A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Piazza Armerina vs. Montpellier for Old Town, Attractions, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Piazza Armerina or Montpellier?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Piazza Armerina and Montpellier. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Piazza Armerina

Piazza Armerina is a charming, authentic, and historic town. Other popular activities here include food and museums.

Montpellier

Montpellier is a vibrant, bustling, and beautiful city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the food, beaches, and shopping.

Piazza Armerina and Montpellier: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Impressive beauty


Is there more to do in Piazza Armerina or Montpellier?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Montpellier. Although Piazza Armerina and Montpellier are both popular with visitors, Montpellier has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Piazza Armerina is popular for it's local atmosphere and its premiere historic sight - the Villa Romana del Casale. Montpellier is popular for its relaxed atmosphere, grand boulevards, and authentic personality. It is also home to The Place de la Comédie.

How is Piazza Armerina different from Montpellier?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Piazza Armerina or Montpellier?

Piazza Armerina
Montpellier

Plenty of people visit the excellent sights and museums in both Piazza Armerina and Montpellier.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Piazza Armerina. Most people head to town specifically to visit Villa Romana del Casale, which is a few kilometers away. It's a beautiful Roman villa that can be explored in a few hours. Also in town is an Aragonese Castle and an 18th century Duomo.

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 Piazza Armerina or Montpellier? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Piazza Armerina
Montpellier

Dining out at restaurants in both Piazza Armerina and Montpellier can be an enjoyable experience.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Piazza Armerina. Most visitors pass through town, stopping to visit Villa Romana del Casale. There are some pizzerias and other casual restaurants where you can grab a bite to eat.

Montpellier is becoming an appealing option for foodies. 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 Piazza Armerina or Montpellier Better for Nightlife?

Piazza Armerina
Montpellier

Montpellier is a good destination for nightlife and partying. However, Piazza Armerina is a mediocre town for its evening party scene.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Montpellier. 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.

Piazza Armerina doesn't offer many options. While many tourists pass through town with the intent of visiting the Villa Romana del Casale, most don't linger long enough appreciate the town at night.

Is Piazza Armerina or Montpellier Better for Beaches?

Piazza Armerina
Montpellier

Montpellier is notable for the beache. However, Piazza Armerina is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Montpellier for it's beautiful beaches. 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.

Piazza Armerina is not a beach destination.


Is Piazza Armerina or Montpellier Better for its Old Town?

Piazza Armerina
Montpellier

Montpellier is an unbeatable place for its old town. Also, Piazza Armerina is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its historic old town charm.

With a famous historical old-town, Montpellier offers plenty to see. 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 visitors explore the old town while visiting Piazza Armerina. The old town has a bit of authenticity that is missing from some of the more popular Sicilian cities. While it may feel a little worn to some people, those who like to get away from the souvenir shops will appreciate a visit.

Is the Shopping Better in Piazza Armerina or Montpellier?

Piazza Armerina
Montpellier

Montpellier is notable for its shopping opportunities. However, Piazza Armerina is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Montpellier is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Head to Rue de la Loge for some of the city's best shopping.

Piazza Armerina is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Piazza Armerina or Montpellier Better for Families?

Piazza Armerina
Montpellier

Montpellier is a good destination for its family-friendly activities. However, Piazza Armerina is a mediocre town for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

Piazza Armerina is not always a place people visit with their families. Most people head to the town to explore the Villa Romana del Casale. The beauty and history may not thrill all kids, but if your kids enjoy a bit of history they will likely appreciate a visit. The town also has an Aragonese Castle that you can visit.


Is Piazza Armerina or Montpellier Better for Couples?

Piazza Armerina
Montpellier

Montpellier is notable for its romantic activities. Also, Piazza Armerina is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for couples.

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.

Piazza Armerina is a good town for couples to visit. For history enthusiasts, this is a popular place to visit. Like most visitors, couples will appreciate a visit to the town's main attraction Villa Romana del Casale.

Is Piazza Armerina or Montpellier Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Piazza Armerina
Montpellier

Montpellier is notable for backpackers. However, Piazza Armerina is a mediocre town for backpackers and budget travelers.

