A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Faro vs. Montpellier for Old Town, Nightlife, Beaches, and Couples

Should you visit Faro or Montpellier?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Faro or Montpellier, 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.

Faro

Faro is a active, popular, and busy resort town. Other popular activities here include beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

Montpellier

Montpellier is a friendly, historic, and vibrant city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Faro and Montpellier: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular old town
  • Less family-friendly
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 Faro or Montpellier?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Montpellier than Faro, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Montpellier is better known for its museums, food, beaches, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Faro is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, and scuba diving & snorkeling. Faro is more touristy than Montpellier and is popular for its historical sights and rich culture. Montpellier is well known for its relaxed atmosphere, grand boulevards, and authentic personality. Also, Montpellier is famous for The Place de la Comédie.

How is Faro different from Montpellier?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Faro
Montpellier

Montpellier is great for its historical sights. However, Faro does not have museums and landmarks.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Montpellier can be an interesting and educational experience. With such a long history, the city has many landmarks and monuments. Also make sure you visit Musée Fabre and Saint-Pierre Cathedral.

Faro does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Faro
Montpellier

Montpellier is a nice place to visit for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Faro is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Faro. It has become a major tourist town, so you have to get a bit creative to find a more traditional restaurant. Look for fresh seafood like cod, monkfish, or shellfish if you want some local flavors.

Is Faro or Montpellier Better for Nightlife?

Faro
Montpellier

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

The people in Faro know how to have a good time. The city's bustling party scene thrives along Rua de São Pedro, Rua Conselheiro Bívar, and Rua do Prior.

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 Faro or Montpellier Better for Resorts?

Faro
Montpellier

Faro is an unbeatable place for its resorts. However, Montpellier is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Faro for its luxury resorts. Popular resorts include Vila Vita Parc Resort and Spa, Conrad Algarve, and Tivoli Carvoeiro.

Montpellier is not a resort destination.


Is Faro or Montpellier Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Faro
Montpellier

Faro is a good destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Montpellier is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in Faro. There are both snorkeling and scuba diving opportunities in the area. It's possible to snorkel off of several beaches or arrange a scuba diving excursion with a local dive shop.

Montpellier is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Faro or Montpellier Better for Beaches?

Faro
Montpellier

Montpellier is great for its beaches. Also, Faro is not as popular, but is still a nice resort town for the beache.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Montpellier. 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Faro. The most popular beach in the area is Faro Beach. It can get crowded during the summer months but if you walk a bit you can often get away from the crowds. To reach the beach you'll need a car or you can take the bus as the beach is about 10 km away.

Is Faro or Montpellier Better for its Old Town?

Faro
Montpellier

Montpellier is a must-visit destination for its historic old town. Also, Faro is not as popular, but is still a nice resort town for its old town.

The rich history of Montpellier can be explored in its historical center. 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.

Many people head to Faro to see the old town. You'll find historic buildings and cobblestone streets in the old town. It's a nice place to explore, grab a bite to eat, and do a little shopping.


Is the Shopping Better in Faro or Montpellier?

Faro
Montpellier

Montpellier is great for shopping. Also, Faro is not as popular, but is still a nice resort town for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Montpellier. Head to Rue de la Loge for some of the city's best shopping.

Faro offers some nice shopping areas. The town isn't as big as some others, so it's shopping scene isn't as comprehensive, but you will find the major brands as well as souvenir shops to peruse when you need a break from the beach.

Is Faro or Montpellier Better for Families?

Faro
Montpellier

Montpellier is a nice place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. However, Faro is not a good destination for its family-friendly activities.

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.

Faro is not the most family-friendly destination. There are some nice nature reserves in the area so kids who love wildlife will enjoy a visit.

Is Faro or Montpellier Better for Couples?

Faro
Montpellier

Montpellier is great for romance. Also, Faro is not as popular, but is still a nice resort town for its romantic activities.

Montpellier is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. Rich in history and beautiful architecture, this city offers a romantic setting for a great couple's getaway.

Faro makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With the beautiful natural areas and historic old town, this seaport makes a nice couples vacation.


Is Faro or Montpellier Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Faro
Montpellier

Montpellier is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Faro is not as popular, but is still a nice resort town for backpackers.

Montpellier is very popular with the backpacker crowd. With a young population and a number of hostels to choose from, Montpellier attracts its share of backpackers.

