A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Peniche vs. Mont-Saint-Michel for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Peniche or Mont-Saint-Michel?

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 Peniche and Mont-Saint-Michel can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Peniche or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Peniche

Peniche is a beach destination with many attractions for travelers. First, the raging sea and the lay of the land make this a popular surfing destination. The best of many supreme beaches is Praia dos Supertubos, which has a tubular wave fit for big time international events. Peniche has also been a port since the Early Modern Age, when a fort was constructed to defend it. This monument has an absorbing history, first as a maritime defense and then a prison during the Estado Novo regime in the 20th century. The walled historic center makes for pleasant strolling, and the seaside fort where Salazar's regime detained political prisoners is a must-see for anyone interested in Portuguese history. Artisan lovers will enjoy Peniche's specialty, handmade lace, and it is even possible to see the lace-work in action. And on top of everything, Peniche also has the Berlingas Islands, a natural reserve off the coast, which are well worth a visit.

Mont-Saint-Michel

Mont Saint-Michel is an island community in Normandy, France. It is located about a half of a mile (or one kilometer) off of the country's northwest coast, at the mouth of the Couesnon River near Avranches. The population of the island, at last count, was just under 50 people. The island has been a strategic fortifications since ancient times and since the 8th century AD has been the seat of the monastery from which it was named. The structural composition of the town exemplifies the feudal society that constructed it: on top, God, the abbey and monastery; below, the great halls; then stores and housing; and at the bottom, outside the walls, houses for fishermen and farmers. One of France's most recognizable landmarks, visited by more than 3 million people each year, Mont Saint-Michel and its bay are on the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites. Over 60 buildings within the commune are protected in France as historical monuments.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Portugal, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Portugal, The Best River Cruises in France, and The Best Bicycle Tours in France.

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

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

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

Peniche has a larger population, and is about 200 times larger than the population of Mont-Saint-Michel. When comparing the sizes of Peniche 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 Peniche or Mont-Saint-Michel?

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 Peniche or Mont-Saint-Michel in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Peniche as well as Mont-Saint-Michel. Also, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Mont-Saint-Michel this time of year.

Peniche is a little warmer than Mont-Saint-Michel in the summer. The daily temperature in Peniche averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Mont-Saint-Michel fluctuates around 19°C (65°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mont-Saint-Michel. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Peniche this time of the year. In the summer, Peniche often gets more sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel. Peniche gets 352 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 246 hours of full sun.

Peniche usually gets less rain in July than Mont-Saint-Michel. Peniche gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

Both Mont-Saint-Michel and Peniche are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Mont-Saint-Michel for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Peniche is a little warmer than Mont-Saint-Michel. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Peniche in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Mont-Saint-Michel averages at about 13°C (55°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Peniche. Peniche usually receives more sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel during autumn. Peniche gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 134 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Peniche usually receives more rain than Mont-Saint-Michel. Peniche gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

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

Both Mont-Saint-Michel and Peniche during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to Mont-Saint-Michel in the winter for the museums and the cuisine.

In January, Peniche is generally much warmer than Mont-Saint-Michel. Daily temperatures in Peniche average around 12°C (53°F), and Mont-Saint-Michel fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Peniche often gets more sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel. Peniche gets 144 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 70 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Peniche. Peniche usually gets more rain in January than Mont-Saint-Michel. Peniche gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Peniche and Mont-Saint-Michel. Furthermore, most visitors come to Mont-Saint-Michel for the natural beauty during these months.

Peniche is much warmer than Mont-Saint-Michel in the spring. The daily temperature in Peniche averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Mont-Saint-Michel fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

In Peniche, it's very sunny this time of the year. Peniche usually receives more sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel during spring. Peniche gets 235 hours of sunny skies, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 180 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Peniche usually receives more rain than Mont-Saint-Michel. Peniche gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Mont-Saint-Michel and Peniche