A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Catania vs. Montpellier for Food, Old Town, Attractions, and Nightlife

Should you visit Catania or Montpellier?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Catania and Montpellier can help you decide which place is right for you.

Catania

Catania is a youthful, fun, and historic port city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Montpellier

Montpellier is a beautiful, friendly, and historic city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Catania and Montpellier: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Catania or Montpellier?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Catania than Montpellier, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Catania is more popular for its food, nightlife, hiking, and big city activities, while Montpellier is known for its museums, beaches, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty. Catania is more touristy than Montpellier and is known for its fun nightlife scene, many beaches, and easy access to Mt. Etna. It is also home to Mount Etna. Montpellier is popular for its relaxed atmosphere, grand boulevards, and authentic personality.

How is Catania different from Montpellier?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Catania or Montpellier?

Montpellier is notable for its sights and museums. Also, Catania is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its museums and history.

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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Catania. There are many examples of beautiful architecture around town including Basilica Cattedrale Sant'Agata and Monastero dei Benedettini. You can also visit Castello Ursino. The main square in town is Piazza del Duomo.

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

Catania is an unbeatable place for its restaurant scene. Also, Montpellier is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eat your way through Catania, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The city's food scene is excellent. Dishes are influenced by both the sea and the land, and you'll find a large and popular street food setting. If you're sampling the street food, make sure you try the arancino (rice balls). Pasta dishes are also popular and many use a variety of cheeses. You'll also find plenty of fresh vegetables incorporated into many dishes.

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 Catania or Montpellier Better for Nightlife?

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

The people in Catania know how to have a good time. The city has a reputation for its great nightlife scene that spreads beyond Sicily. The large student population and popularity with tourists mean you can find a party most nights of the week. There are many bars and clubs to check out, many of which are found in the old town center.

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 Catania or Montpellier Better for Beaches?

Montpellier is notable for the beache. Also, Catania is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for the beach.

Montpellier is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. 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.

Catania has a beach worth visiting. The best time to visit the beach is between April and October. There are sandy beaches to the south of town that span a few kilometers and beaches to the north tend to be rocky. Many beaches are also accessible by public transit.

Is Catania or Montpellier Better for its Old Town?

Montpellier is very popular for its old town. Also, Catania is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its historic old town charm.

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.

Catania has an old town worth visiting. The old town is a bit small. At its center is Piazza Duomo and you'll find many activities and attractions in the area.

Is Catania or Montpellier Better for Hiking?

Catania is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Montpellier is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Catania. Many people visit Mt. Etna as a day trip. You can take the bus to Sapienza Refuge to begin your climb. While it's a doable hike for many people, it can be steep and requires some determination. Unless you're a very experienced hiker, a guide is a must as the trail disappears for large sections. There are also buses and cable cars that take people up sections of the mountain.

Montpellier is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Catania or Montpellier?

Montpellier is notable for its shopping opportunities. Also, Catania is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its shopping areas.

Montpellier is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Head to Rue de la Loge for some of the city's best shopping.

Catania has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The city has a number of shopping malls where you can pick up anything you may need or might have forgotten. Check out Catania Shopping Center or Etnapolis.

Is Catania or Montpellier Better for Families?

Catania is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Montpellier is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Catania is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. There's a toy museum as well as the Polo Tactile Multimedia Museum which kids and adults alike will enjoy. A highlight of a visit to the city is a trip up Mt. Etna, which can be done either by hiking, bus, or cable car. The city also has many plazas, gardens, and parks that kids will enjoy exploring. Another fun activity is to spend the day at the beach.

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 Catania or Montpellier Better for Couples?

Montpellier is notable for its romantic activities. Also, Catania is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for couples.

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

Catania is a good port city for couples to visit. With interesting architecture, a pleasant urban beach, and plenty of outdoor space, this is a nice couples destination.

Is Catania or Montpellier Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Catania and Montpellier are high quality destinations for backpackers.