Faro is a good resort town to visit for backpackers. The are some good hostels in the area, but it's a bit tricky to get around without a car.

Is Faro or Montpellier Better for Students?

Faro
Montpellier

Montpellier is a must-visit destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Faro is not popular with students.

Montpellier is a great destination for students. 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.

Faro is not popular with students.

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

Faro
Montpellier

Montpellier is great for times when you don't have a car. Also, Faro is not as popular, but is still a nice resort town for its public transit.

Public transit in Montpellier is fairly effecient and thorough. There are a number of options for getting around town including the tramway, bus, and tourist train.

Faro has a few public transit options. There are buses that connect the city to the beach, the airport, and other outlying areas.


Is Faro or Montpellier a more walkable city?

Faro
Montpellier

Montpellier is great for its walkability. Also, Faro is not as popular, but is still a nice resort town for its high level of walkability.

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

Faro is a somewhat walkable place. The city's old town is particularly walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Montpellier or Faro?

How long in Faro or Montpellier?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Faro and Montpellier. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Faro than in Montpellier. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Faro, and 1-3 days is enough time in Montpellier.

Families should spend more time in Montpellier than Faro. 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 Faro. 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 Faro 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 Faro or Montpellier? Ideal Length of Stay
    Faro 2-5 
    Montpellier 1-3

One day in Faro or Montpellier?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the popular resort town of Faro. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Montpellier. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Faro or Montpellier?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the active destination of Faro. It's also a relaxing resort destination. This resort town 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. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It's also a great beach destination, too. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.


Five days in Faro or Montpellier?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the busy resort town of Faro. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the friendly destination of Montpellier. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Faro or Montpellier?

Many people enjoy the nightlife and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting Faro. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

The bustling city of Montpellier offers nightlife and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Portugal, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Portugal, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France, and The Best 2-Week Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Montpellier or Faro?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Faro is €133, 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 Faro and Montpellier in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Faro 75
    Montpellier 69
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Faro 150
    Montpellier 138
Compare Hotels in Faro and Montpellier

Looking for a hotel in Faro 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 Faro


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: Faro Hotel Prices and Montpellier Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Faro 9.52
    Montpellier 26

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Faro

Also for Faro, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • ) Transfers airport Faro X Sevilla: $91
  • Airport Transfer to Albufeira: $62
  • Airport Transfer to Armação da Pera: $82
  • Airport Transfer to Burgau: $144
  • Airport Transfer to Cadiz: $674
  • Airport Transfer to Carvoeiro: $87
  • Airport Transfer to Evora: $417
  • Airport Transfer to Gale: $68
  • Airport Transfer to Huelva: $156
  • Airport Transfer to Isla Antilla: $130
  • Airport Transfer to Lagos: $118
  • Airport Transfer to Lisbon: $536

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montpellier

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Montpellier:

  • Private Transfer from Sète Cruise Port to Marseille city hotels: $131
  • Transfer from Sète Port to Marseille Provence Airport MRS: $131
  • Montpellier Private Transfer from Montpellier city centre to Montpellier Airport: $74
  • Montpellier–Méditerranée Airport Transfer: $65
  • Transfer Montpellier Airport and Beziers Airport: $49

Is it cheaper to fly into Faro or Montpellier?

Prices for flights to both Montpellier and Faro 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
    Faro 36
    Montpellier 31

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Faro

For Faro, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • The Most Delicious Private Food Tour of 6 or 10 Tastings: $83
  • 3 Hours Classic Food Tour in Faro: $98
  • Authentic Portuguese Cooking Experience in Algarve: $163

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: $107
  • Private cooking class with specialized chefs Montpellier: $109
  • Fusion Food Cooking Class: $431

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Faro 9.41
    Montpellier 12

Tours and Activities in Faro

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Faro.

