A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Paphos vs. Montpellier for Attractions, Food, Beaches, and Old Town

Should you visit Paphos or Montpellier?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Paphos 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.

Paphos

Paphos is a cultural, coastal, and overlooked town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping.

Montpellier

Montpellier is a friendly, historic, and vibrant city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for museums, nightlife, and food.

Paphos and Montpellier: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Paphos or Montpellier?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Paphos than Montpellier, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Paphos is better known for its museums, food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches, while Montpellier is more popular for its historical sights. Paphos is more touristy than Montpellier and is known for its historical sights, rich culture, and beautiful churches. Also, Paphos is famous for Paphos Archaeological Park. Montpellier is well known for its relaxed atmosphere, grand boulevards, and authentic personality.

How is Paphos different from Montpellier?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Paphos is an unbeatable place for its museums and landmarks. Also, Montpellier is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Paphos on the map. The area is well known for its impressive archeological ruins, many of which are found at Paphos Archaeological Site. Other impressive sights include the Tombs of the Kings, the Chrysopolitissa Basilica & St. Paul's Pillar, Agia Paraskevi, and Paphos Fort.

Montpellier offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. With such a long history, the city has many landmarks and monuments. Also make sure you visit Musée Fabre and Saint-Pierre Cathedral.

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

Paphos 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 Paphos, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Food is a huge part of the culture and family life in the area. The cuisine is influenced by the surrounding areas and you'll see similarities to Greek, Turkish, and Middle Eastern cuisines. Popular dishes include koupepia (vine leaves stuffed with a filling called gemista), souvlaki (a meat and salad filled pita), and makaronia tou fournou (a pasta dish made with halloumi and béchamel sauce).

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 Paphos or Montpellier Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Paphos or Montpellier has a better nightlife scene.

Paphos has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Most people think of history, culture, beaches, and wine, but the city also has its share of clubs and bars. It's not the party-hard beach destination that you'll find at some Mediterranean tourist areas, but there are still plenty of bars and clubs with atmosphere and style. Head to Agiou Antoniou Street for the most action.

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 Paphos or Montpellier Better for Resorts?

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

Vacationers flock to Paphos for its luxury resorts. The area is filled with all types of resorts. There are many all-inclusive resorts that cater to families, honeymooners, or luxury vacationers. If you want to experience more of the local culture, there are also smaller boutique hotels or local apartments available.

Montpellier is not a resort destination.

Is Paphos or Montpellier Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Paphos 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 Paphos. There are many snorkeling and dive spots that aren't far away. You'll also find a number of scuba or snorkeling excursions that you can join. The water conditions for snorkeling and diving are best during the summer months.

Montpellier is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Paphos or Montpellier Better for Beaches?

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

Paphos offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. Many people head to the area specifically for the beaches. This region has the longest coastline of any region in Cyprus, but keep in mind that some of the best beaches are found outside of the main tourist areas. However, they most are usually accessible by city bus with many remote stretches found along the Akamas Peninsula. Within town the beaches are often rocky and pebbly.

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 Paphos or Montpellier Better for its Old Town?

Montpellier is renowned for its historic old town. Also, Paphos is still popular, but not quite as popular for its 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Paphos. The old town is a pleasant area to walk around with a number of interesting buildings.

Is the Shopping Better in Paphos or Montpellier?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Montpellier and Paphos.

Paphos is an extremely popular place for shoppers. There are outdoor markets, major shopping streets, and international fashion brands. You can pick up local souvenirs or beach gear that you may have forgotten.

Montpellier is well-known for its shopping. Head to Rue de la Loge for some of the city's best shopping.

Is Paphos or Montpellier Better for Families?

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

Paphos is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. There are plenty of outdoor activities that kids will enjoy. Head to the beach or take a walk along the coastline. Animal lovers will appreciate a visit to the zoo, bird park, or aquarium and young thrill seekers will enjoy a day at the Aqua-park of Aphrodite. And, of course, there's also the ruins that kids can have fun exploring.

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 Paphos or Montpellier Better for Couples?

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

Paphos is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. Honeymooners who enjoy history, nature, beaches, and culture will find it all in the area. There are stunning beaches where you can relax in the sun, world renowned archeological ruins where you can immerse yourself in a historical world, and beautiful views around every corner. There are also excellent restaurants and wine tasting opportunities that will make for a memorable trip.

