A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Palma de Mallorca vs. Montpellier for Nightlife, Beaches, Old Town, and Food

Should you visit Palma de Mallorca or Montpellier?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Palma de Mallorca or Montpellier, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Palma de Mallorca

Palma de Mallorca is a cultural, historic, and beautiful island. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Montpellier

Montpellier is a friendly, historic, and vibrant city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Palma de Mallorca and Montpellier: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Palma de Mallorca or Montpellier?

You'll generally find more things to do in Palma de Mallorca than Montpellier. Palma de Mallorca is bigger than Montpellier, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Palma de Mallorca is better known for its food, nightlife, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking, while Montpellier is more popular for its museums, historical sights, and shopping. Palma de Mallorca is more touristy than Montpellier and is popular for its strikingly blue waters, sandy beaches, all-inclusive resorts, and vibrant towns. Also, Palma de Mallorca is famous for the turquoise water and white sand beaches. Montpellier is well known for its relaxed atmosphere, grand boulevards, and authentic personality.

The turquoise water and white sand beaches

How is Palma de Mallorca different from Montpellier?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Palma de Mallorca or Montpellier?

Montpellier is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Palma de Mallorca does not have museums and landmarks.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Montpellier can be an interesting and educational experience. With such a long history, the city has many landmarks and monuments. Also make sure you visit Musée Fabre and Saint-Pierre Cathedral.

Palma de Mallorca does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Palma de Mallorca or Montpellier? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Palma de Mallorca 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 Palma de Mallorca is an experience not to be missed. Food here is centered around pork, fish, and vegetables. It is flavored with garlic and olive oil and it offers that feeling of comfort that comes with home cooking.

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 Palma de Mallorca or Montpellier Better for Nightlife?

Palma de Mallorca is an unbeatable place for its evening party scene. Also, Montpellier is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

The nightlife in Palma de Mallorca is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. Head to Magaluf and Palma for the most popular places.

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 Palma de Mallorca or Montpellier Better for Music?

Palma de Mallorca is a great destination for its music scene. However, Montpellier is not a live music destination.

Palma de Mallorca has become a hotbed of musicians and artists. Live concerts, international DJs, and a diverse range of styles have put the island's music scene on the map.

Montpellier is not a live music destination.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Montpellier Better for Resorts?

Palma de Mallorca is a great destination for its resorts. However, Montpellier is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Palma de Mallorca to choose from. Top resorts on the island include The St Regis Mardavall, Viva Cala Mesquida Resort and Spa, and Nixe Palace Hotel.

Montpellier is not a resort destination.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Montpellier Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Palma de Mallorca is a good destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Montpellier is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in Palma de Mallorca. Head to Cala Santanyi on the south side of the island for the best snorkeling. For scuba diving, National Park of Cabrera is one of the most popular spots.

Montpellier is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Montpellier Better for Beaches?

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

Palma de Mallorca offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. The island is lined with sandy beaches and rocky coves, which have contributed to it becoming one of Europe's most popular beach destinations.

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 Palma de Mallorca or Montpellier Better for its Old Town?

Montpellier is a must-visit destination for its historic old town. Also, Palma de Mallorca is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its old town.

The rich history of Montpellier can be explored in its historical center. 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.

Many people head to Palma de Mallorca to see the old town. Alcudia is the best old town on the island. It has cobblestone streets and historic walls that give it charm and history.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Montpellier Better for Hiking?

Palma de Mallorca is a good destination for its hiking experiences. However, Montpellier is not a hiking destination.

Palma de Mallorca offers some nice hiking trails. There are many beautiful hikes along the water and through the countryside that offer beautiful views and pass by quaint towns.

Montpellier is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Palma de Mallorca or Montpellier?

Montpellier is an excellent place to visit for shopping. Also, Palma de Mallorca is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Montpellier. Head to Rue de la Loge for some of the city's best shopping.

Palma de Mallorca offers some nice shopping areas. Head to Palma for some of the areas best shopping.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Montpellier Better for Families?

Palma de Mallorca is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Montpellier is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Palma de Mallorca is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The beaches are large and sandy with beautiful blue waters. There's also many activities that both adults and kids can enjoy around the island including waterparks, aquariums, and amusement areas.

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 Palma de Mallorca or Montpellier Better for Couples?

Montpellier is an excellent place to visit for romance. Also, Palma de Mallorca is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

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

Palma de Mallorca makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With beautiful beaches and a fun Spanish flare, Mallorca makes for a memorable honeymoon.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Montpellier Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Palma de Mallorca and Montpellier are both great destinations for backpackers.

Palma de Mallorca is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There is no shortage of hostels in Mallorca so it's easy to find an affordable place to stay and a young crowd to hang out with.

Montpellier is a great island to visit for backpackers. With a young population and a number of hostels to choose from, Montpellier attracts its share of backpackers.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Montpellier Better for Students?

Montpellier is a must-visit destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Palma de Mallorca is not popular with students.

Montpellier is a great destination for students. 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.

