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

Should you visit Portimao 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 Portimao 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.

Portimao

Portimao is a scenic, adventure-filled, and vibrant coastal city. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It's also known for beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

Messina

Messina is a local, historic, and bustling port city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Portimao and Messina: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Portimao or Messina?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Messina than Portimao, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Messina is better known for its museums, food, and big city activities, while Portimao is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty. Portimao is more touristy than Messina and is known for it's dramatic and beautiful beaches and its many activities. Messina is well known for being the entry and departure point to Sicily for those traveling by ferry. Also, Messina is famous for Piazza del Duomo.

How is Portimao different from Messina?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Messina is a good destination for its sights and museums. However, Portimao does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Portimao does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Messina is a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Portimao is not a good coastal city for its restaurants.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Messina area. 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).

Portimao offers some easy restaurants to choose from. Many resorts have attached restaurants where visitors often find themselves dining. For a slightly more local vibe, you can check out one of the many restaurants around town. Much of the restaurant scene is centered around the Alvor District where you'll find unique options that serve local dishes mixed in with some international choices. The city is most famous for its grilled sardines, which are considered a local specialty.

Is Portimao or Messina Better for Nightlife?

Both Portimao and Messina are very good when it comes to partying.

Portimao offers plenty to do in the evening. The city's nightlife scene is mostly found around Praia da Rocha. It's a compact area that makes it easy to hop from bar to bar on foot. Particularly during the summer months you'll find plenty of parties and all night activities that draw a crowd. Sunset boat parties are also a popular activity in the area.

Messina has a large number of nightlife venues. 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 Portimao or Messina Better for Resorts?

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

Portimao is a world class resort vacation destination. The area has all types of resorts, from all-inclusive options to luxury or more family-friendly. Many of the resorts are surprisingly affordable and offer easy access to the beach.

Messina is not a resort destination.

Is Portimao or Messina Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

Portimao is an extremely popular place to visit for scuba diving and snorkeling. The best water conditions are during the summer months but this is also when the beaches are crowded and swimmers can kick up a lot of sand. There are a variety of vendors where you can book snorkeling or diving trips in the area.

Messina is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Portimao or Messina Better for Beaches?

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

Portimao is considered to be a world-class beach destination. The stunning beaches are a major draw to the area. They are sandy and feature a backdrop of dramatic red cliffs. The most popular beach in town is Praia da Rocha, which can get crowded during the summer months, but it is quite large so you should still be able to find a spot. The strip behind the beach is lined with shops, bars, restaurants, and a casino. If you want to avoid some of the crowds you can make the walk down to Praia do Vau. Families often enjoy Praia de Alvor, which has a boardwalk that leads to Ria de Alvor nature reserve.

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

Is the Shopping Better in Portimao or Messina?

Both Portimao and Messina are notable shopping destinations.

Many visitors go to Portimao to go shopping. It's the second largest city in the Algarve so you'll find several large and modern shopping centers including Aqua Portimão.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in 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 Portimao or Messina Better for Families?

Portimao is renowned for its family-friendly activities. Also, Messina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Portimao is an extremely popular coastal city to visit for families. Kids will love the wide range of activities available near Portimao. They can kayak through caves, see an underwater world snorkeling, learn to surf, visit waterparks, explore nature parks, and more. There are activities that the whole family can enjoy, making this stretch of coastline the perfect option for those traveling with kids.

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.

Is Portimao or Messina Better for Couples?

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

Portimao is a great coastal city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. This beautiful stretch of coastline offers unique beaches and stunning outdoor activities. It makes a wonderful honeymoon destination for couples who enjoy adventure, pampering, and romantic resorts. There are great restaurants as well as places to relax or activities for thrill seekers.

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 Portimao or Messina Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Portimao and Messina are notable destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Portimao. Most people think of high end resorts when they think of the Mediterranean coast, but there are a couple of hostels available for backpackers. You should also consider transportation options. While buses are available, many visitors prefer to have access to a car so they can experience the outlying regions. The good news is the area in general is not particularly expensive so you can enjoy a touch of luxury at a lower cost.

Plenty of budget travelers 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 Portimao or Messina Better for Students?

Messina is a good destination for students. However, Portimao 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.

Portimao is not popular with students.

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

Messina is a good destination for its public transit. However, Portimao is not a good coastal city for times when you don't have a car.

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

Public transit is mostly limited in Portimao. There are local buses around town but many routes don't run on weekends.

Is Portimao or Messina a more walkable city?

Messina is a well-known place for its ease of walking around. However, Portimao is not a good coastal city for its walkability.

Messina is a very walkable destination. 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.

Portimao is generally not a very walkable coastal city. While there are some nice walks along the coastline, the city is fairly large and spread out with many resorts located far from the center of town.

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

Should I spend more time in Messina or Portimao?

How long in Portimao or Messina?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Portimao and Messina. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Portimao than in Messina. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Portimao, and 2-3 days is enough time in Messina.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Messina than Portimao 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 Messina.

One day in Portimao or Messina?

In Portimao, you'll find shopping and nightlife. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. This coastal city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

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.

A weekend in Portimao or Messina?

In Portimao, you'll find nightlife and scuba diving and snorkeling. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Most people come for the beaches. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Portimao has to offer.

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.

Five days in Portimao or Messina?

Portimao is a great place to explore. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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.

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.

A week in Portimao or Messina?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Portimao. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Portimao. One reason most visitors come is for the beaches. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Portugal, The Best Bicycle Tours in Portugal, 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 Portimao and Messina, we can see that Portimao 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 Portimao would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Portimao 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 Portimao Expensive? and Is Messina Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Portimao or Messina?

Messina has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Portimao. When comparing the sizes of Portimao 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 Portimao or Messina?

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 Portimao or Messina in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Portimao and Messina. Most visitors come to Portimao for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Messina because of the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Portimao is around the same temperature as Messina. Typically, the summer temperatures in Portimao in July average around 25°C (78°F), and Messina averages at about 27°C (80°F).

In July, Portimao usually receives less rain than Messina. Portimao gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Messina receives 19 mm (0.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Portimao or Messina in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Portimao as well as Messina. The autumn months attract visitors to Portimao because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Messina this time of year.

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

It's quite rainy in Messina. Portimao usually gets less rain in October than Messina. Portimao gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Messina receives 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Portimao or Messina in the Winter?

Both Messina and Portimao are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Portimao this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Messina for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Portimao is cooler than Messina in the winter. The daily temperature in Portimao averages around 11°C (52°F) in January, and Messina fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Messina. In January, Portimao usually receives less rain than Messina. Portimao gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Messina receives 113 mm (4.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Portimao or Messina in the Spring?

Both Messina and Portimao during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Portimao for the beaches and the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Messina in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city.

In the spring, Portimao is around the same temperature as Messina. Typically, the spring temperatures in Portimao in April average around 15°C (60°F), and Messina averages at about 16°C (60°F).

Portimao usually gets less rain in April than Messina. Portimao gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Messina receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Messina and Portimao