A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Aegina vs. Montpellier for Attractions, Nightlife, Beaches, and Couples

Should you visit Aegina or Montpellier?

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

Should I visit Aegina or Montpellier? 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. Other popular activities here include food, beaches, and shopping.

Montpellier

Montpellier is a bustling, beautiful, and friendly city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include beaches, shopping, and museums.

Aegina and Montpellier: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Impressive beauty


Is there more to do in Aegina or Montpellier?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Montpellier. Although Aegina and Montpellier are popular destinations, Montpellier has more sights and attractions for tourists. Montpellier is very popular for its beaches, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Aegina attracts visitors for its nightlife and small town charm. Aegina is more touristy than Montpellier and is known for its local pistachio nuts, its nice seaside setting, and its easy access from Athens. Montpellier is famous for its relaxed atmosphere, grand boulevards, and authentic personality. It is also well known for The Place de la Comédie.

How is Aegina different from Montpellier?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Montpellier 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 Montpellier?

Aegina
Montpellier

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Aegina or Montpellier.

Aegina offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

Many visitors head to Montpellier specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. With such a long history, the city has many landmarks and monuments. Also make sure you visit Musée Fabre and Saint-Pierre Cathedral.


Is the Food Better in Aegina or Montpellier? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Aegina
Montpellier

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Aegina and Montpellier can be difficult as they are each nice 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 Montpellier. The dishes are made with fresh ingredients produced in the agricultural areas just outside of town. The area is known for its seafood and fish stews.

Is Aegina or Montpellier Better for Nightlife?

Aegina
Montpellier

Aegina is a great destination for its evening party scene. Also, Montpellier is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

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.

If you're looking for night time activities Montpellier has a few options to choose from. The weather is mild, making for a nice evening out. The population is also young, so you can expect a lot of activity during the evenings, particularly in the area around Place Jean Jaurés. Make sure you enjoy local wine and champagne while you're in town.

Is Aegina or Montpellier Better for Beaches?

Aegina
Montpellier

Montpellier is a great destination for the beach. Also, Aegina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its beaches.

Montpellier is considered a top beach destination. The coastline near Montpellier feels pristine and beautiful. You can also visit Villeneuve-lès-Maguelone to the southwest of town, which is a protected area.

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.


Is Aegina or Montpellier Better for its Old Town?

Aegina
Montpellier

Montpellier is an amazing city to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Aegina does not have a historic old town.

Montpellier offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. Known as L'Écusson the town's old town dates back to the Middle Ages. It is a pedestrian area that is filled with boutiques, restaurants, and churches.

Aegina does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Aegina or Montpellier?

Aegina
Montpellier

Montpellier is a great destination for its shopping areas. Also, Aegina is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Montpellier. Head to Rue de la Loge for some of the city's best shopping.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Aegina. You'll find the standard souvenir shops around town where you can buy trinkets or other items you may have forgotten.

Is Aegina or Montpellier Better for Families?

Aegina
Montpellier

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Aegina or Montpellier.

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.

Montpellier offers lots of family activities. Popular activities for kids include taking a ride on the carousel in the Comedie, visiting the playground - Jardin Champs de Mars, and visiting the botanical garden - Jardin des Plantes.


Is Aegina or Montpellier Better for Couples?

Aegina
Montpellier

Montpellier is a great destination for couples. Also, Aegina is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Couples visit Montpellier frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Rich in history and beautiful architecture, this city offers a romantic setting for a great couple's getaway.

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 Montpellier Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Aegina
Montpellier

Montpellier is a great destination for backpackers. Also, Aegina is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Montpellier is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. With a young population and a number of hostels to choose from, Montpellier attracts its share of backpackers.

Aegina is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

Is Aegina or Montpellier Better for Students?

Aegina
Montpellier

Montpellier is an amazing city to visit for students. However, Aegina is not popular with students.

Many students frequent Montpellier. Montpellier is a popular university town that is home to many trendy university students. It's also where you'll find the youngest population of any city in France.

Aegina is not popular with students.


Is Aegina or Montpellier Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Aegina
Montpellier

Montpellier is a great destination for its public transit. Also, Aegina is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Montpellier offers a very effecient public transportation network. There are a number of options for getting around town including the tramway, bus, and tourist train.

While Aegina offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. You'll find the central bus station in Aegina Town and there you can catch buses that travel around the island.

Is Aegina or Montpellier a more walkable city?

Aegina
Montpellier

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

Montpellier is a very walkable destination. Many of the sights and attractions are easily accessible on foot and can be enjoyed as part of a self-guided walking tour.

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 Montpellier Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Montpellier or Aegina?

How long in Aegina or Montpellier?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Aegina and Montpellier. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Montpellier than in Aegina. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Aegina, and 1-3 days is enough time in Montpellier.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Montpellier than Aegina 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 Montpellier.


  • How many days in Aegina or Montpellier? Ideal Length of Stay
    Aegina 1-2 
    Montpellier 1-3

One day in Aegina or Montpellier?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the fun island of Aegina. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this island has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Montpellier. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.


A weekend in Aegina or Montpellier?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the vibrant destination of Aegina. This island offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Montpellier is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. 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 Montpellier?

The active island of Aegina offers shopping and museums. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Montpellier. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Montpellier?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Aegina. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historic destination of Montpellier. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in France, and The Best 2-Week Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Montpellier or Aegina?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Aegina is €92, while the average daily cost in Montpellier is €118. 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 Aegina and Montpellier in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Aegina 43
    Montpellier 69
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Aegina 86
    Montpellier 138
Compare Hotels in Aegina and Montpellier

Looking for a hotel in Aegina or Montpellier? 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.