Palma de Mallorca is not popular with students.

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

Montpellier is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Palma de Mallorca is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Visitors to Montpellier can move around easily with public transportation. There are a number of options for getting around town including the tramway, bus, and tourist train.

You'll find some public transit in Palma de Mallorca, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is an efficient bus system that can get you around the island, but trips are less frequent on weekends. Pick up the Intermodal Card which can get you from town to town.

Is Palma de Mallorca or Montpellier a more walkable city?

Montpellier is an excellent place to visit for its walkability. Also, Palma de Mallorca is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

Montpellier is very walkable. Many of the sights and attractions are easily accessible on foot and can be enjoyed as part of a self-guided walking tour.

Palma de Mallorca is a somewhat walkable place. It is a larger island that is not walkable, but Palma is generally a walkable area. If you stay in the central area you should be fine to explore on foot but if you want to get out into more rural areas, you'll need access to some type of transportation.

For even more information, also check out Is Palma de Mallorca Worth Visiting? and Is Montpellier Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Montpellier or Palma de Mallorca?

How long in Palma de Mallorca or Montpellier?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Palma de Mallorca and Montpellier. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Palma de Mallorca than in Montpellier. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Palma de Mallorca, and 1-3 days is enough time in Montpellier.

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

Couples should spend more time in Montpellier than Palma de Mallorca. 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.

One day in Palma de Mallorca or Montpellier?

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the beautiful island of Palma de Mallorca. 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.

With shopping and museums around the destination of Montpellier, 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.

A weekend in Palma de Mallorca or Montpellier?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the stunning destination of Palma de Mallorca. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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.

With museums and nightlife around the friendly city of Montpellier, there's plenty to do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Visiting the old town is also a must. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here.

Five days in Palma de Mallorca or Montpellier?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the cultural island of Palma de Mallorca. 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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the bustling destination of Montpellier. 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.

A week in Palma de Mallorca or Montpellier?

Many people enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting Palma de Mallorca. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Montpellier 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Spain, The Best 3-Week Tours in Spain, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France, and The Best 2-Week Tours in France.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Palma de Mallorca and Montpellier, we can see that Palma de Mallorca 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 Palma de Mallorca would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Palma de Mallorca 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 Palma de Mallorca Expensive? and Is Montpellier Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Palma de Mallorca or Montpellier?

Palma de Mallorca has a larger population, and is about 51% larger than the population of Montpellier. When comparing the sizes of Palma de Mallorca and Montpellier, 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 Palma de Mallorca 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 Palma de Mallorca or Montpellier in the Summer?

Both Montpellier and Palma de Mallorca during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Palma de Mallorca for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Montpellier in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Palma de Mallorca is generally around the same temperature as Montpellier. Daily temperatures in Palma de Mallorca average around 24°C (76°F), and Montpellier fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

In Montpellier, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Palma de Mallorca. In the summer, Palma de Mallorca often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Montpellier. Palma de Mallorca gets 334 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montpellier receives 351 hours of full sun.

Palma de Mallorca usually gets less rain in July than Montpellier. Palma de Mallorca gets 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Palma de Mallorca or Montpellier in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Palma de Mallorca and Montpellier. Many visitors come to Palma de Mallorca in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Montpellier for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Palma de Mallorca is a little warmer than Montpellier in the autumn. The daily temperature in Palma de Mallorca averages around 19°C (66°F) in October, and Montpellier fluctuates around 15°C (60°F).

In Palma de Mallorca, it's very sunny this time of the year. Palma de Mallorca usually receives more sunshine than Montpellier during autumn. Palma de Mallorca gets 204 hours of sunny skies, while Montpellier receives 187 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Montpellier receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Palma de Mallorca usually receives less rain than Montpellier. Palma de Mallorca gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Palma de Mallorca or Montpellier in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Palma de Mallorca as well as Montpellier. Most visitors come to Palma de Mallorca for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Montpellier because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Palma de Mallorca is much warmer than Montpellier. Typically, the winter temperatures in Palma de Mallorca in January average around 11°C (52°F), and Montpellier averages at about 7°C (44°F).

In the winter, Palma de Mallorca often gets more sunshine than Montpellier. Palma de Mallorca gets 164 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montpellier receives 147 hours of full sun.

Palma de Mallorca usually gets less rain in January than Montpellier. Palma de Mallorca gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Palma de Mallorca or Montpellier in the Spring?

Both Montpellier and Palma de Mallorca are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Palma de Mallorca because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Montpellier this time of year.

In April, Palma de Mallorca is generally a little warmer than Montpellier. Daily temperatures in Palma de Mallorca average around 14°C (57°F), and Montpellier fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

It's quite sunny in Montpellier. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Palma de Mallorca. Palma de Mallorca usually receives less sunshine than Montpellier during spring. Palma de Mallorca gets 210 hours of sunny skies, while Montpellier receives 230 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Palma de Mallorca usually receives less rain than Montpellier. Palma de Mallorca gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Montpellier and Palma de Mallorca