Which place is cheaper, Messina or Ephesus?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
If you're trying to decide where to visit between Ephesus 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.
Ephesus is a ancient, world-renowned, and fascinating archeological site. It's also known for food, shopping, and museums. See Ephesus travel costs.
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 museums, nightlife, and food. See Messina travel costs.
Tourists will generally find more to do in Messina than Ephesus. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Messina is very popular for its nightlife, beaches, and big city activities, while Ephesus attracts visitors for its museums and attractions. Ephesus is more touristy than Messina and is popular for its well-preserved ruins and vast size Messina is famous for being the entry and departure point to Sicily for those traveling by ferry. It is also well known for Piazza del Duomo.
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Messina and Ephesus. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Ephesus is renowned for its museums and landmarks. Also, Messina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.
Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Ephesus that are not to be missed. Of course, the iconic site is the ruins of Ephesus. There are also several fascinating museums in the area that offer deeper insights into the region's rich history and culture. The Ephesus Archaeological Museum in Selçuk is popular. It has an impressive collection of artifacts excavated from the ancient city, including statues, pottery, and inscriptions. Just outside the museum, the Temple of Artemis section displays remnants of one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The Selçuk Museum of Ephesus is another excellent spot to explore, with exhibits that highlight both the daily life of ancient Ephesians and their religious practices. A short drive from Ephesus is the House of the Virgin Mary museum, a revered site believed to be the final home of Mary, mother of Jesus, with a chapel and peaceful surroundings. Lastly, the İsa Bey Mosque and Museum in Selçuk adds to the area's historical depth, offering a glimpse into the Seljuk architecture and Islamic heritage of the region.
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.
There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at nice restaurants in both Ephesus and Messina.
Ephesus has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. Most of the food options are found in the nearby town of Selçuk. Popular dishes include kebabs, mezes, and pide (Turkish flatbread pizza). Many restaurants are casual and cater specifically to the tourist crowds.
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).
Messina is a great port city for nightlife and partying. However, Ephesus is not known for its evening party scene.
The nightlife in Messina has something for everybody. 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.
Most people don't head to Ephesus specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. The there are a couple of bars and restaurants with live music in the town of Selçuk, but generally the nightlife is very low key.
Messina is adequate for the beach. However, Ephesus is not a beach destination.
You can check out the beach in Messina. There are pebbly beaches in the area that are becoming more popular with tourists.
Ephesus is not a beach destination.
If you're looking to go shopping, Ephesus and Messina both offer plenty of nice spots.
Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Ephesus. Selçuk has a variety of local shops and markets. Traditional handicrafts such as carpet and kilim weaving, ceramics, and leather goods are popular souvenirs. The Selçuk Market is held on Saturdays and offers fresh produce, spices, and other local products.
Many visitors go to Messina to go shopping. 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.
Messina is a great port city for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Ephesus is not as popular, but is still a nice archeological site for its family-friendly activities.
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.
Ephesus is a family-friendly place to visit. Kids who are into history or archeology will enjoy a visit to the famed ruins of Ephesus. There's also the Ephesus Archaeological Museum where everyone can learn about ancient Greek and Roman cultures in an interactive setting. The nearby House of the Virgin Mary offers a peaceful stop where kids can learn about its historical and religious significance in a tranquil environment. For an active experience, families can enjoy a short hike to Pamucak Beach, where children can swim, build sandcastles, and enjoy the Mediterranean sun.
Ephesus and Messina are both nice to visit as a couple.
Ephesus makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Many couples stop off at these ruins as part of a bigger tour of Turkey. The ruins are well preserved and impressive, but can get crowded if you visit during the peak times.
Messina is a good archeological site for couples to visit. 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.
For backpackers, both Ephesus and Messina are nice places to visit.
It's common for backpackers to visit Ephesus. Many backpackers stay in the nearby town of Selçuk, which has several hostels. This is also where you'll find a number of restaurants and shopping opportunities.
Messina is a good archeological site 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.
Messina is a nice place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Ephesus is not popular with students.
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.
Ephesus is not popular with students.
Ephesus 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 Ephesus. The town of Selçuk is well-connected by dolmuşes (shared minivans) that run frequently and offer affordable rides to nearby destinations, including Ephesus, the House of the Virgin Mary, and the Pamucak Beach area.
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.
Messina is a great port city for its high level of walkability. Also, Ephesus is not as popular, but is still a nice archeological site 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.
