A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Valencia vs. Messina for Food, Nightlife, Attractions, and Families

Should you visit Valencia or Messina?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Valencia 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.

Valencia

Valencia is a coastal, cultural, and historic coastal city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches.

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 shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Valencia and Messina: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Valencia or Messina?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Valencia than Messina. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Valencia is more touristy than Messina and is known for its rich cultural, world class museums, beautiful old town, and local cuisine (which includes paella). It is also well known for La Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències. Messina is famous for being the entry and departure point to Sicily for those traveling by ferry.

How is Valencia different from Messina?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Valencia 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 Valencia. The city is famous for its architecture and culture. Most of the main attractions are concentrated in Ciutat Vella and can be easily accessed on foot. Notable landmarks include La Lonja de Seda, Catedral de València, and Plaza de la Virgen. There are also several world class museums including Oceanogràfic de València and La Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències de València.

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 Valencia or Messina? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Valencia 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 Valencia have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The city is famous as the birthplace of paella, which is one of Spain's most famous dishes. Beyond the paella, there are a number of other amazing traditional dishes. Fideuà is similar to paella but made with noodles instead of rice. All i pebre is an eel and potato dish and clóchinas are tiny local mussels. For dessert make sure you try the flan de calabaza, which is pumpkin flavored. Many restaurants also have tapas that can be shared. Restaurants in the old town are charming and delicious, but out by the beaches the quality isn't as good.

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 Valencia or Messina Better for Nightlife?

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

Valencia is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. Dinner starts late, so you can expect the nightlife to pick up even later. During the summer there are all night terrace parties and year round you'll find nightclubs filled from evening to dawn. If all night raves aren't really your thing, you'll also find plenty of local bars where you can hang out with friends in a more relaxed setting. The nightlife scene really is varied enough that there's something for everyone.

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 Valencia or Messina Better for Resorts?

Valencia is a coastal city with good options for its resorts. However, Messina is not a resort destination.

Valencia has a handful of resorts to choose from. You can choose between staying near the old town (Ciutat Vella) or out by the beach. One of the best beach areas is El Cabanyal. It's still close enough in to be well connected by public transit but offers a great coastal vibe as well.

Messina is not a resort destination.

Is Valencia or Messina Better for Beaches?

Valencia is a coastal city with good options for its beaches. However, Messina is not particularly known for the beache.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Valencia. There are several urban beaches in town that are accessible by public transit. Many offer surprisingly long stretches of sand with wide beaches and plenty of activity. The beaches can get crowded during the summer months, but they are generally large enough to accommodate the crowds. La Malvarrosa Beach is one of the most popular because of its proximity to the city. El Saler Beach is further out and popular with the locals and Port Saplaya is a colorful area with shopping and beaches.

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

Is Valencia or Messina Better for its Old Town?

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

The old town of Valencia is one of the most recognized in the world. For culture, history, and the majority of the city's attractions, you'll want to spend your time in Ciutat Vella (old town).

Messina does not have a historic old town.

Is Valencia or Messina Better for Hiking?

Valencia is a coastal city with good options for its hiking experiences. However, Messina is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Valencia. Most people miss out on the beautiful hikes through the nearby countryside, but if you venture out of town you can enjoy some beautiful walking trails. Many run along the coastline or pass through rolling hills. There is varied landscape in the area with pine forests, orange groves, and vineyards all common.

Messina is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Valencia or Messina?

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

Valencia is an extremely popular place for shoppers. As the third largest city in Spain, you'll find most designer brands around town. The main shopping street is Calle Colon where you'll find the well-known European brands mixed in with the lesser-known Spanish brands. For a more local experience head to Mercado Central where you'll find local produce, colorful seafood, and a unique foodie vibe.

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 Valencia or Messina Better for Families?

Valencia and Messina are both high quality destinations for the whole family.

