A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Orkney Islands vs. Montpellier for Attractions, Food, Beaches, and Couples

Should you visit Orkney Islands or Montpellier?

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 Orkney Islands and Montpellier can help you decide which place is right for you.

Orkney Islands

Orkney Islands is a tranquil, natural, and pristine archipelago. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include hiking, museums, and food.

Montpellier

Montpellier is a beautiful, friendly, and historic city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Orkney Islands and Montpellier: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty


Is there more to do in Orkney Islands or Montpellier?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Montpellier. Although Orkney Islands and Montpellier are popular destinations, Montpellier has more sights and attractions for tourists. Montpellier is very popular for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Orkney Islands attracts visitors for its food and hiking. Montpellier is more touristy than Orkney Islands and is popular for its relaxed atmosphere, grand boulevards, and authentic personality. It is also well known for The Place de la Comédie. Orkney Islands is famous for its sandy beaches, serene landscape, and well-preserved Neolithic sights.

How is Orkney Islands different from Montpellier?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Orkney Islands or Montpellier?

Orkney Islands
Montpellier

Montpellier is great for its historical sights. Also, Orkney Islands is not as popular, but is still a nice archipelago for its sights and museums.

Many visitors head to Montpellier specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. With such a long history, the city has many landmarks and monuments. Also make sure you visit Musée Fabre and Saint-Pierre Cathedral.

Orkney Islands is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The islands is home to a number of archaeological ruins including the stone age village of Skara Brae and the neolithic chambered cairn of Maes Howee. Also check out impressive Ring of Brodgar stone circle as well as the oldest dwelling in the UK, the Knap of Howar on Papa Westray.


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

Orkney Islands
Montpellier

Orkney Islands 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 Orkney Islands is an experience not to be missed. You'll find so many local products on the islands. It's famous for its local beef, lamb, salmon, and seafood, but you'll also find cheeses and produce. There are two breweries on the island as well. Many people pick up some items that they take home with them.

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 Orkney Islands or Montpellier Better for Nightlife?

Orkney Islands
Montpellier

Montpellier is very good for its evening party scene. However, Orkney Islands is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

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.

Orkney Islands is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Orkney Islands or Montpellier Better for Beaches?

Orkney Islands
Montpellier

Orkney Islands and Montpellier are high quality choices for a beach vacation.

Orkney Islands is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. The archipelago has hundreds of miles of beaches that feel serene and remote. If you're looking for a tranquil setting that is natural and untouched, you'll have many to choose from. Some of the best beaches on the islands include Tresness Beach, Grobust Beach, and Sands of Evie Beach.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Montpellier. 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 Orkney Islands or Montpellier Better for its Old Town?

Orkney Islands
Montpellier

Montpellier is renowned for its historic old town charm. However, Orkney Islands does not have a historic old town.

The old town of Montpellier is one of the most recognized in the world. 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.

Orkney Islands does not have a historic old town.

Is Orkney Islands or Montpellier Better for Hiking?

Orkney Islands
Montpellier

Orkney Islands 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 Orkney Islands. Rolling hills and rugged landscapes make for relaxing and beautiful walks. There are also many archaeological ruins that you can explore. Favorite hikes in the area include Balfour Village and Mill Dam, Birsay Whalebone, and Birwick to Barth Head.

Montpellier is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Orkney Islands or Montpellier?

Orkney Islands
Montpellier

Montpellier is great for its shopping areas. However, Orkney Islands is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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

Orkney Islands is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


Is Orkney Islands or Montpellier Better for Families?

Orkney Islands
Montpellier

You'll find nice kid-friendly activities in either Orkney Islands or Montpellier.

Orkney Islands offers lots of family activities. Exploring the beaches is one of the best way to spend your days with kids. There are also several places you can take the kids like Barony Mill, Skate Rumple Alpaca Farm, Corrigall Farm Museum, and Kirbuster Farm Museum.

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.

Is Orkney Islands or Montpellier Better for Couples?

Orkney Islands
Montpellier

Both Orkney Islands and Montpellier are high quality destinations to visit as a couple.

Orkney Islands is a great archipelago if you're traveling as a couple. Nature lovers will enjoy the stunning beaches and beautiful natural setting. There are also some great restaurants and even live music performances that make for a fun date night.