Hotels in Aegina


Hotels in Montpellier


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.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Aegina Hotel Prices and Montpellier Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Aegina 24
    Montpellier 26

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montpellier

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Montpellier:

  • Montpellier Private Transfer from Montpellier city centre to Montpellier Airport: $74
  • Montpellier–Méditerranée Airport Transfer: $64
  • Private Transfer from Sète Cruise Port to Marseille city hotels: $131
  • Transfer Montpellier Airport and Beziers Airport: $49
  • Transfer from Sète Port to Marseille Provence Airport MRS: $131

Is it cheaper to fly into Aegina or Montpellier?

Prices for flights to both Montpellier and Aegina 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.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Aegina 34
    Montpellier 31

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Montpellier

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Montpellier.

  • Guided Food Tour With Local Snacks and Wine: $91
  • Montpellier Food Tour: $93
  • From Pic Saint-Loup Wine and Food Tour: $102
  • Cooking workshop: $106
  • Private cooking class with specialized chefs Montpellier: $108
  • Fusion Food Cooking Class: $428

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Aegina 13
    Montpellier 12

Tours and Activities in Montpellier

Here are a few actual costs in Montpellier for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Legendary Montpellier, flexible legends and storytelling tour: $16
  • CityTour and Photo Portraits Souvenirs in Montpellier: $38
  • Half-Day Hiking Tour of Pic Saint Loup & Picnic: $64
  • From Wine and Olive Tour: $75
  • Small-Group Half-Day Languedoc Wine and Olive Tour from Montpellier: $80
  • From Half-Day Vineyard & Pic Saint-Loup Tour: $80
  • Montpellier Wine and Oyster Tour: $86
  • Small-Group Half-Day Languedoc Wine and Oyster Tour from Montpellier: $95
  • Winetour & food experience in Pic St Loup: $107
  • Saint-Guilhem village and cave day tour : $142
  • Photoshoot Experience: $159
  • Private 2-hour Walking Tour of the Historical Center of Montpellier: $161

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Aegina 8.57
    Montpellier 15

Sample the Local Flavors in Montpellier

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Montpellier:

  • The Châteaux of Grès de Montpellier & Wine Tasting: $80
  • Small-Group Half-Day Châteaux of Montpellier Wine Tour: $84
  • Small-Group Half-Day Languedoc Pic Saint-Loup Wine Tour from Montpellier: $84
  • Wine tour in Pic Saint-Loup area: $142
  • Half-Day Wine Tour with Lunch: $155
  • Montpellier : half day wine tour in Camargue: $159
  • Private Half-Day Languedoc Wine Tour from Sète: $240
  • Sète: Private Half–Day Wine Tour: $353


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Aegina and Montpellier, we can see that Montpellier 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 Montpellier would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Montpellier 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 Montpellier Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Aegina or Montpellier?

Montpellier has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Aegina. When comparing the sizes of Aegina and Montpellier, 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 Montpellier?

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 Montpellier in the Summer?

Both Montpellier and Aegina are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Aegina for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Montpellier because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

Aegina is a little warmer than Montpellier in the summer. The daily temperature in Aegina averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Montpellier fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

It's quite sunny in Montpellier. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Aegina. Aegina usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Montpellier during summer. Aegina gets 357 hours of sunny skies, while Montpellier receives 351 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Aegina usually receives less rain than Montpellier. Aegina gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Aegina 27°C (81°F) 
    Montpellier 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Aegina or Montpellier in the Autumn?

Both Montpellier and Aegina during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Aegina because of the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere. Also, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Montpellier this time of year.

In the autumn, Aegina is a little warmer than Montpellier. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Aegina in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Montpellier averages at about 15°C (60°F).

It's quite sunny in Aegina. In the autumn, Aegina often gets more sunshine than Montpellier. Aegina gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montpellier receives 187 hours of full sun.

Montpellier gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Aegina usually gets less rain in October than Montpellier. Aegina gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Aegina 19°C (67°F) 
    Montpellier 15°C (60°F)

Should I visit Aegina or Montpellier in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Aegina and Montpellier. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Aegina this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Montpellier for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Aegina is generally much warmer than Montpellier. Daily temperatures in Aegina average around 10°C (51°F), and Montpellier fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

Aegina usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Montpellier during winter. Aegina gets 143 hours of sunny skies, while Montpellier receives 147 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Aegina usually receives less rain than Montpellier. Aegina gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Aegina 10°C (51°F) 
    Montpellier 7°C (44°F)

Should I visit Aegina or Montpellier in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Aegina as well as Montpellier. Many travelers come to Aegina for the beaches and the small town charm. Also, many visitors come to Montpellier in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Aegina is a little warmer than Montpellier in the spring. The daily temperature in Aegina averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Montpellier fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Montpellier. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Aegina this time of the year. In the spring, Aegina often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Montpellier. Aegina gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montpellier receives 230 hours of full sun.

Aegina usually gets less rain in April than Montpellier. Aegina gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Aegina 16°C (60°F) 
    Montpellier 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Montpellier and Aegina

Aegina Montpellier
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (51°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 7°C (44°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Feb 11°C (51°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 8°C (46°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 10°C (50°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 25 mm (1 in) 13°C (55°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
May 20°C (68°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 16°C (61°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Jun 24°C (76°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 20°C (68°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 23°C (73°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 22°C (72°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Sep 24°C (76°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 19°C (67°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 15°C (60°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Nov 16°C (60°F) 51 mm (2 in) 10°C (51°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 7°C (45°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)