A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Ios vs. Mont-Saint-Michel for Attractions, Couples, Backpackers, and Food

Should you visit Ios or Mont-Saint-Michel?

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

Should I visit Ios or Mont-Saint-Michel? 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.

Ios

Ios is a vibrant, beautiful, and striking island. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Mont-Saint-Michel

Mont-Saint-Michel is a historic, breathtaking, and inspiring island. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the hiking, museums, and food.

Ios and Mont-Saint-Michel: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ios or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Ios than Mont-Saint-Michel, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Ios is better known for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Mont-Saint-Michel is more popular for its museums and impressive beauty. Mont-Saint-Michel is more touristy than Ios and is known for its Gothic-style abbey and its medieval village that stands at its base. Ios is well known for its party hard atmosphere that attracts a younger and rowdier crowd. Also, Ios is famous for Skarkos Archeological Site.

How is Ios different from Mont-Saint-Michel?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Mont-Saint-Michel and Ios. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Ios or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Mont-Saint-Michel is very popular for its sights and museums. Also, Ios is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its museums and history.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Mont-Saint-Michel are among the most recognizable in the world. Visitors come to see the iconic Abbaye du Mont Saint-Michel which has been the inspiration for tourists and religious pilgrims for centuries. Make sure you see the Ramparts and La Grande Rue.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Ios. If you can pull yourself away from the beaches or parties, there are a number of archaeological and historic sights around the island. Churches like Panayia Gremiotissa Church and Evangelisimos Cathedral are worth visiting. Other attractions include Odysseas Elytis Theatre, Homer’s Tomb, and Skarkos Hill.

Is the Food Better in Ios or Mont-Saint-Michel? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Ios is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Mont-Saint-Michel is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Ios. Most of the island's restaurants are found in the port area or in the town of Chora, but you'll also find several options near Mylopotas Beach. Most restaurants offer typical Greek dishes, but they often have a local twist. You'll often find local cheeses or a slightly different take on an old favorite. Popular ingredients include cheese, yogurt, fish, olives, honey, olive oil, and grains. Common meats include lamb, beef, and even rabbit, but seafood is obviously popular as well.

Mont-Saint-Michel is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are a number of local restaurants to choose from that serve authentic French cuisine including the pre-salted sheep, which is a local specialty.

Is Ios or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Nightlife?

Ios is a world-class destination for nightlife and partying. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is a island with minimal options for its evening party scene.

People head to Ios just to party. This is one of the quintessential party islands in Greece. Many young backpackers come here just to party, particularly during the summer months. You'll find many parties start around midnight or later and carry on well into the morning. Most of the clubs and bars are around the main square and nearby streets in Chora, but there are also clubs spread throughout the town. Outside of town, Mylopotas Beach is another popular party area.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Mont-Saint-Michel Most people visit the island as a daytrip and nightlife is essentially nonexistent.

Is Ios or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Resorts?

Ios is a great destination for its resorts. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is not a resort destination.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Ios. There are a number of resort areas around the island with families preferring the areas around Yialos Beach and Manganari Beach. Partiers usually head to Chora and the great beaches near Mylopotas, but if you want to escape the crowds, head to Agia Theodoti.

Mont-Saint-Michel is not a resort destination.

Is Ios or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Ios is very good for its diving and snorkeling. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in Ios. There are some nice snorkeling and diving areas around the island as well as vendors who organize snorkeling and dive trips.

Mont-Saint-Michel is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Ios or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Beaches?

Ios is a world-class destination for the beache. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is not a beach destination.

With world-famous beaches, Ios is a very popular vacation destination. The island has beautiful sandy beaches that range from family-friendly to party hard. There are popular and more developed beaches near Chora like Koumbara and Mylopotas as well as more relaxing beaches a little more removed like Kalamos and Manganari. Because of their striking beauty, the beaches around the island have been featured in a few films.

Mont-Saint-Michel is not a beach destination.

Is Ios or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Hiking?

If you're looking to go hiking, Ios and Mont-Saint-Michel both have notable trails.

Ios is a good destination for hiking. The island has a barren and rocky landscape that offers spectacular views. Many of the hikes are quite challenging, but there are a few options for beginners as well. Many also pass by the spectacular ruins around the island.

Many people include a hike when visiting Mont-Saint-Michel. There's a 4.2 mile out and back trail that can be walked in about 1.5 hours.

