A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Aegina vs. Mont-Saint-Michel for Attractions, Couples, Food, and Families

Should you visit Aegina or Mont-Saint-Michel?

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

Should I visit Aegina or Mont-Saint-Michel? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Aegina

Aegina is a fun, active, and relaxing island. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Mont-Saint-Michel

Mont-Saint-Michel is a historic, breathtaking, and inspiring island. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include museums, food, and hiking.

Aegina and Mont-Saint-Michel: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Aegina or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Aegina. Although Aegina and Mont-Saint-Michel are both popular with visitors, Aegina has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Aegina is more popular for its nightlife, beaches, shopping, and small town charm, while Mont-Saint-Michel is known for its museums, hiking, and impressive beauty. Mont-Saint-Michel is more touristy than Aegina and is known for its Gothic-style abbey and its medieval village that stands at its base. Aegina is popular for its local pistachio nuts, its nice seaside setting, and its easy access from Athens. It is also home to the Temple of Athena Aphaia.

How is Aegina different from Mont-Saint-Michel?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Mont-Saint-Michel and Aegina. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Aegina or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Mont-Saint-Michel is an amazing island to visit for its museums and landmarks. Also, Aegina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Mont-Saint-Michel on the map. Visitors come to see the iconic Abbaye du Mont Saint-Michel which has been the inspiration for tourists and religious pilgrims for centuries. Make sure you see the Ramparts and La Grande Rue.

Many visitors head to Aegina specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. There are several temples on the island such as the Temple of Athena Aphaia and the Temple of Apollo. There's also and Archeological Museum that is nice to visit.

Is the Food Better in Aegina or Mont-Saint-Michel? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Aegina and Mont-Saint-Michel can be difficult as they are each good in their own way.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Aegina area. There's a vibrant restaurant scene that includes traditional eateries serving seafood and refreshing ice cream shops where you can cool off with a scoop of your favorite flavor.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Mont-Saint-Michel. There are a number of local restaurants to choose from that serve authentic French cuisine including the pre-salted sheep, which is a local specialty.

Is Aegina or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Nightlife?

Aegina is a great destination for nightlife and partying. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is a island with minimal options for its evening party scene.

The people in Aegina know how to have a good time. There's a great nightlife scene on the island. Most of the dance clubs are found in Agia Marina and you'll find more relaxing lounges around Aegina Town and other villages on the island.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Mont-Saint-Michel Most people visit the island as a daytrip and nightlife is essentially nonexistent.

Is Aegina or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Beaches?

Aegina is very good for the beache. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Aegina to enjoy the beach. While most of the beaches are small and crowded, they do offer a number of tourist facilities such as nearby bars and restaurants, as well as hotels. The most popular beaches on the island are Souvala and Agia Marina.

Mont-Saint-Michel is not a beach destination.

Is Aegina or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Hiking?

Mont-Saint-Michel is a popular place for its hiking experiences. However, Aegina is not a hiking destination.

Mont-Saint-Michel is a good destination for hiking. There's a 4.2 mile out and back trail that can be walked in about 1.5 hours.

Aegina is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Aegina or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Aegina is very good for its shopping opportunities. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Aegina offers some nice shopping areas. You'll find the standard souvenir shops around town where you can buy trinkets or other items you may have forgotten.

Mont-Saint-Michel is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Aegina or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Families?

Aegina is very good for its family-friendly activities. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is a island with minimal options for its kid-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Aegina. Kids will enjoy the ferry ride from Athens as well as the pirate stories they'll hear throughout their trip. There are places that the whole family can swim and great restaurants with kid-friendly food.

For families, Mont-Saint-Michel is not always the best place to visit. Kids may enjoy a horse drawn carriage ride or exploring the grounds, but it can make for a long day for kids with short attention spans.

Is Aegina or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Couples?

Mont-Saint-Michel is an amazing island to visit for couples. Also, Aegina is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Mont-Saint-Michel makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. It's a stunning setting and makes a romantic backdrop for a couples holiday, whether it's part of a longer trip to France or a short weekend away.

Aegina is a nice destination for couples. Couples will appreciate the beauty and great restaurants that this beautiful island offers. It's a charming day trip from Athens that is filled with impressive historical sights and a nice atmosphere.

Is Aegina or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Aegina and Mont-Saint-Michel are good places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Aegina. Like most visitors, backpackers can hop on a ferry in Athens and visit the island as a day trip. It makes a nice excursion with many affordable restaurants and fun activities.

Mont-Saint-Michel is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. You'll find a couple of hostels an cheap hotels in the area.