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

Is Orkney Islands or Montpellier Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Orkney Islands
Montpellier

For backpackers, both Orkney Islands and Montpellier are high quality places to visit.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Orkney Islands. If camping is your style, you'll find some great campgrounds and campsites that make the most of this beautiful natural setting.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Montpellier. With a young population and a number of hostels to choose from, Montpellier attracts its share of backpackers.


Is Orkney Islands or Montpellier Better for Students?

Orkney Islands
Montpellier

Montpellier is renowned for its student-friendly activities. However, Orkney Islands is not popular with students.

Students come from all over the world to visit 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.

Orkney Islands is not popular with students.

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

Orkney Islands
Montpellier

Montpellier is great for times when you don't have a car. Also, Orkney Islands is not as popular, but is still a nice archipelago for its public transit.

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.

Orkney Islands has a few public transit options. Buses travel to many parts of the islands and many islands are connected by ferries.

Is Orkney Islands or Montpellier a more walkable city?

Orkney Islands
Montpellier

Montpellier is great for its ease of walking around. However, Orkney Islands is not a walkable destination.

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.

Orkney Islands is not a walkable destination.


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

Should I spend more time in Montpellier or Orkney Islands?

How long in Orkney Islands or Montpellier?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Orkney Islands and Montpellier. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Orkney Islands than in Montpellier. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Orkney Islands, and 1-3 days is enough time in Montpellier.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Montpellier than Orkney Islands 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 Montpellier.


  • How many days in Orkney Islands or Montpellier? Ideal Length of Stay
    Orkney Islands 3-7 
    Montpellier 1-3

One day in Orkney Islands or Montpellier?

Visitors enjoy the food and museums when visiting the remote archipelago of Orkney Islands. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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.

In Montpellier, you'll find museums and nightlife. Visiting the old town is also a must. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A weekend in Orkney Islands or Montpellier?

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

Montpellier is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Five days in Orkney Islands or Montpellier?

Visitors enjoy the food and museums when visiting the serene archipelago of Orkney Islands. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Montpellier. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. It offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


A week in Orkney Islands or Montpellier?

Visitors enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Orkney Islands. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Most people come for the beaches. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this archipelago.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the city of Montpellier. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One week 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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Edinburgh, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United Kingdom, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France, and The Best 2-Week Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Montpellier or Orkney Islands?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Orkney Islands is £128, while the average daily cost in Montpellier is £101. 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 destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Orkney Islands and Montpellier in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Orkney Islands £60
    Montpellier £59
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Orkney Islands £120
    Montpellier £118
Compare Hotels in Orkney Islands and Montpellier

Looking for a hotel in Orkney Islands 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 Orkney Islands


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: Montpellier Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Orkney Islands £56
    Montpellier £22

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montpellier

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Montpellier:

  • Private Transfer from Sète Cruise Port to Marseille city hotels: $131
  • Transfer from Sète Port to Marseille Provence Airport MRS: $131
  • Montpellier Private Transfer from Montpellier city centre to Montpellier Airport: $74
  • Montpellier–Méditerranée Airport Transfer: $64
  • Transfer Montpellier Airport and Beziers Airport: $49

Is it cheaper to fly into Orkney Islands or Montpellier?

Prices for flights to both Montpellier and Orkney Islands 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
    Orkney Islands £34
    Montpellier £26

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Montpellier

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

  • Guided Food Tour With Local Snacks and Wine: $91
  • Montpellier Food Tour: $93
  • From Pic Saint-Loup Wine and Food Tour: $102
  • Cooking workshop: $106
  • Private cooking class with specialized chefs Montpellier: $108
  • Fusion Food Cooking Class: $428

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Orkney Islands £27
    Montpellier £10

Tours and Activities in Orkney Islands

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Orkney Islands.

  • Semi Private Tour - Orkney and Kirkwall : $246
  • From Kirkwall - Orkney Mainland Private Tour: $275

Tours and Activities in Montpellier

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

  • CityTour and Photo Portraits Souvenirs in Montpellier: $38
  • From Half-Day Vineyard & Pic Saint-Loup Tour: $80
  • From Wine and Olive Tour: $75
  • Highlights of Sète : history, food and wine experience: $174
  • Legendary Montpellier, flexible legends and storytelling tour: $16
  • Montpellier - Private Historic Walking tour: $428
  • Montpellier Private Guided Walking Tour: $307
  • Montpellier Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $270
  • Montpellier Wine and Oyster Tour: $86
  • Half-Day Hiking Tour of Pic Saint Loup & Picnic: $64
  • Personalized Day-Tour of the South of France: $1,059
  • Photoshoot Experience: $159