Montpellier is a great town 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 Paphos or Montpellier Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Paphos and Montpellier are great places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Paphos. The area is generally accessible with a few good hostels and budget accommodation options sprinkled about. There are great beaches and restaurants as well as plenty of beautiful places to enjoy a walk.

Many backpackers visit Montpellier. With a young population and a number of hostels to choose from, Montpellier attracts its share of backpackers.

Is Paphos or Montpellier Better for Students?

Montpellier is renowned for students. However, Paphos 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.

Paphos is not popular with students.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Paphos and Montpellier.

Visitors to Paphos can move around easily with public transportation. It's possible to get around by city bus to most places. Buses connect many touristy areas such as Kato Paphos, Tombs of the Kings, Chloraka, Kissonerga, Coral Bay and Paphos Center.

The public transit in Montpellier can get you around easily. There are a number of options for getting around town including the tramway, bus, and tourist train.

Is Paphos or Montpellier a more walkable city?

Montpellier is a great destination for its walkability. Also, Paphos is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Paphos is a somewhat walkable place. The main tourist area is Kato Paphos which is small, compact and easy to walk around, but if you want to head to areas further away then you likely won't be able to travel on foot. It's important to understand where your hotel is located if you're planning to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Montpellier or Paphos?

How long in Paphos or Montpellier?

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

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

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

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

One day in Paphos or Montpellier?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the cultural town of Paphos. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Montpellier. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Paphos or Montpellier?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the coastal destination of Paphos. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This town 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. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Paphos or Montpellier?

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the ancient town of Paphos. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Montpellier. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Paphos or Montpellier?

Many people enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting Paphos. 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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the friendly destination of Montpellier. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Cyprus, The Best Tours for Seniors to Cyprus, 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 Paphos and Montpellier, we can see that Montpellier is more expensive. And not only is Paphos much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Paphos would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Paphos 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 Montpellier would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Montpellier than you might in Paphos.

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

Which is Bigger, Paphos or Montpellier?

Montpellier has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Paphos. When comparing the sizes of Paphos 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 Paphos or Montpellier?

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 Paphos or Montpellier in the Summer?

Both Montpellier and Paphos are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Paphos for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Montpellier in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Paphos is generally a little warmer than Montpellier. Daily temperatures in Paphos average around 27°C (80°F), and Montpellier fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

It's quite sunny in Montpellier. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Paphos. Paphos usually receives more sunshine than Montpellier during summer. Paphos gets 388 hours of sunny skies, while Montpellier receives 351 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Paphos usually receives less rain than Montpellier. Paphos gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Paphos or Montpellier in the Autumn?

Both Montpellier and Paphos during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Paphos in the autumn for the shopping 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.

Paphos is a little warmer than Montpellier in the autumn. The daily temperature in Paphos averages around 21°C (70°F) in October, and Montpellier fluctuates around 15°C (60°F).

It's quite sunny in Paphos. In the autumn, Paphos often gets more sunshine than Montpellier. Paphos gets 270 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montpellier receives 187 hours of full sun.

Montpellier gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Paphos usually gets less rain in October than Montpellier. Paphos gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Paphos or Montpellier in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Paphos and Montpellier. Most visitors come to Paphos for the museums, 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, Paphos is much warmer than Montpellier. Typically, the winter temperatures in Paphos in January average around 12°C (53°F), and Montpellier averages at about 7°C (44°F).

Paphos usually receives more sunshine than Montpellier during winter. Paphos gets 180 hours of sunny skies, while Montpellier receives 147 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Paphos usually receives less rain than Montpellier. Paphos gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Paphos or Montpellier in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Paphos as well as Montpellier. The spring months attract visitors to Paphos 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, Paphos is generally a little warmer than Montpellier. Daily temperatures in Paphos average around 17°C (62°F), and Montpellier fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Montpellier. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Paphos this time of the year. In the spring, Paphos often gets more sunshine than Montpellier. Paphos gets 270 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montpellier receives 230 hours of full sun.

Paphos usually gets less rain in April than Montpellier. Paphos gets 11 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Montpellier and Paphos