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

Piazza Armerina is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Although it's a popular tourist destination, there are a limited number of hostels in town.

Is Piazza Armerina or Montpellier Better for Students?

Piazza Armerina
Montpellier

Montpellier is an unbeatable place for students. However, Piazza Armerina is not popular with students.

Montpellier is a very popular place to visit 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.

Piazza Armerina is not popular with students.


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

Piazza Armerina
Montpellier

Montpellier is notable for its public transit. Also, Piazza Armerina is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Montpellier has some very good public transit options. There are a number of options for getting around town including the tramway, bus, and tourist train.

Piazza Armerina has some public transit options. You can reach the town by bus and once there it's possible to explore on foot.

Is Piazza Armerina or Montpellier a more walkable city?

Piazza Armerina
Montpellier

Piazza Armerina and Montpellier both are excellent when exploring on foot.

Piazza Armerina is a very walkable town. You can explore most of the old and new towns on foot.

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.

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

Should I spend more time in Montpellier or Piazza Armerina?

How long in Piazza Armerina or Montpellier?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Piazza Armerina and Montpellier. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Montpellier than in Piazza Armerina. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Piazza Armerina, and 1-3 days is enough time in Montpellier.

Families should spend more time in Montpellier than Piazza Armerina. 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 Piazza Armerina. 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 Piazza Armerina 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 Piazza Armerina or Montpellier? Ideal Length of Stay
    Piazza Armerina 1-2 
    Montpellier 1-3

One day in Piazza Armerina or Montpellier?

Visitors enjoy the food and museums when visiting the historic town of Piazza Armerina. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

The vibrant destination of Montpellier offers nightlife and food. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.


A weekend in Piazza Armerina or Montpellier?

Visitors enjoy the museums and food when visiting the historic destination of Piazza Armerina. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This town offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

The city of Montpellier offers food and shopping. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

Five days in Piazza Armerina or Montpellier?

The authentic town of Piazza Armerina offers food and museums. 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. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Montpellier is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. This city offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Piazza Armerina or Montpellier?

Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Piazza Armerina. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Montpellier. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Bicycle Tours in Italy, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Italy, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France, and The Best 2-Week Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Montpellier or Piazza Armerina?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Piazza Armerina is €93, while the average daily cost in Montpellier is €118. 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 Piazza Armerina and Montpellier in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Piazza Armerina 56
    Montpellier 69
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Piazza Armerina 112
    Montpellier 138
Compare Hotels in Piazza Armerina and Montpellier

Looking for a hotel in Piazza Armerina 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 Piazza Armerina


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: Piazza Armerina Hotel Prices and Montpellier Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Piazza Armerina 4.29
    Montpellier 26

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Piazza Armerina

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Piazza Armerina:

  • From Catania: Return Transfer to Piazza Armerina & Agrigento: $106

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montpellier

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Montpellier:

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Piazza Armerina or Montpellier?

Prices for flights to both Montpellier and Piazza Armerina 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
    Piazza Armerina 33
    Montpellier 31

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.
    Piazza Armerina 4.29
    Montpellier 12

Tours and Activities in Piazza Armerina

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Piazza Armerina are as follows:

  • Villa Romana del Casale Guided Tour: $42
  • From Catania: Agrigento-Piazza Armerina Audio-guided Tour: $128
  • Private Tour of Villa Romana del Casale & Valley of Temples: $225
  • Roman Villa del Casale Mosaics Tour: $241

Tours and Activities in Montpellier

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

  • Legendary Montpellier, flexible legends and storytelling tour: $16
  • CityTour and Photo Portraits Souvenirs in Montpellier: $38
  • Half-Day Hiking Tour of Pic Saint Loup & Picnic: $64
  • From Wine and Olive Tour: $75
  • Small-Group Half-Day Languedoc Wine and Olive Tour from Montpellier: $80
  • From Half-Day Vineyard & Pic Saint-Loup Tour: $80
  • Montpellier Wine and Oyster Tour: $86
  • Small-Group Half-Day Languedoc Wine and Oyster Tour from Montpellier: $95
  • Winetour & food experience in Pic St Loup: $107
  • Saint-Guilhem village and cave day tour : $142
  • Photoshoot Experience: $159
  • Private 2-hour Walking Tour of the Historical Center of Montpellier: $161

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Piazza Armerina 13
    Montpellier 15

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 Piazza Armerina and Montpellier, we can see that Montpellier is more expensive. And not only is Piazza Armerina much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Piazza Armerina would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Piazza Armerina 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 Piazza Armerina.

