm homes, and around the beautiful landscapes. You'll find tucked away windmills and watermills as well as breathtaking views and hidden coves.

Messina is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Paros or Messina?

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

Paros is an extremely popular place for shoppers. You'll find some of the best shopping in Kastro, which is the old quarter of Parikia. There are shops selling clothing, jewelry, ceramics, and other unique souvenirs. Many shops stay open late into the night, so you'll have plenty of time to browse.

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 Paros or Messina Better for Families?

Both Paros and Messina are very good family-friendly destinations.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Paros is very family-friendly. Kids will appreciate the beautiful beaches, great swimming opportunities, abundance of water sport activities, and child-friendly food options. There's also a folklore museum and several great archeological museums.

Messina is known to be 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.

Is Paros or Messina Better for Couples?

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

Paros is a great island for couples, as it has plenty to offer. The island makes a perfect honeymoon destination with its stunning beaches and picturesque villages. There are also many great local hotels and wonderful dining opportunities. If you're looking for an idyllic setting, then this is it.

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 Paros or Messina Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Paros is well known for backpackers. Also, Messina is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Paros. You'll find some nice hostels and apartments on the island. There's also a decent nightlife scene and the island is more affordable than many Greek islands.

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 Paros or Messina Better for Students?

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

Paros is not popular with students.

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

Paros 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 Paros. There's a reliable bus system on the island that has some routes making a loop around the outside of the island and routes traveling inland to the smaller villages.

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 Paros or Messina a more walkable city?

Messina is a very popular place for its high level of walkability. Also, Paros is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

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.

Paros is a somewhat walkable island. There are many walking and hiking trails around the island, but it's a large island that requires some form of transportation to explore it in depth.

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

Should I spend more time in Messina or Paros?

How long in Paros or Messina?

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

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

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

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

One day in Paros or Messina?

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

In Messina, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this historic destination offers. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Paros or Messina?

In Paros, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Most people come for the beaches. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Messina. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Paros or Messina?

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

Messina is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Messina. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Paros or Messina?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Paros. Many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting Paros. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

You'll find food and shopping around the bustling destination of Messina. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in Greece, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Greece, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Italy, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy.

When comparing the travel costs between Paros and Messina, we can see that Paros is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Paros or Messina?

Messina has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Paros. When comparing the sizes of Paros 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.