Is the Shopping Better in Ios or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Ios is very good for its shopping opportunities. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Ios offers some nice shopping areas. There are a number of local souvenirs that you can pick up. Many visitors prefer to take home unique items such as a tin of olives or olive oil. Jewelry, honey, and local ceramics also make good gifts.

Mont-Saint-Michel is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Ios or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Families?

Most people don't think of either Ios or Mont-Saint-Michel as a family destination.

Ios is not the most family-friendly destination. While the island is known as one of the top party destinations in Greece, it also has a more cultural side. There are impressive archaeological ruins and stunning beaches that kids will enjoy. The island also has snorkeling and plenty of kid-friendly food. Some of the best family-friendly beaches are in Manganari Bay and Yialos Beach is a nice family-friendly area.

Mont-Saint-Michel is not always a place people visit with their families. Kids may enjoy a horse drawn carriage ride or exploring the grounds, but it can make for a long day for kids with short attention spans.

Is Ios or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Couples?

Mont-Saint-Michel is very popular for its romantic activities. Also, Ios is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for couples.

Mont-Saint-Michel makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. It's a stunning setting and makes a romantic backdrop for a couples holiday, whether it's part of a longer trip to France or a short weekend away.

Ios makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Because it's so close to Santorini, many people visit as a day trip. While the island is synonymous with partying, there are still many world-class archaeological sites and romantic beaches that make for an active and fun honeymoon. It's a bit quieter outside of the peak summer months.

Is Ios or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ios is a world-class destination for backpackers. Also, Mont-Saint-Michel is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Ios. For many backpackers, partying in Ios is a quintessential European experience. Nights are spent at all night clubs or beach raves, while days are spent nursing a hangover on the beach. There are plenty of venues that cater to the budget crowd, with cheap food available at different places.

It's common for backpackers to visit Mont-Saint-Michel. You'll find a couple of hostels an cheap hotels in the area.

Is Ios or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Ios is a great destination for its public transit. Also, Mont-Saint-Michel is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Ios has some very good public transit options. There are public buses that travel to most of the tourist sights around the island including several of the more remote beaches like Manganari and Agia Theodoti.

While Mont-Saint-Michel offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's a free shuttle bus that connects Mont-Saint-Michel to the mainland.

Is Ios or Mont-Saint-Michel a more walkable city?

Mont-Saint-Michel is notable for its high level of walkability. Also, Ios is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its ease of walking around.

Mont-Saint-Michel is a very walkable island. There are many stunning walks in the area.

Ios is a somewhat walkable island. Chora is the most walkable part of the island.

For even more information, also check out Is Ios Worth Visiting? and Is Mont-Saint-Michel Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Mont-Saint-Michel or Ios?

How long in Ios or Mont-Saint-Michel?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Ios or Mont-Saint-Michel to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Ios than Mont-Saint-Michel because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Ios, and 1-2 days is enough time in Mont-Saint-Michel.

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

Couples should spend more time in Ios than Mont-Saint-Michel. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Ios that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Ios than Mont-Saint-Michel 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 Ios.

One day in Ios or Mont-Saint-Michel?

With shopping and museums around the destination of Ios, there's plenty to do. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. One day is often enough time to do most activities. It offers something for everyone.

With food and museums around the iconic destination of Mont-Saint-Michel, there's plenty to do. One of the main draws to the area is the museums. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A weekend in Ios or Mont-Saint-Michel?

With museums and nightlife around the touristy island of Ios, there's plenty to do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here.

Many people visit Mont-Saint-Michel for a weekend. With museums and food around the breathtaking island of Mont-Saint-Michel, there's plenty to do. One of the main draws to the area is the museums. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Five days in Ios or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the beautiful destination of Ios. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

The destination of Mont-Saint-Michel offers food and museums. It offers something for everyone. One of the main draws to the area is the museums. Five days 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.

A week in Ios or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Ios is a popular choice for travelers. It's also a relaxing resort destination. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Mont-Saint-Michel, a popular island, is full of activities for travelers. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Greece, The Best 3-Day Tours in Greece, The Best River Cruises in France, and The Best Bicycle Tours in France.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ios and Mont-Saint-Michel, we can see that Mont-Saint-Michel is more expensive. And not only is Ios much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Ios would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Ios 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 Ios.

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

Which is Bigger, Ios or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Ios has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Mont-Saint-Michel. When comparing the sizes of Ios 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.