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

Should you visit Palermo 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 Palermo 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.

Palermo

Palermo is a dynamic, fun, and colorful city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Mont-Saint-Michel

Mont-Saint-Michel is a iconic, religious, and historic island. You'll find world class beauty here as well. Other popular activities here include museums, food, and hiking.

Palermo and Mont-Saint-Michel: Pros and Cons

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

Tourists will generally find more to do in Palermo. Although Palermo and Mont-Saint-Michel are both popular with visitors, Palermo has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Palermo is more popular for its food, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Mont-Saint-Michel is known for its museums, hiking, and impressive beauty. Mont-Saint-Michel is more touristy than Palermo and is known for its Gothic-style abbey and its medieval village that stands at its base. Palermo is popular for its mild climate, beautiful architecture, fun atmosphere, and fascinating culture. It is also home to The Cathedral.

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

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

Mont-Saint-Michel is very popular for its sights and museums. Also, Palermo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Mont-Saint-Michel on the map. 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.

Palermo is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are a number of grand buildings and impressive architectural buildings that you should visit. The cathedral, the Norman Palace, and Cappella Palatina are among the best.

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

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

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Palermo. The islands long history and occupation by a range of different groups means that the cuisine is heavily influenced by many different cultures. You'll see influences from Phonecians, Greeks, Arabs and Normans. Local dishes include Pasta alla Norma (pasta and vegetables), Arancine (rice balls), and Cannoli.

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 Palermo or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Nightlife?

Palermo 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 Palermo know how to have a good time. The nightlife scene is surprisingly varied with everything from wine bars by the ocean to dance parties that flood into the street. Some of the most popular areas for nightlife include the old town, Politeama, and Mondello.

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

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

Palermo 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 Palermo. The dive season lasts most of the year and there are many beautiful dive spots that are accessible from the city. The water is clear and there is a variety of flora and fauna to see.

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

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

Palermo is a great destination for the beache. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is not a beach destination.

Palermo is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. The city has a number of beautiful beaches, some of which are accessible by public transit. Mondello is a popular option with beautiful views. Capo Gallo is a relaxing option on a nature reserve that is good for divers and nature lovers. Addaura is a lively beach with a number of clubs.

Mont-Saint-Michel is not a beach destination.

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

Mont-Saint-Michel is a island with good options for the nearby hiking options. However, Palermo is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Mont-Saint-Michel. There's a 4.2 mile out and back trail that can be walked in about 1.5 hours.

Palermo is not a hiking destination.

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

Palermo is a great destination for its shopping opportunities. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Palermo is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city offers a mix of high end shopping streets as well as colorful markets that have the feel of a traditional bazaar. Whether you're looking for European brands or local merchandise, this city has an eclectic mix with something for everyone.

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

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

Palermo is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is a island with minimal options for its kid-friendly activities.

Palermo is a very kid-friendly city. The city has beaches where everyone can cool off and play in the relaxing waves. There's also a botanical garden and the fascinating Catacombs of the Capuchins. Kids will also enjoy exploring the many diverse markets throughout the city.

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 Palermo or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Couples?

Mont-Saint-Michel is very popular for couples. Also, Palermo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.

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.

Palermo is a nice destination for couples. The city is filled with fun adventures, unique markets, and relaxing beaches. It makes a great city escape for couples who enjoy spending time outdoors but also having access to an urban setting.

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

Both Palermo and Mont-Saint-Michel are good destinations for backpackers.

Palermo is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are a decent number of affordable hostels around town as well as plenty of backpackers that keep the scene fun and social.

Plenty of backpackers visit Mont-Saint-Michel. You'll find a couple of hostels an cheap hotels in the area.

Is Palermo or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Students?

Palermo is very good for students. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is not popular with students.

Palermo is popular with students. It's an affordable student destination with a relaxing and laid back vibe. There's enough activity to keep it interesting without a high pressure setting.

Mont-Saint-Michel is not popular with students.

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

Mont-Saint-Michel is a island with good options for its public transit. However, Palermo is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

Mont-Saint-Michel has a few public transit options. There's a free shuttle bus that connects Mont-Saint-Michel to the mainland.

Public transit is mostly limited in Palermo. If you stick to the main city center then you can get around by city bus, but if you're headed anywhere else, you'll likely want to take a taxi or Uber.

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

Palermo and Mont-Saint-Michel both are superb when exploring on foot.

Palermo is a very walkable destination. The city is walkable with a number of streets closed to cars and pedestrian only.

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

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

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

How long in Palermo or Mont-Saint-Michel?

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

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

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

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

One day in Palermo or Mont-Saint-Michel?

With shopping and museums around the destination of Palermo, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. One day is often enough time to do most activities. It offers something for everyone.

In Mont-Saint-Michel, you'll find food and museums. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. This island offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Palermo or Mont-Saint-Michel?

With museums and nightlife around the fun city of Palermo, 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.

In Mont-Saint-Michel, you'll find museums and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Mont-Saint-Michel has to offer.

Five days in Palermo or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the diverse destination of Palermo. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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 great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Palermo or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Palermo is a popular choice for travelers. Most people come for the beaches. This city 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Mont-Saint-Michel. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Mont-Saint-Michel. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

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

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

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

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

Palermo has a larger population, and is about 8400 times larger than the population of Mont-Saint-Michel. When comparing the sizes of Palermo 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 Palermo 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 Palermo or Mont-Saint-Michel in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Palermo and Mont-Saint-Michel. Many visitors come to Palermo in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Mont-Saint-Michel for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Palermo is generally a little warmer than Mont-Saint-Michel. Daily temperatures in Palermo average around 25°C (76°F), and Mont-Saint-Michel fluctuates around 19°C (65°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Mont-Saint-Michel this time of the year. In Palermo, it's very sunny this time of the year. Palermo usually receives more sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel during summer. Palermo gets 347 hours of sunny skies, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 246 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Palermo usually receives less rain than Mont-Saint-Michel. Palermo gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

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

The autumn brings many poeple to Palermo as well as Mont-Saint-Michel. Most visitors come to Palermo for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Mont-Saint-Michel because of the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

Palermo is much warmer than Mont-Saint-Michel in the autumn. The daily temperature in Palermo averages around 20°C (67°F) in October, and Mont-Saint-Michel fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Palermo this time of the year. In the autumn, Palermo often gets more sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel. Palermo gets 204 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 134 hours of full sun.

Palermo usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Mont-Saint-Michel. Palermo gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

Both Mont-Saint-Michel and Palermo are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Palermo because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Mont-Saint-Michel this time of year.

In the winter, Palermo is much warmer than Mont-Saint-Michel. Typically, the winter temperatures in Palermo in January average around 12°C (53°F), and Mont-Saint-Michel averages at about 5°C (41°F).

Palermo usually receives more sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel during winter. Palermo gets 133 hours of sunny skies, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 70 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Palermo usually receives less rain than Mont-Saint-Michel. Palermo gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

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

Both Mont-Saint-Michel and Palermo during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Palermo this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Mont-Saint-Michel for the natural beauty.

In April, Palermo is generally a little warmer than Mont-Saint-Michel. Daily temperatures in Palermo average around 15°C (58°F), and Mont-Saint-Michel fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

It's quite sunny in Palermo. In the spring, Palermo often gets more sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel. Palermo gets 219 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 180 hours of full sun.

Palermo usually gets less rain in April than Mont-Saint-Michel. Palermo gets 37 mm (1.5 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 Palermo