Valencia is a very kid-friendly coastal city. The city has some kid-friendly museums, an impressive zoo, and the largest aquarium in Europe (with its own dolphin show). Head to the Science Museum or simply wander around the museum complex. There are water activities and a beautiful futuristic style that attracts families and influencers with its photogenic atmosphere. There are also countless playgrounds of all sizes around town and a number of parks and outdoor spaces where kids can run around. There's a city park that runs through town and has playgrounds and bike trails. You can also spend a fun-filled day at the beach.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Messina. 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 Valencia or Messina Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Valencia frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The city is filled with interesting culture, beautiful weather, and delightful cuisine. There are sandy beaches and luxury hotels that will make for an amazing romantic getaway. There are also many beautiful gardens and charming neighborhoods that you can explore. Couples can split a paella and sip sangrias in one of the many charming restaurants around town.

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 Valencia or Messina Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Valencia 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 Valencia. It's often overlooked for more popular destinations, but this city has plenty to offer in the form of affordable accommodation and food as well as interesting sights.

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 Valencia or Messina Better for Students?

Valencia is renowned for students. Also, Messina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Valencia is a very popular coastal city for students. The city is young and vibrant with a lot of culture and beautiful neighborhoods. It's also well connected to the rest of Spain with a convenient central train station.

It's common for students to 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.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Valencia and Messina.

You'll find some public transit in Valencia, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Public transit is available in the form of buses and a tram/metro system but the system isn't as comprehensive as it could be and much of the city is surprisingly dependent on cars.

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 Valencia or Messina a more walkable city?

Valencia and Messina both are high quality when exploring on foot.

Valencia is a very walkable coastal city. Walking is the best way to explore many parts of the city and you can walk from one side of the Ciutat Vella to the other in about 20 minutes. This area is where you'll find most of the city's main attractions. There are other neighborhoods that are a bit less pedestrian-friendly.

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.

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

Should I spend more time in Messina or Valencia?

How long in Valencia or Messina?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Valencia and Messina. In our opinion, Valencia has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Valencia than Messina. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

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

One day in Valencia or Messina?

Because Valencia is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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 Valencia or Messina?

Because Valencia is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Valencia 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 Valencia or Messina?

Valencia is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Valencia or Messina?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Valencia. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Valencia. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain, The Best 3-Day Tours from Madrid, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Italy, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Valencia or Messina?

Valencia has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Messina. When comparing the sizes of Valencia 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 Valencia 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 Valencia or Messina in the Summer?

Both Messina and Valencia are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Valencia this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Messina for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Valencia is generally around the same temperature as Messina. Daily temperatures in Valencia average around 25°C (76°F), and Messina fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).

It's quite sunny in Messina. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Valencia. Valencia usually receives less sunshine than Messina during summer. Valencia gets 303 hours of sunny skies, while Messina receives 332 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Valencia usually receives less rain than Messina. Valencia gets 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Messina receives 19 mm (0.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Valencia or Messina in the Autumn?

Both Messina and Valencia during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Valencia for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, 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.

Valencia is around the same temperature as Messina in the autumn. The daily temperature in Valencia averages around 19°C (66°F) in October, and Messina fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

In the autumn, Valencia often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Messina. Valencia gets 198 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Messina receives 189 hours of full sun.

Messina gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Valencia usually gets less rain in October than Messina. Valencia gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Messina receives 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Valencia or Messina in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Valencia and Messina. Many visitors come to Valencia in the winter for the museums, 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 the winter, Valencia is around the same temperature as Messina. Typically, the winter temperatures in Valencia in January average around 12°C (53°F), and Messina averages at about 13°C (55°F).

Valencia usually receives more sunshine than Messina during winter. Valencia gets 162 hours of sunny skies, while Messina receives 115 hours of full sun in the winter.

Messina receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Valencia usually receives less rain than Messina. Valencia gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Messina receives 113 mm (4.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Valencia or Messina in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Valencia as well as Messina. Most visitors come to Valencia for the beaches, the activities around the city, 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.

In April, Valencia is generally around the same temperature as Messina. Daily temperatures in Valencia average around 15°C (60°F), and Messina fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Messina. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Valencia this time of the year. In the spring, Valencia often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Messina. Valencia gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Messina receives 207 hours of full sun.

Valencia usually gets less rain in April than Messina. Valencia gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Messina receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Messina and Valencia