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

Should you visit Kotor or Mont-Saint-Michel?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Kotor and Mont-Saint-Michel can help you decide which place is right for you.

Kotor

Kotor is a historic, peaceful, and remote coastal town. It also offers plenty of small town charm and also has plenty of sights and activities. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the beaches, hiking, and food.

Mont-Saint-Michel

Mont-Saint-Michel is a breathtaking, inspiring, and iconic island. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It's also known for food, hiking, and museums.

Kotor and Mont-Saint-Michel: Pros and Cons

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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Kotor. Although Kotor and Mont-Saint-Michel are popular destinations, Kotor has more sights and attractions for tourists. Kotor is very popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere, while Mont-Saint-Michel attracts visitors for its museums. Mont-Saint-Michel is more touristy than Kotor and is known for its Gothic-style abbey and its medieval village that stands at its base. Kotor is famous for its medieval old town and its dramatic setting on the coastline surrounded by limestone cliffs. It is also well known for The Cathedral of Saint Tryphon (Kotor Cathedral).

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

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

Mont-Saint-Michel is a world-class destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Kotor does not have museums and landmarks.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Mont-Saint-Michel that are not to be missed. 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.

Kotor does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Kotor 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.

Kotor has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. Food is fresh and hearty, with many dishes including meats, cheeses, and bread. Popular local dishes include börek, black risotto, and pasulj (a type of baked beans prepared with meats and spices). Seafood is an obvious choice around town as well. Ask for whatever is fresh and enjoy a delicious meal. There are also a number of dessert cafes where you can enjoy pastries at a very affordable price.

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 Kotor or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Nightlife?

Kotor is a coastal town with a few options for nightlife and partying. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is a island with minimal options for its evening party scene.

Kotor is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. It has some of the best nightlife in Montenegro, but outside of the summer months you'll find things are very calm. Head to the old town for the highest concentration of bars and clubs.

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

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

Kotor is a coastal town with a few options for its resorts. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is not a resort destination.

Not known for its high-end resorts, Kotor offers a few options. The town has mostly boutique hotels and apartments, particularly if you want to stay in old town.

Mont-Saint-Michel is not a resort destination.

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

Kotor 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 Kotor. It's possible to book snorkeling trips with a local vendor, or you can pack your own mask and snorkel and venture into the water on your own.

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

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

Kotor is very good for the beache. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Kotor to enjoy the beach. Like many parts of the Mediterranean, the beaches are rocky and pebbly. Many of the beaches are small and quiet, giving them a personal and discovered vibe which many travelers appreciate.

Mont-Saint-Michel is not a beach destination.

Is Kotor or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for its Old Town?

Kotor is a world-class destination for its old town. However, Mont-Saint-Michel does not have a historic old town.

The historic old town of Kotor is revered around the world. The city walls and compact historic area make the old town a unique place to explore.

Mont-Saint-Michel does not have a historic old town.

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

Kotor is a world-class destination for its hiking experiences. Also, Mont-Saint-Michel is still popular, but not quite as popular for hiking.

Many people visit Kotor specifically for its hiking. The dramatic cliffs and sea views create some of the most beautiful coastal hikes that you'll find. Trails range from walking paths to more strenuous routes like the Ladder of Kotor Hike, which has many switchbacks and stunning views.

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

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

Kotor 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 Kotor. Kids will enjoy wandering the streets of old town, exploring the city's fortress, or making their way around the city walls. There are a few beaches to explore, but they are a bit rocky. It's also fun to get out on the water on a boat ride.

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 Kotor or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Couples?

Mont-Saint-Michel is a world-class destination for romance. Also, Kotor is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

For those traveling as a couple, Mont-Saint-Michel 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.

Kotor is a great coastal town if you're traveling as a couple. The charming old town, picturesque views, and quaint personality of the town make this a great couple's get away. Whether you want to lounge on the water's edge or soak up the unique culture, there are many hidden sides to the coastal town.

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

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

Kotor is a great coastal town to visit for backpackers. The town is affordable and reasonably accessible, making it a great option for backpackers. It's not as touristy as some of the more popular coastal towns in the area, so you can enjoy a bit of authenticity without spending big bucks.