Is Aegina or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Aegina and Mont-Saint-Michel.

You'll find some public transit in Aegina, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. You'll find the central bus station in Aegina Town and there you can catch buses that travel around the island.

While Mont-Saint-Michel offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's a free shuttle bus that connects Mont-Saint-Michel to the mainland.

Is Aegina or Mont-Saint-Michel a more walkable city?

Mont-Saint-Michel is a great destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Aegina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

Mont-Saint-Michel is a very walkable destination. There are many stunning walks in the area.

Aegina is somewhat walkable. The town is walkable, but to explore elsewhere on the island, it's easiest to have your own vehicle.

For even more information, also check out Is Aegina Worth Visiting? and Is Mont-Saint-Michel Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Mont-Saint-Michel or Aegina?

How long in Aegina or Mont-Saint-Michel?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Aegina or Mont-Saint-Michel to fill your time. You can spend a similar amount of time exploring either. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Couples should spend more time in Mont-Saint-Michel than Aegina. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Mont-Saint-Michel that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

One day in Aegina or Mont-Saint-Michel?

With shopping and museums around the destination of Aegina, there's plenty to do. One day is often enough time to do most activities. It offers something for everyone.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Mont-Saint-Michel. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Aegina or Mont-Saint-Michel?

With museums and nightlife around the active island of Aegina, there's plenty to do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here.

Mont-Saint-Michel is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Aegina or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the vibrant destination of Aegina. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Mont-Saint-Michel. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Aegina or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Aegina is a popular choice for travelers. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the historic destination of Mont-Saint-Michel. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Honeymoon Tours in Greece, The Best Luxury Tours to Greece, The Best River Cruises in France, and The Best Bicycle Tours in France.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Aegina and Mont-Saint-Michel, we can see that Mont-Saint-Michel is more expensive. And not only is Aegina much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Aegina would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Aegina 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 Mont-Saint-Michel would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Mont-Saint-Michel than you might in Aegina.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Aegina Expensive? and Is Mont-Saint-Michel Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Aegina or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Aegina has a larger population, and is about 100 times larger than the population of Mont-Saint-Michel. When comparing the sizes of Aegina and Mont-Saint-Michel, 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 Aegina or Mont-Saint-Michel?

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 Aegina or Mont-Saint-Michel in the Summer?

Both Mont-Saint-Michel and Aegina are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Aegina this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Mont-Saint-Michel for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Aegina is generally a little warmer than Mont-Saint-Michel. Daily temperatures in Aegina average around 27°C (81°F), and Mont-Saint-Michel fluctuates around 19°C (65°F).

It's quite sunny in Mont-Saint-Michel. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Aegina. Aegina usually receives more sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel during summer. Aegina gets 357 hours of sunny skies, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 246 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Aegina usually receives less rain than Mont-Saint-Michel. Aegina gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Aegina or Mont-Saint-Michel in the Autumn?

Both Mont-Saint-Michel and Aegina during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Aegina for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere. Also, many visitors come to Mont-Saint-Michel in the autumn for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

Aegina is much warmer than Mont-Saint-Michel in the autumn. The daily temperature in Aegina averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Mont-Saint-Michel fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

It's quite sunny in Aegina. In the autumn, Aegina often gets more sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel. Aegina gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 134 hours of full sun.

Aegina usually gets less rain in October than Mont-Saint-Michel. Aegina gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Aegina or Mont-Saint-Michel in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Aegina and Mont-Saint-Michel. Many visitors come to Aegina in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Mont-Saint-Michel for the museums and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Aegina is much warmer than Mont-Saint-Michel. Typically, the winter temperatures in Aegina in January average around 10°C (51°F), and Mont-Saint-Michel averages at about 5°C (41°F).

Aegina usually receives more sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel during winter. Aegina gets 143 hours of sunny skies, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 70 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Aegina usually receives less rain than Mont-Saint-Michel. Aegina gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Aegina or Mont-Saint-Michel in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Aegina as well as Mont-Saint-Michel. Most visitors come to Aegina for the beaches and the small town charm during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Mont-Saint-Michel because of the natural beauty.

In April, Aegina is generally much warmer than Mont-Saint-Michel. Daily temperatures in Aegina average around 16°C (60°F), and Mont-Saint-Michel fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Aegina this time of the year. In the spring, Aegina often gets more sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel. Aegina gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 180 hours of full sun.

Aegina usually gets less rain in April than Mont-Saint-Michel. Aegina gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Mont-Saint-Michel and Aegina