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

Should you visit Ios or Montpellier?

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

Should I visit Ios or Montpellier? 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 beautiful, striking, and touristy island. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

Montpellier

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

Ios and Montpellier: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ios or Montpellier?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Ios. Although Ios and Montpellier are both popular with visitors, Ios has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Ios is more popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking, while Montpellier is known for its museums, historical sights, and shopping. Ios is more touristy than Montpellier and is known for its party hard atmosphere that attracts a younger and rowdier crowd. It is also home to Skarkos Archeological Site. Montpellier is popular for its relaxed atmosphere, grand boulevards, and authentic personality.

How is Ios different from Montpellier?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Montpellier 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 Montpellier?

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

Montpellier offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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 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 Montpellier? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Ios 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 Ios is an experience not to be missed. 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.

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 Ios or Montpellier Better for Nightlife?

Ios is an unbeatable place for its evening party scene. Also, Montpellier is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

The nightlife in Ios is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. 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.

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 Ios or Montpellier Better for Resorts?

Ios is a great destination for its resorts. However, Montpellier is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Ios to choose from. 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.

Montpellier is not a resort destination.

Is Ios or Montpellier Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Ios 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 Ios. There are some nice snorkeling and diving areas around the island as well as vendors who organize snorkeling and dive trips.

Montpellier is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Ios or Montpellier Better for Beaches?

Ios is an unbeatable place for the beach. Also, Montpellier is still popular, but not quite as popular for its beaches.

Ios offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. 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.

Montpellier is considered a top beach destination. 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 Ios or Montpellier Better for its Old Town?

Montpellier is very popular for its old town. However, Ios does not have a historic old town.

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.

Ios does not have a historic old town.

Is Ios or Montpellier Better for Hiking?

Ios is a good destination for its hiking experiences. However, Montpellier is not a hiking destination.

Ios offers some nice hiking trails. 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.

Montpellier is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ios or Montpellier?

Montpellier is notable for its shopping opportunities. Also, Ios is not as famous, but is still a good island 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.

Ios has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. 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.

Is Ios or Montpellier Better for Families?

Montpellier is a popular place for its family-friendly activities. However, Ios is a mediocre island for its kid-friendly activities.

Montpellier is a family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Ios is not always a place people visit with their families. 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.

Is Ios or Montpellier Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Ios and Montpellier make for a superb place to visit.

Ios is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

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

Is Ios or Montpellier Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ios is an unbeatable place for backpackers. Also, Montpellier is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Ios is a very popular island to visit for backpackers. 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.

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.

Is Ios or Montpellier Better for Students?

Montpellier is very popular for students. However, Ios is not popular with students.

Many students frequent 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.

Ios is not popular with students.

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

Both Ios and Montpellier offer superb public transit options.

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.

The public transit in Montpellier can get you to most places easily. There are a number of options for getting around town including the tramway, bus, and tourist train.

Is Ios or Montpellier a more walkable city?

Montpellier 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.

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

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 Montpellier Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Montpellier or Ios?

How long in Ios or Montpellier?

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

Families should spend more time in Montpellier than Ios. 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 Ios than Montpellier. 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 Montpellier 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 Montpellier?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the backpacker-friendly island of Ios. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this island has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

With nightlife and food around the friendly destination of Montpellier, there's plenty to do. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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 Montpellier?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the backpacker-friendly destination of Ios. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This island 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.

Many people visit Montpellier for a weekend. With food and shopping around the historic city of Montpellier, there's plenty to do. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Five days in Ios or Montpellier?

The party-oriented island of Ios offers museums and nightlife. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

The destination of Montpellier offers shopping and museums. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. 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 Montpellier?

Many people enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting Ios. 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.

Montpellier, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 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 Ios and Montpellier, we can see that Montpellier 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 Montpellier would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Montpellier 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 Montpellier Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Ios or Montpellier?

Montpellier has a larger population, and is about 140 times larger than the population of Ios. When comparing the sizes of Ios 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.