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

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

Mont-Saint-Michel is very good for its public transit. However, Kotor is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Mont-Saint-Michel, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There's a free shuttle bus that connects Mont-Saint-Michel to the mainland.

Public transit is mostly limited in Kotor. Cars aren't allowed in the old town, but you can travel to nearby town's by bus. Most leave from the town's main bus station with higher frequency during the summer months.

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

Kotor is a world-class destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Mont-Saint-Michel is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

Getting around Kotor on foot is easy. The old town is best explored on foot.

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

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

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

How long in Kotor or Mont-Saint-Michel?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Kotor or Mont-Saint-Michel to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Kotor than Mont-Saint-Michel because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-4 days is a good amount of time for Kotor, and 1-2 days is enough time in Mont-Saint-Michel.

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

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

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

One day in Kotor or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Even though Kotor is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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.

In Mont-Saint-Michel, many people enjoy the food and museums that this religious destination offers. Lots of people come for the museums. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Kotor or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Kotor is a small town where visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and food. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Mont-Saint-Michel. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Kotor or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Kotor is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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.

Mont-Saint-Michel is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the destination of Mont-Saint-Michel. Lots of people come for the museums. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Kotor or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Kotor is a popular choice for travelers. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This coastal town 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.

You'll find museums and food around the inspiring destination of Mont-Saint-Michel. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the museums. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Montenegro, The Best Budget Tours to Montenegro, The Best River Cruises in France, and The Best Bicycle Tours in France.

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

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

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

Kotor has a larger population, and is about 70 times larger than the population of Mont-Saint-Michel. When comparing the sizes of Kotor 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.

When is the best time to visit Kotor or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Kotor or Mont-Saint-Michel in the Summer?

Both Mont-Saint-Michel and Kotor are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Kotor because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Mont-Saint-Michel this time of year.

In the summer, Kotor is a little warmer than Mont-Saint-Michel. Typically, the summer temperatures in Kotor in July average around 26°C (80°F), and Mont-Saint-Michel averages at about 19°C (65°F).

It's quite sunny in Mont-Saint-Michel. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kotor. Kotor usually receives more sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel during summer. Kotor gets 341 hours of sunny skies, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 246 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Kotor usually receives more rain than Mont-Saint-Michel. Kotor gets 47 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Kotor or Mont-Saint-Michel in the Autumn?

Both Mont-Saint-Michel and Kotor during the autumn are popular places to visit. The hiking trails, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Kotor this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Mont-Saint-Michel for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Kotor is generally a little warmer than Mont-Saint-Michel. Daily temperatures in Kotor average around 17°C (63°F), and Mont-Saint-Michel fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

It's quite sunny in Kotor. In the autumn, Kotor often gets more sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel. Kotor gets 203 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 134 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kotor. Kotor usually gets more rain in October than Mont-Saint-Michel. Kotor gets 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kotor or Mont-Saint-Michel in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Kotor and Mont-Saint-Michel. Many travelers come to Kotor for the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Mont-Saint-Michel in the winter for the museums and the cuisine.

Kotor is a little warmer than Mont-Saint-Michel in the winter. The daily temperature in Kotor averages around 6°C (42°F) in January, and Mont-Saint-Michel fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Kotor usually receives more sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel during winter. Kotor gets 121 hours of sunny skies, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 70 hours of full sun in the winter.

Kotor gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Kotor usually receives more rain than Mont-Saint-Michel. Kotor gets 186 mm (7.3 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Kotor or Mont-Saint-Michel in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Kotor as well as Mont-Saint-Michel. Many visitors come to Kotor in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Additionally, most visitors come to Mont-Saint-Michel for the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Kotor is a little warmer than Mont-Saint-Michel. Typically, the spring temperatures in Kotor in April average around 14°C (58°F), and Mont-Saint-Michel averages at about 10°C (50°F).

In the spring, Kotor often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Mont-Saint-Michel. Kotor gets 194 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 180 hours of full sun.

Kotor receives a lot of rain in the spring. Kotor usually gets more rain in April than Mont-Saint-Michel. Kotor gets 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Mont-Saint-Michel and Kotor