A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Figueira da Foz vs. Mont-Saint-Michel for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Figueira da Foz or Mont-Saint-Michel?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Figueira da Foz and Mont-Saint-Michel can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Where Should I go: Figueira da Foz or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Figueira da Foz

Located along the glistening waters of the Atlantic Ocean, a bustling city thrives near its shores with towering skyscrapers guarding the city like metallic giants. Figueira da Foz, or simply Figueira, is nestled within the Columbia District and is both a city and municipality. Sheltered by the hills of Serra da Boa Viagem, Figueira is near the mouth of the Mondego River and right beside the Atlantic. Only about 40 kilometers from Coimbra, Figueira has a population of 46,600 and is the second largest city found throughout the region. Because it is a seaside city, Figueira subsists off of Portuguese as well as international tourism, maintaining its pristine beaches, supplying seaport facilities, and a plethora of restaurants, gift shops, cafes, and more. Some of the beaches include Quiaios, Cabedelo, Claridade, Costa de Lavos, Murtinheira, Leirosa, Molhe Norte, Cabo Mondego, and many more. Tourists are also attracted to Figueira because it is a well-known gambling spot in Portugal with the Casino da Figueira da Foz and the Casino da Figueira present and popular. There are also popular landmarks that are recommended by tourists to visit, such as Forte de Santa Catarina and Torre de Relogio. There is also a museum that features the history of the Figueira within the city. Whether you are looking to surf or sight-see, there is much to do in Figueira da Foz, Portugal.

Mont-Saint-Michel

Mont Saint-Michel is an island community in Normandy, France. It is located about a half of a mile (or one kilometer) off of the country's northwest coast, at the mouth of the Couesnon River near Avranches. The population of the island, at last count, was just under 50 people. The island has been a strategic fortifications since ancient times and since the 8th century AD has been the seat of the monastery from which it was named. The structural composition of the town exemplifies the feudal society that constructed it: on top, God, the abbey and monastery; below, the great halls; then stores and housing; and at the bottom, outside the walls, houses for fishermen and farmers. One of France's most recognizable landmarks, visited by more than 3 million people each year, Mont Saint-Michel and its bay are on the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites. Over 60 buildings within the commune are protected in France as historical monuments.

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

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Figueira da Foz and Mont-Saint-Michel, we can see that Mont-Saint-Michel is more expensive. And not only is Figueira da Foz much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Figueira da Foz would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Figueira da Foz and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Mont-Saint-Michel would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Mont-Saint-Michel than you might in Figueira da Foz.

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

Which is Bigger, Figueira da Foz or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Figueira da Foz has a larger population, and is about 150 times larger than the population of Mont-Saint-Michel. When comparing the sizes of Figueira da Foz and Mont-Saint-Michel, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Figueira da Foz or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Figueira da Foz or Mont-Saint-Michel in the Summer?

Both Mont-Saint-Michel and Figueira da Foz are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Mont-Saint-Michel for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Figueira da Foz is generally a little warmer than Mont-Saint-Michel. Daily temperatures in Figueira da Foz average around 23°C (73°F), and Mont-Saint-Michel fluctuates around 19°C (65°F).

It's quite sunny in Mont-Saint-Michel. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Figueira da Foz. Figueira da Foz usually receives more sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel during summer. Figueira da Foz gets 308 hours of sunny skies, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 246 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Figueira da Foz usually receives less rain than Mont-Saint-Michel. Figueira da Foz gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Figueira da Foz or Mont-Saint-Michel in the Autumn?

Both Mont-Saint-Michel and Figueira da Foz during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Mont-Saint-Michel because of the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

Figueira da Foz is a little warmer than Mont-Saint-Michel in the autumn. The daily temperature in Figueira da Foz averages around 18°C (65°F) in October, and Mont-Saint-Michel fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the autumn, Figueira da Foz often gets more sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel. Figueira da Foz gets 184 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 134 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Figueira da Foz. Figueira da Foz usually gets more rain in October than Mont-Saint-Michel. Figueira da Foz gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Figueira da Foz or Mont-Saint-Michel in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Figueira da Foz and Mont-Saint-Michel. Also, the museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Mont-Saint-Michel this time of year.

In the winter, Figueira da Foz is much warmer than Mont-Saint-Michel. Typically, the winter temperatures in Figueira da Foz in January average around 11°C (51°F), and Mont-Saint-Michel averages at about 5°C (41°F).

Figueira da Foz usually receives more sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel during winter. Figueira da Foz gets 124 hours of sunny skies, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 70 hours of full sun in the winter.

Figueira da Foz gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Figueira da Foz usually receives more rain than Mont-Saint-Michel. Figueira da Foz gets 139 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Figueira da Foz or Mont-Saint-Michel in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Figueira da Foz as well as Mont-Saint-Michel. Also, many travelers come to Mont-Saint-Michel for the natural beauty.

In April, Figueira da Foz is generally a little warmer than Mont-Saint-Michel. Daily temperatures in Figueira da Foz average around 15°C (59°F), and Mont-Saint-Michel fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Figueira da Foz this time of the year. In the spring, Figueira da Foz often gets more sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel. Figueira da Foz gets 217 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 180 hours of full sun.

Figueira da Foz usually gets more rain in April than Mont-Saint-Michel. Figueira da Foz gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Mont-Saint-Michel and Figueira da Foz