A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Cape Sounion vs. Montpellier for Attractions, Beaches, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Cape Sounion or Montpellier?

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

Should I visit Cape Sounion 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.

Cape Sounion

Cape Sounion is a impressive, spectacular, and iconic destination. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include museums, food, and beaches.

Montpellier

Montpellier is a bustling, beautiful, and friendly city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the beaches, shopping, and museums.

Cape Sounion and Montpellier: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Home to the Temple of Poseidon
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Impressive beauty


Is there more to do in Cape Sounion or Montpellier?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Montpellier. Although Cape Sounion and Montpellier are popular destinations, Montpellier has more sights and attractions for tourists. Montpellier is very popular for its nightlife, beaches, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Cape Sounion attracts visitors for its museums. Cape Sounion is famous for its link to Greek mythology and its stunningly beautiful sunsets. 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 Cape Sounion different from Montpellier?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Cape Sounion or Montpellier?

Cape Sounion
Montpellier

Cape Sounion is an unbeatable place for its museums and landmarks. Also, Montpellier is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Cape Sounion on the map. The Temple of Poseidon is the main attraction here, but also nearby you'll find the Temple of Athena. The views, history, and connection to mythology fascinates most visitors who consider this to be a spectacular sight.

Montpellier offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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 Cape Sounion or Montpellier? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Cape Sounion
Montpellier

Both Cape Sounion and Montpellier offer nice local cuisine and restaurants.

Cape Sounion is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are cafes as well as fine dining restaurants which are mostly located in hotels. Seafood is the cuisine of choice with many delicious Greek dishes available.

Montpellier offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. 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 Cape Sounion or Montpellier Better for Nightlife?

Cape Sounion
Montpellier

Montpellier is a popular place for its evening party scene. However, Cape Sounion is lacking in options for nightlife.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Montpellier. 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.

Cape Sounion is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. There are some bars and lounges that are connected to hotels. If you're spending the night, these are nice places to enjoy a drink in a beautiful setting.

Is Cape Sounion or Montpellier Better for Beaches?

Cape Sounion
Montpellier

Montpellier is an excellent place to visit for the beach. Also, Cape Sounion is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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 Cape Sounion to enjoy the beach. If you allow enough time, there are a couple of beaches where you can swim while enjoying views of the temple.


Is Cape Sounion or Montpellier Better for its Old Town?

Cape Sounion
Montpellier

Montpellier is very popular for its historic old town charm. However, Cape Sounion does not have a historic old town.

Montpellier has a world-famous historical area. 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.

Cape Sounion does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Cape Sounion or Montpellier?

Cape Sounion
Montpellier

Montpellier is an excellent place to visit for its shopping areas. However, Cape Sounion is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Montpellier. Head to Rue de la Loge for some of the city's best shopping.

Cape Sounion is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Cape Sounion or Montpellier Better for Families?

Cape Sounion
Montpellier

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Cape Sounion or Montpellier.

Cape Sounion is a family-friendly destination. Kids who like mythology will appreciated a trip to the famed Temple of Poseidon. It dates back to the 5th century and is dedicated to the God of the Sea. Also nearby is the Temple of Athena.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Montpellier. 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 Cape Sounion or Montpellier Better for Couples?

Cape Sounion
Montpellier

Montpellier is an excellent place to visit for couples. Also, Cape Sounion is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Montpellier makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Rich in history and beautiful architecture, this city offers a romantic setting for a great couple's getaway.

Cape Sounion is a nice destination for couples. Couples should definitely stay for the stunning sunset which provides dramatic oranges, pinks, and reds at the sun dips below the horizon.

Is Cape Sounion or Montpellier Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cape Sounion
Montpellier

Montpellier is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Cape Sounion is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Montpellier. With a young population and a number of hostels to choose from, Montpellier attracts its share of backpackers.

Cape Sounion is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. The Temple of Poseidon is an iconic site about an hour and a half outside of Athens. It appeals to all types of travelers, including backpackers and budget travelers.

Is Cape Sounion or Montpellier Better for Students?

Cape Sounion
Montpellier

Montpellier is very popular for its student-friendly activities. However, Cape Sounion 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.

Cape Sounion is not popular with students.


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

Cape Sounion
Montpellier

Montpellier is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Cape Sounion is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

The public transit in Montpellier can get you to most places easily. There are a number of options for getting around town including the tramway, bus, and tourist train.

You'll find some public transit in Cape Sounion, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are local buses that travel from Athens to Cape Sounion and take between 2 and 3 hours.

Is Cape Sounion or Montpellier a more walkable city?

Cape Sounion
Montpellier

Montpellier is an excellent place to visit for its ease of walking around. Also, Cape Sounion is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Cape Sounion is somewhat walkable. You can walk around the archeological site and the bus stops close enough that it is accessible.

