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

Should you visit Tenerife or Messina?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Tenerife or Messina, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Tenerife

Tenerife is a beautiful, volcanic, and scenic island. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Messina

Messina is a historic, bustling, and local port city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Tenerife and Messina: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tenerife or Messina?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Tenerife. Although Tenerife and Messina are both popular with visitors, Tenerife has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Tenerife is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Messina is known for its museums and big city activities. Tenerife is more touristy than Messina and is popular for its volcanic landscapes, built-up resorts, and fun-filled beaches. It is also home to Mount Teide. Messina is popular for being the entry and departure point to Sicily for those traveling by ferry.

How is Tenerife different from Messina?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Messina is a nice place to visit for its museums and history. However, Tenerife is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

Messina is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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.

Tenerife offers a few options for museum-goers. The island is filled with national parks, beautiful landscapes, and stunning beaches, but if you're not into outdoor activities, then you won't find many museums or other historical sights to visit.

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

Both Tenerife and Messina offer good local cuisine and restaurants.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Tenerife. Many visitors stick to the major touristy areas, eating in their resorts or other nearby restaurants. If you want to try a bit of the island's authentic Canarian cuisine, you'll need to do a little research. Head into the local areas near the markets for the best chance of finding something a little more authentic. Local dishes often include fish and seafood as well as local meats, but you'll rarely find beef as there isn't a lot of land for cows to graze on the island.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Messina. 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 Tenerife or Messina Better for Nightlife?

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

Tenerife is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. The island has a variety of nightclubs that range in style and personality. There are all night wild beach parties as well as laid back beach clubs and hole-in-the-wall pubs. Many bars have happy hours where you can relax with a drink and many nightclubs host famous DJs that keep the party going into the early morning hours.

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 Tenerife or Messina Better for Resorts?

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

In Tenerife, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. You'll find everything from world-class resorts like the Ritz to more budget-friendly hotels and even some hostels around the island. You'll find most of the resorts on the south side of the island, which is also where you'll find the best weather.

Messina is not a resort destination.

Is Tenerife or Messina Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

Tenerife is an extremely popular place to visit for scuba diving and snorkeling. A highlight of snorkeling in this area is the opportunity to swim with sea turtles. Some of the best snorkeling is in El Puertito, which is known for its many turtles and there is no shortage of organized snorkeling trips to the area. The island also has excellent scuba diving trips with a variety of shipwrecks and marine species.

Messina is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Tenerife or Messina Better for Beaches?

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

The beaches at Tenerife attract visitors from all over. The island has a large number of beaches that attract tourists, particularly during the peak winter months. The island's volcanic nature means that many of its natural beaches have black sand. The golden sand from the more developed beaches typically comes from the Sahara Desert. A favorite beach on the island is the 2 kilometer long Playa de las Teresitas.

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

Is Tenerife or Messina Better for Hiking?

Tenerife is renowned for its hiking experiences. However, Messina is not a hiking destination.

Around Tenerife visitors will find world-class hiking trails. The island's volcanic landscapes mean that there are dramatic and breathtaking hikes throughout the island. Some of the best hikes are found in the Anaga Rural Park, Teide National Park, and the Teno Mountains.

Messina is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Tenerife or Messina?

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

Tenerife is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The island's low tax rates make it a popular shopping destination for tourists. The are shopping streets, local markets, and luxury malls that you can explore.

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 Tenerife or Messina Better for Families?

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

Tenerife is an extremely popular island to visit for families. The island has many great waterparks for kids, with one of the best being Siam Park. Other family-friendly destinations include Aqualand, Loro Parque, Jungle Park, and Monkey Park. There are whale watching trips, outdoor adventures, and kid-friendly beaches as well.

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 Tenerife or Messina Better for Couples?

Tenerife is well known for romance. Also, Messina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Couples visit Tenerife frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The natural beauty, great landscapes, and lively beaches make this a great island for a romantic getaway. There's hiking and outdoor adventures as well as swimming, boat rides, and even whale watching.

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 Tenerife or Messina Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Tenerife and Messina are both good destinations for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Tenerife. The island is large enough that there are a decent number of hostels and budget-friendly places to stay for backpackers.

Messina is a good island 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.

Is Tenerife or Messina Better for Students?

Messina is a nice place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Tenerife 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.

Tenerife is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find good public transit in both Tenerife and Messina.

Tenerife has some public transit options. The island has a decent bus service that is operated by a company called "TITSA".

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.

Is Tenerife or Messina a more walkable city?

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

Messina is very walkable. 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.

Tenerife is a somewhat walkable place. There are many walks on the island that make for a fun way to explore the setting.

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

Should I spend more time in Messina or Tenerife?

How long in Tenerife or Messina?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Tenerife and Messina. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Tenerife than in Messina. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Tenerife, and 2-3 days is enough time in Messina.

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

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

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

One day in Tenerife or Messina?

In Tenerife, you'll find nightlife and food. 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.

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 Tenerife or Messina?

In Tenerife, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

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 Tenerife or Messina?

Tenerife 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 Tenerife has to offer. 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 Tenerife or Messina?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Tenerife. In Tenerife, you'll find shopping and nightlife. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

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 The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Spain, The Best 10-Day Tours in Spain, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Italy, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy.

When comparing the travel costs between Tenerife and Messina, we can see that Tenerife 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 Tenerife Expensive? and Is Messina Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Tenerife 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 Tenerife or Messina in the Summer?

Both Messina and Tenerife during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Tenerife this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Messina for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Tenerife is cooler than Messina in the summer. The daily temperature in Tenerife averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Messina fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).

In Messina, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Tenerife. In the summer, Tenerife often gets less sunshine than Messina. Tenerife gets 268 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Messina receives 332 hours of full sun.

Tenerife usually gets less rain in July than Messina. Tenerife gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Messina receives 19 mm (0.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tenerife or Messina in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Tenerife and Messina. Many travelers come to Tenerife for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Messina in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Tenerife is around the same temperature as Messina. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Tenerife in October average around 22°C (72°F), and Messina averages at about 21°C (69°F).

In Tenerife, it's very sunny this time of the year. Tenerife usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Messina during autumn. Tenerife gets 200 hours of sunny skies, while Messina receives 189 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Messina receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Tenerife usually receives less rain than Messina. Tenerife gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Messina receives 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Tenerife or Messina in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Tenerife as well as Messina. Many visitors come to Tenerife in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Messina for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In January, Tenerife is generally a little warmer than Messina. Daily temperatures in Tenerife average around 17°C (63°F), and Messina fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the winter, Tenerife often gets more sunshine than Messina. Tenerife gets 191 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Messina receives 115 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Messina. Tenerife usually gets less rain in January than Messina. Tenerife gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Messina receives 113 mm (4.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tenerife or Messina in the Spring?

Both Messina and Tenerife are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Tenerife for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Messina because of the beaches and the activities around the city.

Tenerife is a little warmer than Messina in the spring. The daily temperature in Tenerife averages around 18°C (64°F) in April, and Messina fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

It's quite sunny in Messina. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tenerife. Tenerife usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Messina during spring. Tenerife gets 205 hours of sunny skies, while Messina receives 207 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Tenerife usually receives less rain than Messina. Tenerife gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Messina receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Messina and Tenerife