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

Should you visit Montpellier or Crete?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Montpellier and Crete. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Montpellier

Montpellier is a bustling, beautiful, and friendly city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include beaches, shopping, and museums.

Crete

Crete is a world-renowned, scenic, and stunning island. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

Montpellier and Crete: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Montpellier or Crete?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Crete than Montpellier. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Crete is very popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking, while Montpellier attracts visitors for its historical sights and shopping. Crete is more touristy than Montpellier and is known for its breathtaking beaches, wild nightlife, and impressive archeological ruins. It is also well known for the Palace of Knossos. Montpellier is famous for its relaxed atmosphere, grand boulevards, and authentic personality.

How is Montpellier different from Crete?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Crete and Montpellier. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Montpellier or Crete?

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Montpellier or Crete.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Montpellier. With such a long history, the city has many landmarks and monuments. Also make sure you visit Musée Fabre and Saint-Pierre Cathedral.

Crete offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The island is filled with archeological sites including the famous Palace of Knossos. While most people come to Crete for the natural beauty, in the cities you'll find some great museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Montpellier or Crete? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Crete is an unbeatable place for its restaurant scene. Also, Montpellier is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eat your way through Crete, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Local cuisine is influenced by the island's fertile environment and excellent agriculture. You'll find olive oil in most dishes and seafood is a major staple. You'll also find a lot of stews and recipes that incorporate local ingredients.

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 Montpellier or Crete Better for Nightlife?

Crete is a great destination for its evening party scene. Also, Montpellier is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

The people in Crete know how to have a good time. The island has excellent nightlife with clubs and bars found in Chania, Malia and Stalis to Elounda. The area is popular with British tourists and you'll find many bars open until 2 or 3 in the morning.

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 Montpellier or Crete Better for Resorts?

Crete is an unbeatable place for its resorts. However, Montpellier is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Crete for its luxury resorts. The island has world class resorts that include pools and buffet meals. There are many beachfront resorts that range in style from romantic to family-friendly.

Montpellier is not a resort destination.

Is Montpellier or Crete Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Crete is a great destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Montpellier is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are many scuba diving and snorkeling spots near Crete. The island is surrounded by clear waters that make for great snorkeling and diving. There's a number of beautiful fish and other sea life that you can see. Be on the lookout for crabs, sea stars, sponges, and even octopi.

Montpellier is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Montpellier or Crete Better for Beaches?

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

Crete offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. There are some of the best beaches in the world on Crete. The areas around Chania have some of the island's best beaches, with one of the most beautiful being Balos. On the northern side of the island, be on the lookout for strong winds, particularly in August, which can make for larger waves. The island is large, so you'll find everything from secluded and quiet beaches to more active and lively places.

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 Montpellier or Crete Better for its Old Town?

Montpellier is an amazing city to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Crete does not have a historic old town.

Montpellier offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. 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.

Crete does not have a historic old town.

Is Montpellier or Crete Better for Hiking?

Crete is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Montpellier is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Crete. The island is filled with beautiful hikes that run along the shoreline or head inland through the island's beautiful landscapes. There are hikes for every ability level that offer spectacular views and an incredible experience.

Montpellier is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Montpellier or Crete?

Montpellier is well known for its shopping areas. Also, Crete is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Montpellier. Head to Rue de la Loge for some of the city's best shopping.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Crete. The island has many markets that sell local foods and handicrafts. There are also shops and boutiques where you can buy anything from souvenirs to homemade artwork.

Is Montpellier or Crete Better for Families?

Crete is an unbeatable place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Montpellier is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Crete is very family-friendly. The island is large and filled with countless family-friendly activities. You can spend several days at the beach, explore Lake Kournas, visit a water park, or even take a pirate themed boat cruise. There's also the amusement park, ​​Labyrinth Park, aquariums and more.

Montpellier offers lots of family activities. 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 Montpellier or Crete Better for Couples?

Crete is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Montpellier is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Crete is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. It's stunning beaches, beautiful landscapes, world renowned restaurants, and amazing resorts make this a top honeymoon spot for international travelers and romance seekers.

Montpellier is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. Rich in history and beautiful architecture, this city offers a romantic setting for a great couple's getaway.

Is Montpellier or Crete Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Montpellier and Crete are superb places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Montpellier is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. With a young population and a number of hostels to choose from, Montpellier attracts its share of backpackers.

Crete is very popular with the backpacker crowd. It's a large island with a great social scene and no shortage of hostels for backpackers to choose from.

Is Montpellier or Crete Better for Students?

Montpellier is an amazing city to visit for students. Also, Crete is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

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.

Crete is very popular with students. It's affordability and great coastal activities is a big draw for students in the area.

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

Montpellier is well known for its public transit. Also, Crete is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Montpellier offers a very effecient public transportation network. There are a number of options for getting around town including the tramway, bus, and tourist train.

While Crete offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's a decent bus system that travels around the island and offers access to many areas.

Is Montpellier or Crete a more walkable city?

Montpellier is well known for its ease of walking around. However, Crete is not particularly known for its walkability.

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.

Crete is generally not a very walkable city. The island is large and requires a vehicle to get around, but there are short strolls that let you enjoy the stunning landscapes.

For even more information, also check out Is Montpellier Worth Visiting? and Is Crete Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Crete or Montpellier?

How long in Montpellier or Crete?

Both Montpellier and Crete have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Crete than in Montpellier. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Montpellier, and 5-7 days is enough time in Crete.

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

Couples should spend more time in Crete than Montpellier. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Crete that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

One day in Montpellier or Crete?

In Montpellier, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this vibrant destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the scenic island of Crete. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Montpellier or Crete?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Montpellier. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the stunning destination of Crete. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This island offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Montpellier or Crete?

Montpellier is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Montpellier. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the breathtaking island of Crete. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Montpellier or Crete?

You'll find food and shopping around the vibrant destination of Montpellier. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Crete. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this island.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France, The Best 2-Week Tours in France, The Best Contiki Tours to Greece, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Greece.

When comparing the travel costs between Montpellier and Crete, 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.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Montpellier Expensive? and Is Crete Expensive?.

Which has a larger population, Montpellier or Crete?

Crete has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Montpellier. When comparing the sizes of Montpellier and Crete, 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.