For even more information, also check out Is Cape Sounion Worth Visiting? and Is Montpellier Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Montpellier or Cape Sounion?

How long in Cape Sounion or Montpellier?

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

Families should spend more time in Montpellier than Cape Sounion. 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 Cape Sounion. 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 Cape Sounion 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 Cape Sounion or Montpellier? Ideal Length of Stay
    Cape Sounion 1-2 
    Montpellier 1-3

One day in Cape Sounion or Montpellier?

Visitors enjoy the food and museums when visiting the spectacular destination of Cape Sounion. Most people visit for the museums. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this destination has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

In Montpellier, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this beautiful city offers. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this city.


A weekend in Cape Sounion or Montpellier?

Visitors enjoy the museums and food when visiting the impressive destination of Cape Sounion. This destination 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 fun place to experience. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Cape Sounion or Montpellier?

The spectacular destination of Cape Sounion offers food 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the bustling destination of Montpellier. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Cape Sounion or Montpellier?

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

Montpellier is a popular place to visit. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Coach Bus Tours in Greece, The Best Adventure 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 Cape Sounion?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Cape Sounion is €158, 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 Cape Sounion and Montpellier in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cape Sounion 99
    Montpellier 69
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cape Sounion 198
    Montpellier 138
Compare Hotels in Cape Sounion and Montpellier

Looking for a hotel in Cape Sounion 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 Cape Sounion


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: Montpellier Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cape Sounion 26
    Montpellier 26

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montpellier

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Montpellier:

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Cape Sounion or Montpellier?

Prices for flights to both Montpellier and Cape Sounion 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
    Cape Sounion 41
    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.
    Cape Sounion 19
    Montpellier 12

Tours and Activities in Montpellier

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

  • CityTour and Photo Portraits Souvenirs in Montpellier: $38
  • From Half-Day Vineyard & Pic Saint-Loup Tour: $80
  • From Wine and Olive Tour: $75
  • Highlights of Sète : history, food and wine experience: $174
  • Legendary Montpellier, flexible legends and storytelling tour: $16
  • Montpellier - Private Historic Walking tour: $428
  • Montpellier Private Guided Walking Tour: $307
  • Montpellier Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $270
  • Montpellier Wine and Oyster Tour: $86
  • Half-Day Hiking Tour of Pic Saint Loup & Picnic: $64
  • Personalized Day-Tour of the South of France: $1,059
  • Photoshoot Experience: $159

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cape Sounion 23
    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 Cape Sounion and Montpellier, we can see that Cape Sounion is more expensive. And not only is Montpellier much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Montpellier would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Montpellier 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 Cape Sounion would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cape Sounion than you might in Montpellier.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Cape Sounion Expensive? and Is Montpellier Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Cape Sounion or Montpellier?

Montpellier has a larger population, and is about 250 times larger than the population of Cape Sounion. When comparing the sizes of Cape Sounion 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 Cape Sounion or Montpellier?

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 Cape Sounion or Montpellier in the Summer?

Both Montpellier and Cape Sounion during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Cape Sounion for the beaches 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.

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

In Montpellier, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Cape Sounion. In the summer, Cape Sounion often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Montpellier. Cape Sounion gets 357 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montpellier receives 351 hours of full sun.

Cape Sounion usually gets less rain in July than Montpellier. Cape Sounion gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Cape Sounion or Montpellier in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Cape Sounion and Montpellier. The autumn months attract visitors to Cape Sounion because of the natural beauty of the area. Also, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Montpellier this time of year.

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

In Cape Sounion, it's very sunny this time of the year. Cape Sounion usually receives more sunshine than Montpellier during autumn. Cape Sounion gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Montpellier receives 187 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Montpellier receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Cape Sounion usually receives less rain than Montpellier. Cape Sounion gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


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

Should I visit Cape Sounion or Montpellier in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Cape Sounion as well as Montpellier. The museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Cape Sounion this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Montpellier for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

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

In the winter, Cape Sounion often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Montpellier. Cape Sounion gets 143 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montpellier receives 147 hours of full sun.

Cape Sounion usually gets less rain in January than Montpellier. Cape Sounion gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Cape Sounion or Montpellier in the Spring?

Both Montpellier and Cape Sounion are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Cape Sounion for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Montpellier in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

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

It's quite sunny in Montpellier. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cape Sounion. Cape Sounion usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Montpellier during spring. Cape Sounion gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Montpellier receives 230 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Cape Sounion usually receives less rain than Montpellier. Cape Sounion gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


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

Typical Weather for Montpellier and Cape Sounion

Cape Sounion 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)