  • Tavira Hop On Hop Off City Tour by Tourist Train: $6.58
  • Faro Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.73
  • Lagos Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.74
  • Tavira Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self Guided Tour: $7.89
  • Faro Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.89
  • Algarve Life Sciences Center Museum Family Ticket: $13
  • Cork Factory Tour & Cork Shop: $18
  • Ria Formosa Sunset Boat Tour: $22
  • Eco Boat Tour in the Ria Formosa Lagoon from Faro: $22
  • 1 or 2 Hour Speed Boat Tour - Ria Formosa: $26
  • 2 Hours Boat Tour in Ria Formosa: $27
  • Tavira Route Boat Tour: $27

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: $81
  • From Wine and Olive Tour: $75
  • Highlights of Sète : history, food and wine experience: $176
  • Legendary Montpellier, flexible legends and storytelling tour: $16
  • Montpellier - Private Historic Walking tour: $431
  • Montpellier Private Guided Walking Tour: $309
  • Montpellier Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $271
  • Montpellier Wine and Oyster Tour: $86
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.45
  • Half-Day Hiking Tour of Pic Saint Loup & Picnic: $65
  • Personalized Day-Tour of the South of France: $1,066

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Faro 3.13
    Montpellier 15

Sample the Local Flavors in Faro

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Faro:

  • Wine tastings, with Tour option - Authentic Algarve Flavours by Quinta da Tôr: $19
  • Visit to a Family Brewery in Loulé with Tasting: $27
  • Algarve Traditional Food and Wine Tasting: $48
  • Discover Tavira - Tapas and Wine Tour: $82

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: $81
  • 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: $143
  • Half-Day Wine Tour with Lunch: $156
  • Montpellier : half day wine tour in Camargue: $160
  • Private Half-Day Languedoc Wine Tour from Sète: $241
  • Sète: Private Half–Day Wine Tour: $355


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


Which is Bigger, Faro or Montpellier?

Montpellier has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Faro. When comparing the sizes of Faro 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 Faro 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 Faro or Montpellier in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Faro as well as Montpellier. Many travelers come to Faro for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Montpellier in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Faro is generally a little warmer than Montpellier. Daily temperatures in Faro average around 25°C (78°F), and Montpellier fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Montpellier. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Faro this time of the year. In the summer, Faro often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Montpellier. Faro gets 374 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montpellier receives 351 hours of full sun.

Faro usually gets less rain in July than Montpellier. Faro gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Faro 25°C (78°F) 
    Montpellier 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Faro or Montpellier in the Autumn?

Both Montpellier and Faro are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Faro in the autumn for the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Montpellier for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Faro is a little warmer than Montpellier in the autumn. The daily temperature in Faro averages around 20°C (68°F) in October, and Montpellier fluctuates around 15°C (60°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Faro. Faro usually receives more sunshine than Montpellier during autumn. Faro gets 222 hours of sunny skies, while Montpellier receives 187 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Montpellier. In October, Faro usually receives less rain than Montpellier. Faro gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Faro 20°C (68°F) 
    Montpellier 15°C (60°F)

Should I visit Faro or Montpellier in the Winter?

Both Montpellier and Faro during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Faro for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Montpellier because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Faro is much warmer than Montpellier. Typically, the winter temperatures in Faro in January average around 12°C (54°F), and Montpellier averages at about 7°C (44°F).

In the winter, Faro often gets more sunshine than Montpellier. Faro gets 161 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montpellier receives 147 hours of full sun.

Faro usually gets more rain in January than Montpellier. Faro gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Faro 12°C (54°F) 
    Montpellier 7°C (44°F)

Should I visit Faro or Montpellier in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Faro and Montpellier. The spring months attract visitors to Faro because of the beaches. Furthermore, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Montpellier this time of year.

In April, Faro is generally a little warmer than Montpellier. Daily temperatures in Faro average around 17°C (62°F), and Montpellier fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Montpellier this time of the year. In Faro, it's very sunny this time of the year. Faro usually receives more sunshine than Montpellier during spring. Faro gets 248 hours of sunny skies, while Montpellier receives 230 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Faro usually receives less rain than Montpellier. Faro gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Faro 17°C (62°F) 
    Montpellier 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Montpellier and Faro

Faro Montpellier
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 12°C (54°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 7°C (44°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Feb 13°C (56°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 8°C (46°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 15°C (58°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 10°C (50°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Apr 17°C (62°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 13°C (55°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
May 19°C (67°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 16°C (61°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Jun 22°C (72°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 20°C (68°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)
Jul 25°C (78°F) 1 mm (0 in) 23°C (73°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Aug 26°C (78°F) 4 mm (0.2 in) 22°C (72°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 19°C (67°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 20°C (68°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 15°C (60°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Nov 16°C (60°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 10°C (51°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 94 mm (3.7 in) 7°C (45°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)