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

Should you visit Heraklion or Montpellier?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Heraklion and Montpellier 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.

Heraklion

Heraklion is a accessible, bustling, and historic city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include food, beaches, and shopping.

Montpellier

Montpellier is a historic, vibrant, and bustling city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the nightlife, food, and beaches.

Heraklion and Montpellier: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Heraklion or Montpellier?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Heraklion than Montpellier. While Montpellier is larger than Heraklion, Heraklion has more sights and attractions for tourists. Heraklion is more popular for its food, nightlife, and big city activities, while Montpellier is known for its historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty. Heraklion is more touristy than Montpellier and is popular for its archeological sights, local Cretan restaurants, and its vibrant nightlife scene. It is also home to The Palace of Knossos. Montpellier is popular for its relaxed atmosphere, grand boulevards, and authentic personality.

How is Heraklion different from Montpellier?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Heraklion and Montpellier.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Heraklion. The city is filled with historical sights and archeological ruins. The impressive Palace of Knossos is a must-see, but also make sure you visit the Koules Fortress, the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, and the Natural History Museum of Crete.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Montpellier. 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 Heraklion or Montpellier? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Heraklion is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Montpellier is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Heraklion is an experience not to be missed. The city is home to countless Cretan restaurants that range in style and budget. There are fine dining restaurants as well as local dives with casual street food. The restaurants reflect the island's multi-cultural past with many styles and flavors available.

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 Heraklion or Montpellier Better for Nightlife?

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

The people in Heraklion know how to have a good time. The city has some of the best nightlife on the island of Crete. There are many all-night clubs as well as bars that stay open until 2 or 3 in the morning. In particular, there are many British tourists hanging out at the clubs and bars.

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 Heraklion or Montpellier Better for Beaches?

Both Heraklion and Montpellier are considered to be very good beach destinations.

The beaches at Heraklion attract visitors from all over. You'll find world-class beaches just outside of town, if you're willing to explore a little. Agia Pelagia Beach is about half an hour away and Limanakia Beach is also not a bad day trip. If you want to stay closer to town, head to nearby Amnissos Beach.

Many people visit Montpellier for it's beautiful 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.

Is Heraklion or Montpellier Better for its Old Town?

Montpellier is a world-class destination for its old town. However, Heraklion does not have a historic old town.

The historic old town of Montpellier is revered around the world. 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.

Heraklion does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Heraklion or Montpellier?

Montpellier is a very popular place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Heraklion is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Montpellier is well-known for its shopping. Head to Rue de la Loge for some of the city's best shopping.

Many visitors go to Heraklion to go shopping. There are a number of unique shops around town that sell everything from traditional pottery to homemade jewelry.

Is Heraklion or Montpellier Better for Families?

Both Heraklion and Montpellier are good to visit with kids.

Heraklion is a family-friendly city. In town you'll find many historical and educational sights such as the Palace of Knossos, the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, and the Koules Venetian fortress. Kids will also enjoy walking the Venetian Walls that are in town. If you're willing to head a bit outside of town, in about half an hour you can reach the Cretaquarium, Dinosauria Park, or Acqua Plus Water Park.

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 Heraklion or Montpellier Better for Couples?

Both Heraklion and Montpellier are very good destinations for a couple's getaway.

Heraklion makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Most couples head outside of town to other parts of the island, but those who linger in town for a while will enjoy world-class museums and fascinating archeological sights.

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.

Is Heraklion or Montpellier Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Heraklion and Montpellier are both very good destinations for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Heraklion. The city is filled with budget-friendly hostels that often have a social atmosphere and a fun vibe.

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.

Is Heraklion or Montpellier Better for Students?

Montpellier is a world-class destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Heraklion is not popular with students.

Montpellier is a very popular city 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.

Heraklion is not popular with students.

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

Montpellier is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Heraklion is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Montpellier has some very good public transit options. There are a number of options for getting around town including the tramway, bus, and tourist train.

You'll find some public transit in Heraklion, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. KTEL buses travel both within town and to nearby villages.

Is Heraklion or Montpellier a more walkable city?

Heraklion and Montpellier are very good when it comes to walkability.

Heraklion is a very walkable city. Many parts of the town are walkable and doing a walking tour is a great way to see many of the city's sights.

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 Heraklion Worth Visiting? and Is Montpellier Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Montpellier or Heraklion?

How long in Heraklion or Montpellier?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Heraklion and Montpellier. In our opinion, Montpellier has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Montpellier than Heraklion. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Couples should spend more time in Montpellier than Heraklion. 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 Heraklion 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 Heraklion or Montpellier?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the accessible city of Heraklion. It's also a great beach destination, too. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Montpellier. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Montpellier has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Heraklion or Montpellier?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the accessible destination of Heraklion. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the friendly destination of Montpellier. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Heraklion or Montpellier?

The bustling city of Heraklion offers shopping and museums. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the historic city of Montpellier. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a great beach destination, too. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Heraklion or Montpellier?

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

Montpellier is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Greece, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Greece, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France, and The Best 2-Week Tours in France.

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

Which is Bigger, Heraklion or Montpellier?

Montpellier has a larger population, and is about 81% larger than the population of Heraklion. When comparing the sizes of Heraklion 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 Heraklion 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 Heraklion or Montpellier in the Summer?

Both Montpellier and Heraklion during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Heraklion this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Montpellier for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Heraklion is a little warmer than Montpellier. Typically, the summer temperatures in Heraklion in July average around 25°C (78°F), and Montpellier averages at about 23°C (73°F).

In Montpellier, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Heraklion. In the summer, Heraklion often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Montpellier. Heraklion gets 366 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montpellier receives 351 hours of full sun.

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

Should I visit Heraklion or Montpellier in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Heraklion and Montpellier. Many travelers come to Heraklion for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Furthermore, many visitors come to Montpellier in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Heraklion is generally a little warmer than Montpellier. Daily temperatures in Heraklion average around 20°C (68°F), and Montpellier fluctuates around 15°C (60°F).

Heraklion usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Montpellier during autumn. Heraklion gets 199 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, Heraklion usually receives less rain than Montpellier. Heraklion gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Heraklion or Montpellier in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Heraklion as well as Montpellier. Many visitors come to Heraklion in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Montpellier for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Heraklion is much warmer than Montpellier in the winter. The daily temperature in Heraklion averages around 12°C (54°F) in January, and Montpellier fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

In the winter, Heraklion often gets less sunshine than Montpellier. Heraklion gets 121 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montpellier receives 147 hours of full sun.

Heraklion usually gets more rain in January than Montpellier. Heraklion gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Heraklion or Montpellier in the Spring?

Both Montpellier and Heraklion are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Heraklion for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Montpellier because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Heraklion is a little warmer than Montpellier. Typically, the spring temperatures in Heraklion in April average around 16°C (61°F), and Montpellier averages at about 13°C (55°F).

It's quite sunny in Montpellier. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Heraklion. Heraklion usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Montpellier during spring. Heraklion gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Montpellier receives 230 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Heraklion usually receives less rain than Montpellier. Heraklion gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Montpellier and Heraklion