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


Which is Bigger, Piazza Armerina or Montpellier?

Montpellier has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Piazza Armerina. When comparing the sizes of Piazza Armerina 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 Piazza Armerina 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 Piazza Armerina or Montpellier in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Piazza Armerina and Montpellier. The summer months attract visitors to Piazza Armerina because of the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Montpellier this time of year.

In the summer, Piazza Armerina is a little warmer than Montpellier. Typically, the summer temperatures in Piazza Armerina in July average around 26°C (79°F), and Montpellier averages at about 23°C (73°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Montpellier this time of the year. In Piazza Armerina, it's very sunny this time of the year. Piazza Armerina usually receives less sunshine than Montpellier during summer. Piazza Armerina gets 325 hours of sunny skies, while Montpellier receives 351 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Piazza Armerina usually receives less rain than Montpellier. Piazza Armerina gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Piazza Armerina 26°C (79°F) 
    Montpellier 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Piazza Armerina or Montpellier in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Piazza Armerina as well as Montpellier. Also, many travelers come to Montpellier for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Piazza Armerina is generally a little warmer than Montpellier. Daily temperatures in Piazza Armerina average around 19°C (67°F), and Montpellier fluctuates around 15°C (60°F).

In the autumn, Piazza Armerina often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Montpellier. Piazza Armerina gets 189 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montpellier receives 187 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Montpellier. Piazza Armerina usually gets less rain in October than Montpellier. Piazza Armerina gets 75 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Piazza Armerina 19°C (67°F) 
    Montpellier 15°C (60°F)

Should I visit Piazza Armerina or Montpellier in the Winter?

Both Montpellier and Piazza Armerina are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Piazza Armerina for the museums and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Montpellier in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Piazza Armerina is much warmer than Montpellier in the winter. The daily temperature in Piazza Armerina averages around 10°C (51°F) in January, and Montpellier fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

Piazza Armerina usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Montpellier during winter. Piazza Armerina gets 153 hours of sunny skies, while Montpellier receives 147 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Piazza Armerina usually receives less rain than Montpellier. Piazza Armerina gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Piazza Armerina 10°C (51°F) 
    Montpellier 7°C (44°F)

Should I visit Piazza Armerina or Montpellier in the Spring?

Both Montpellier and Piazza Armerina during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Montpellier for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Piazza Armerina is a little warmer than Montpellier. Typically, the spring temperatures in Piazza Armerina in April average around 15°C (58°F), and Montpellier averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In Montpellier, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Piazza Armerina. In the spring, Piazza Armerina often gets less sunshine than Montpellier. Piazza Armerina gets 204 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montpellier receives 230 hours of full sun.

Piazza Armerina usually gets less rain in April than Montpellier. Piazza Armerina gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Piazza Armerina 15°C (58°F) 
    Montpellier 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Montpellier and Piazza Armerina

Piazza Armerina Montpellier
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (51°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 7°C (44°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Feb 11°C (52°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 8°C (46°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 10°C (50°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Apr 15°C (58°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 13°C (55°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
May 19°C (65°F) 23 mm (0.9 in) 16°C (61°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Jun 23°C (73°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 20°C (68°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)
Jul 26°C (79°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 23°C (73°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Aug 26°C (79°F) 14 mm (0.5 in) 22°C (72°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Sep 24°C (74°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 19°C (67°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 75 mm (2.9 in) 15°C (60°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Nov 15°C (59°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 10°C (51°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Dec 12°C (53°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 7°C (45°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)