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

Should you visit Kos 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 Kos 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.

Kos

Kos is a vibrant, beautiful, and ancient island. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Mont-Saint-Michel

Mont-Saint-Michel is a iconic, religious, and historic island. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include food, hiking, and museums.

Kos and Mont-Saint-Michel: Pros and Cons

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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Kos. Although Kos and Mont-Saint-Michel are popular destinations, Kos has more sights and attractions for tourists. Mont-Saint-Michel is more touristy than Kos and is popular for its Gothic-style abbey and its medieval village that stands at its base. Kos is famous for its sandy beaches and crystal clear blue water. It is also well known for Asklepieion Archeological Site.

How is Kos 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 Kos. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

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

Spend time exploring the amazing sights and museums in either Kos or Mont-Saint-Michel.

Travelers visit Kos from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. The small island is packed with archaeological sites and interesting history. Famous places worth visiting include the ruins of Asklepion, the ancient Agora, Roman Odeon, Neratzia Castle, and so many more!

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.

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

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

Kos has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The cuisine relies heavily on locally harvested ingredients with many dishes featuring cheese, seafood, vegetables, olive oil, and potatoes. The dishes are influenced by Italian and Turkish cuisines and common dishes include moussaka, souvlaki and tzatziki. Popular seafood options are prawns, squid, lobster and octopus. A great way to enjoy a sampling of local dishes is to visit an ouzeri, which is a Greek taverna that serves mezza style meals with small dishes that you can share.

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 Kos or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Nightlife?

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

The people in Kos know how to have a good time. For such a small island you'll find a huge party scene during the peak summer months. There are almost nightly parties, beach raves, and late night clubs throughout the summer months. The bars and clubs are mostly concentrated around a couple of streets in the center of Kos Town, but Kardamena is also a lively party area. It's popular with British tourists who head here for the all-night clubs.

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

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

Kos is very good for its resorts. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is not a resort destination.

With a selection of resorts, Kos makes a nice vacation spot. It's a smaller island and there aren't as many resorts here as there are on some of the larger Greek islands. Some of the best resort areas include Lamp and Psalidi to the northwest, Tigaki on the west coast (a good option for families), as well as Mastihari and Marmari which both have relaxed atmospheres. The younger crowd often hangs out around Kardemena on the east coast.

Mont-Saint-Michel is not a resort destination.

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

Kos is a world-class destination for its diving and snorkeling. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

The scuba diving and snorkeling in Kos is not to be missed. There are countless snorkeling sports around the island where you can immerse yourself in the undersea world. Popular snorkeling areas include Camel Beach and Limnionas Beach. Make sure you understand the water conditions before heading into the water.

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

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

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

With world-famous beaches, Kos is a very popular vacation destination. The island is famous for its beautiful beaches, many of which are sandy with various shades of color. There are touristy beaches with plenty of amenities as well as less frequented beaches that offer a quieter and more remote atmosphere. Some of the most visited beaches on the island include Agios Stefanos, Kardamena, Kefalos and Lambi while some of the more peaceful areas are Cavo Paradiso and Helona Beach.

Mont-Saint-Michel is not a beach destination.

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

Both Kos and Mont-Saint-Michel are destinations which offer nice hiking.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Kos. This is a great walking island with a number of easy walks or hikes that take you along the coastline or through interesting landscapes.

Mont-Saint-Michel offers some nice hiking trails. There's a 4.2 mile out and back trail that can be walked in about 1.5 hours.

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

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

Kos offers some nice shopping areas. There are a number of traditional items that you can pick up while you're in town. Fun souvenirs include jewelry, leather items, and perfumes.

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

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

Kos is very good for its family-friendly activities. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is a island with minimal options for its kid-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Kos. It's comparable to other Greek islands when it comes to kids' activities. Kos Town can get a bit lively at night so if you want to avoid the party crowds, then those areas are easily avoided. Popular activities include exploring ancient ruins, going to the Kos Archaeological Museum, visiting The Castle of the Knights, and of course, hanging out at the beach. One of the best family-friendly resort areas is Tigaki along the west coast.

For families, Mont-Saint-Michel is not always the best place to visit. 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 Kos or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Couples?

Mont-Saint-Michel is very popular for romance. Also, Kos is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Mont-Saint-Michel is a great island for couples, as it has plenty to offer. 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.

Couples visit Kos frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. This small island offers beautiful beaches and plenty of ancient ruins to explore. Kos Town is where you'll find the liveliest atmosphere but for some of the best resorts you'll want to stay in one of the resort suburbs like Lampi or Psalidi.

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

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

Kos is a great island to visit for backpackers. It's a small island but has a few hostels and a variety of apartments available for rent. Despite its small size, there are areas where you'll want to have a car if you wish to explore, but if you stay in town you'll find getting around fairly easy. The island attracts its share of young travelers and you'll find plenty of people to hang out with.

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

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

Kos 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.

Kos has some very good public transit options. Buses connect many of the tourist destinations including beaches, cultural sights, are resort areas.

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 Kos or Mont-Saint-Michel a more walkable city?

Kos and Mont-Saint-Michel are superb when it comes to walkability.

Kos is very walkable. It's small size means it's possible to explore parts of the island on foot or bicycle. There are some beautiful walks on the island, but some areas will require a car or bus.

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

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

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

How long in Kos or Mont-Saint-Michel?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Kos or Mont-Saint-Michel to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Kos than Mont-Saint-Michel because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Kos, and 1-2 days is enough time in Mont-Saint-Michel.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Kos 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 Kos.

One day in Kos or Mont-Saint-Michel?

With shopping and museums around the destination of Kos, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It offers something for everyone.

With food and museums around the inspiring 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 Kos or Mont-Saint-Michel?

With museums and nightlife around the ancient island of Kos, 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 Kos or Mont-Saint-Michel?

With nightlife and food around the cultural destination of Kos, there's plenty to do. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. If you have five days, this island makes for a great vacation. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here.

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 Kos or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Kos is a popular choice for travelers. Most people come for the beaches. 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 2-Week Tours from Athens, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Greece, The Best River Cruises in France, and The Best Bicycle Tours in France.

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

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

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

Kos has a larger population, and is about 240 times larger than the population of Mont-Saint-Michel. When comparing the sizes of Kos 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.