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

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 and shopping.

Ios and Montpellier: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular beach
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Cons
  • Less family-friendly
Pros
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty


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.

Is Ios or Montpellier Better for Beaches?

Ios
Montpellier

For a relaxing beach holiday, both Ios and Montpellier are good choices.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Ios. 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 a very popular place to visit for its 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 Ios or Montpellier Better for Shopping?

Ios
Montpellier

Both Ios and Montpellier are good shopping destinations.

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.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Montpellier. Head to Rue de la Loge for some of the city's best shopping.

Is Ios or Montpellier Better for Families?

Ios
Montpellier

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Ios or Montpellier.

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.

Montpellier is a family-friendly island. 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 Ios or Montpellier Better for Couples?

Ios
Montpellier

With fun activities for couples, both Ios and Montpellier make for a good 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
Montpellier

Both Ios and Montpellier are popular destinations for backpackers.

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.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Montpellier. With a young population and a number of hostels to choose from, Montpellier attracts its share of backpackers.


Is Ios or Montpellier Better for Public Transit?

Ios
Montpellier

Both Ios and Montpellier offer 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?

Ios
Montpellier

Ios and Montpellier both are comparable when exploring on foot.

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

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.

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. You can spend similar amounts of time exploring each one.

The ideal length of time for a trip to Ios is 1-3 days, and the ideal length of time for a trip to Montpellier is 1-3 days.


  • How many days in Ios or Montpellier? Ideal Length of Stay
    Ios 1-3 
    Montpellier 1-3

One day in Ios or Montpellier?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the touristy 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 shopping around the historic 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 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 beautiful 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. 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.

Which city is cheaper, Montpellier or Ios?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Ios is €73, while the average daily cost in Montpellier is €84. 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 city. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Ios and Montpellier in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Ios 31
    Montpellier 45
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Ios 62
    Montpellier 90
Compare Hotels in Ios and Montpellier

Looking for a hotel in Ios 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 Ios


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: Ios Hotel Prices and Montpellier Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Ios 13
    Montpellier 21

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montpellier

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Montpellier:

  • Departure Transfer Montpellier to Montpellier Airport MPL by Private Vehicle: $26
  • Private Transfer: Montpellier Airport (MPL) to Montpellier: $62
  • Private Transfer: Montpellier to Montpellier Airport (MPL): $62
  • Montpellier Private Transfer from Montpellier city centre to Montpellier Airport: $84
  • Transfer Montpelier Airport to Nimes City or Nimes Airport: $224
  • Transfer Montpelier Airport to Avignon: $411

Is it cheaper to fly into Ios or Montpellier?

Prices for flights to both Montpellier and Ios 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
    Ios 26
    Montpellier 25

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Montpellier

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Montpellier.

  • Montpellier countryside dinner with local food & wine: $81
  • Vintage private wine and food tour from Montpellier: $180

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Ios 21
    Montpellier 9.71

Tours and Activities in Ios

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Ios are as follows:

  • Ios Speed Boat Adventure: $54
  • From Ios to Sikinos Island & Winery Tour: $96
  • Half Day Sunset Sailboat tour (afternoon): $210

Tours and Activities in Montpellier

Here are a few actual costs in Montpellier for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Private Montpellier Ghost Tour: Haunted City Center Exploration Game: $4.96
  • Noilly Prat Vermouth Cellar Tour and Tastings in Marseillan: $22
  • Montpellier Self-Guided Walking Tour with Qula City Trails: $36
  • Vermouth and Gastronomy Tasting Tour in Marseillan: $39
  • Montpelier Discovery : Big Historic Tour - 1h30: $50
  • Segway Tour of the Old and New Montpellier: $62
  • the winetour from montpellier to pic saint loup: $68
  • Small-Group Half-Day Languedoc Wine and Olive Tour from Montpellier: $73
  • Taste of Montpellier Food and Sighseeing Tour: $81
  • Small-Group Half-Day Languedoc Wine and Oyster Tour from Montpellier: $86
  • Pic Saint Loup Winetour & food: $100
  • Private day tour to Sète and Bouzigues : culture, food & wine: $111

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Ios 26
    Montpellier 12

Sample the Local Flavors in Montpellier

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Montpellier:

  • Hike to the top of "Pic Saint Loup" and a wine tasting: $68
  • Small-Group Half-Day Languedoc Pic Saint-Loup Wine Tour from Montpellier: $81
  • Small-Group Half-Day Châteaux of Montpellier Wine Tour: $81
  • Private tour: Exclusive Wine Tour in Languedoc from Montpellier: $336


When comparing the travel costs between Ios and Montpellier, we can see that Montpellier 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.

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Ios vs. Montpellier Travel Comparison

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