Catania is a great port city to visit for backpackers. There's a large number of hostels around town and the city is generally affordable, so backpackers often enjoy spending some time here. There's also a great social scene.

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.

Is Catania or Montpellier Better for Students?

Montpellier is very popular for students. Also, Catania is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Students come from all over the world to visit 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.

Catania is a great port city to visit as a student. This is a university town with a very social atmosphere. Students love the wide variety of activities around town as well as the frequent night time parties.

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

Both Catania and Montpellier offer high quality public transit options.

The public transit in Catania can get you around easily. There are many buses around town that offer access to most places. If you drove you can park and take Line 504M to the historic center. You can also take a bus from Piazza Giovanni XXIII to Rifugio Sapienza if you're going to Mt. Etna. It leaves every morning at 8:15 and returns at 4:30 in the afternoon. The city also has a metro, which has one line and ten stops.

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.

Is Catania or Montpellier a more walkable city?

Catania and Montpellier both are high quality when exploring on foot.

Catania is a very walkable port city. Many of the city's main sights are close together in the center of town, making them easy to access on foot.

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.

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

Should I spend more time in Montpellier or Catania?

How long in Catania or Montpellier?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Montpellier than Catania. 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 Catania 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.

One day in Catania or Montpellier?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the lively port city of Catania. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Most people visit for the food. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this port city has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

In Montpellier, you'll find nightlife and food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Catania or Montpellier?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the youthful destination of Catania. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This port city 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.

In Montpellier, you'll find food and shopping. 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 Montpellier has to offer.

Five days in Catania or Montpellier?

The fun port city of Catania offers shopping and museums. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.

Montpellier is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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.

A week in Catania or Montpellier?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Catania. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people visit for the food. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Montpellier. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Montpellier. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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 Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy, The Best Walking Tours in Italy, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France, and The Best 2-Week Tours in France.

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

Which is Bigger, Catania or Montpellier?

Catania has a larger population, and is about 26% larger than the population of Montpellier. When comparing the sizes of Catania 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 Catania 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 Catania or Montpellier in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Catania and Montpellier. Many visitors come to Catania in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Montpellier for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Catania is a little warmer than Montpellier. Typically, the summer temperatures in Catania in July average around 26°C (79°F), and Montpellier averages at about 23°C (73°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Montpellier this time of the year. In Catania, it's very sunny this time of the year. Catania usually receives less sunshine than Montpellier during summer. Catania gets 325 hours of sunny skies, while Montpellier receives 351 hours of full sun in the summer.

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

Should I visit Catania or Montpellier in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Catania as well as Montpellier. Most visitors come to Catania for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Montpellier because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Catania is generally a little warmer than Montpellier. Daily temperatures in Catania average around 19°C (67°F), and Montpellier fluctuates around 15°C (60°F).

In the autumn, Catania often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Montpellier. Catania gets 189 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montpellier receives 187 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Montpellier. Catania receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Catania usually gets more rain in October than Montpellier. Catania gets 128 mm (5 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Catania or Montpellier in the Winter?

Both Montpellier and Catania are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Catania because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Montpellier this time of year.

Catania is much warmer than Montpellier in the winter. The daily temperature in Catania averages around 10°C (51°F) in January, and Montpellier fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

Catania usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Montpellier during winter. Catania gets 153 hours of sunny skies, while Montpellier receives 147 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Catania usually receives around the same amount of rain as Montpellier. Catania gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Catania or Montpellier in the Spring?

Both Montpellier and Catania during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Catania this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Montpellier for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Catania is a little warmer than Montpellier. Typically, the spring temperatures in Catania in April average around 15°C (58°F), and Montpellier averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In Montpellier, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Catania. In the spring, Catania often gets less sunshine than Montpellier. Catania gets 204 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montpellier receives 230 hours of full sun.

Catania usually gets less rain in April than Montpellier. Catania gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Montpellier and Catania