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Orkney Islands £6.43
    Montpellier £13

Sample the Local Flavors in Montpellier

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

  • The Châteaux of Grès de Montpellier & Wine Tasting: $80
  • Small-Group Half-Day Châteaux of Montpellier Wine Tour: $84
  • Small-Group Half-Day Languedoc Pic Saint-Loup Wine Tour from Montpellier: $84
  • Wine tour in Pic Saint-Loup area: $142
  • Half-Day Wine Tour with Lunch: $155
  • Montpellier : half day wine tour in Camargue: $159
  • Private Half-Day Languedoc Wine Tour from Sète: $240
  • Sète: Private Half–Day Wine Tour: $353


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Orkney Islands and Montpellier, we can see that Orkney Islands is more expensive. And not only is Montpellier much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Montpellier would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Montpellier 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 Orkney Islands would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Orkney Islands than you might in Montpellier.

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



When is the best time to visit Orkney Islands or Montpellier?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Orkney Islands or Montpellier in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Orkney Islands as well as Montpellier. Many visitors come to Orkney Islands in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Montpellier for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Orkney Islands is much colder than Montpellier in the summer. The daily temperature in Orkney Islands averages around 12°C (54°F) in July, and Montpellier fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Montpellier. In the summer, Orkney Islands often gets less sunshine than Montpellier. Orkney Islands gets 129 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montpellier receives 351 hours of full sun.

Orkney Islands usually gets more rain in July than Montpellier. Orkney Islands gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Orkney Islands 12°C (54°F) 
    Montpellier 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Orkney Islands or Montpellier in the Autumn?

Both Montpellier and Orkney Islands are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Orkney Islands for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Montpellier because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Orkney Islands is much colder than Montpellier. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Orkney Islands in October average around 9°C (48°F), and Montpellier averages at about 15°C (60°F).

Orkney Islands usually receives less sunshine than Montpellier during autumn. Orkney Islands gets 73 hours of sunny skies, while Montpellier receives 187 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Montpellier. It's quite rainy in Orkney Islands. In October, Orkney Islands usually receives around the same amount of rain as Montpellier. Orkney Islands gets 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Orkney Islands 9°C (48°F) 
    Montpellier 15°C (60°F)

Should I visit Orkney Islands or Montpellier in the Winter?

Both Montpellier and Orkney Islands during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Orkney Islands because of the museums and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Montpellier this time of year.

The weather in Orkney Islands can be very cold. In January, Orkney Islands is generally much colder than Montpellier. Daily temperatures in Orkney Islands average around 4°C (39°F), and Montpellier fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

In the winter, Orkney Islands often gets less sunshine than Montpellier. Orkney Islands gets 29 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montpellier receives 147 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Orkney Islands. Orkney Islands usually gets more rain in January than Montpellier. Orkney Islands gets 106 mm (4.2 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Orkney Islands 4°C (39°F) 
    Montpellier 7°C (44°F)

Should I visit Orkney Islands or Montpellier in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Orkney Islands and Montpellier. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Orkney Islands this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Montpellier for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Orkney Islands is much colder than Montpellier in the spring. The daily temperature in Orkney Islands averages around 6°C (43°F) in April, and Montpellier fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Montpellier this time of the year. Orkney Islands usually receives less sunshine than Montpellier during spring. Orkney Islands gets 135 hours of sunny skies, while Montpellier receives 230 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Orkney Islands usually receives around the same amount of rain as Montpellier. Orkney Islands gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Orkney Islands 6°C (43°F) 
    Montpellier 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Montpellier and Orkney Islands

Orkney Islands Montpellier
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (39°F) 106 mm (4.2 in) 7°C (44°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Feb 4°C (38°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 8°C (46°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 5°C (40°F) 84 mm (3.3 in) 10°C (50°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Apr 6°C (43°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 13°C (55°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
May 9°C (47°F) 50 mm (2 in) 16°C (61°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Jun 11°C (52°F) 52 mm (2 in) 20°C (68°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)
Jul 12°C (54°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 23°C (73°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Aug 13°C (55°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 22°C (72°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Sep 11°C (52°F) 102 mm (4 in) 19°C (67°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 9°C (48°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 15°C (60°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Nov 6°C (42°F) 123 mm (4.8 in) 10°C (51°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Dec 4°C (40°F) 113 mm (4.4 in) 7°C (45°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)