Ephesus is a somewhat walkable archeological site. The ruins are spread out over a large area, but most of the key sites, like the Library of Celsus and the Great Theater, are within walking distance of each other. From Selçuk, it's about a half hour walk to the entrance of the Ephesus ruins, but most visitors prefer to take a short taxi or dolmuş ride to the site. Within Selçuk, many of the sites can be reached on foot.
For even more information, also check out Is Ephesus Worth Visiting? and Is Messina Worth Visiting?.
Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Ephesus and Messina. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Messina than in Ephesus. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Ephesus, and 2-3 days is enough time in Messina.
Families should spend more time in Messina than Ephesus. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Messina, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.
Couples should spend more time in Messina than Ephesus. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Messina that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Messina than Ephesus 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.
In Ephesus, you'll find museums and food. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. This archeological site offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.
In Messina, you'll find nightlife and food. This port city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.
In Ephesus, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Ephesus has to offer.
In Messina, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Messina has to offer.
Ephesus is a great place to explore. 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 great place to explore. 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.
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ephesus. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Ephesus. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Messina. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Messina. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in Turkey, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Turkey, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Italy, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy.
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
The average daily cost (per person) in Ephesus is $131, while the average daily cost in Messina is $171. 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 Ephesus and Messina in more detail.
Looking for a hotel in Ephesus 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.
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.
Also for Ephesus, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Messina:
Prices for flights to both Messina and Ephesus 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.
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Ephesus:
For Ephesus, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Messina.
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Ephesus.
Here are a few actual costs in Messina for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Ephesus from other travelers:
Also in Ephesus, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Messina:
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ephesus and Messina, we can see that Messina is more expensive. And not only is Ephesus much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Ephesus would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Ephesus 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 Messina would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Messina than you might in Ephesus.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Ephesus Expensive? and Is Messina Expensive?.
Messina has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Ephesus. When comparing the sizes of Ephesus 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.
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.
The summer brings many poeple to Ephesus as well as Messina. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Ephesus this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Messina for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Ephesus is generally around the same temperature as Messina. Daily temperatures in Ephesus average around 27°C (81°F), and Messina fluctuates around 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 Ephesus this time of the year. In the summer, Ephesus often gets more sunshine than Messina. Ephesus gets 378 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Messina receives 332 hours of full sun.
Ephesus usually gets less rain in July than Messina. Ephesus gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Messina receives 19 mm (0.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
Both Messina and Ephesus are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Ephesus for the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Messina in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.
Ephesus is around the same temperature as Messina in the autumn. The daily temperature in Ephesus averages around 19°C (66°F) in October, and Messina fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ephesus. Ephesus usually receives more sunshine than Messina during autumn. Ephesus 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, Ephesus usually receives less rain than Messina. Ephesus gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Messina receives 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
Both Messina and Ephesus during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Ephesus in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Messina for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
In the winter, Ephesus is cooler than Messina. Typically, the winter temperatures in Ephesus in January average around 10°C (50°F), and Messina averages at about 13°C (55°F).
In the winter, Ephesus often gets more sunshine than Messina. Ephesus gets 131 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 Ephesus. Ephesus usually gets more rain in January than Messina. Ephesus gets 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Messina receives 113 mm (4.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Ephesus and Messina. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Messina because of the beaches and the activities around the city.
In April, Ephesus is generally around the same temperature as Messina. Daily temperatures in Ephesus average around 15°C (59°F), and Messina fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Messina this time of the year. In Ephesus, it's very sunny this time of the year. Ephesus usually receives more sunshine than Messina during spring. Ephesus gets 231 hours of sunny skies, while Messina receives 207 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Ephesus usually receives less rain than Messina. Ephesus gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Messina receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
Ephesus | Messina | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
Jan | 10°C (50°F) | 149 mm (5.9 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 113 mm (4.5 in) |
Feb | 10°C (50°F) | 103 mm (4.1 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 98 mm (3.9 in) |
Mar | 12°C (53°F) | 86 mm (3.4 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 84 mm (3.3 in) |
Apr | 15°C (59°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 60 mm (2.4 in) |
May | 19°C (67°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
Jun | 24°C (75°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | 24°C (74°F) | 14 mm (0.5 in) |
Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 19 mm (0.8 in) |
Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 24 mm (1 in) |
Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) | 25°C (76°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
Oct | 19°C (66°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 109 mm (4.3 in) |
Nov | 14°C (58°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 107 mm (4.2 in) |
Dec | 12°C (53°F) | 164 mm (6.5 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) |