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

Should you visit Ravenna or Mont-Saint-Michel?

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 Ravenna and Mont-Saint-Michel. 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.

Ravenna

Ravenna is a charming, authentic, and historic town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Mont-Saint-Michel

Mont-Saint-Michel is a religious, historic, and breathtaking island. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the hiking, museums, and food.

Ravenna and Mont-Saint-Michel: Pros and Cons

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

Both Mont-Saint-Michel and Ravenna have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Ravenna is better known for its food, nightlife, shopping, and small town charm, while Mont-Saint-Michel is more popular for its museums, hiking, and impressive beauty. Mont-Saint-Michel is more touristy than Ravenna and is popular for its Gothic-style abbey and its medieval village that stands at its base. Ravenna is well known for its many stunning mosaics which date back to the early Christian and Byzantine empires.

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

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

Mont-Saint-Michel is a must-visit destination for its museums and history. Also, Ravenna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

The museums and tourist attractions in Mont-Saint-Michel are world-renowned. 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.

Ravenna offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Most sights in town are centered around the the beautiful mosaics. Neonian Baptistery is a good place to begin your visit. Other highlights include San Vitale, the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, and Sant'Apollinare Nuovo.

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

Ravenna 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 Ravenna. The region is most known for its first course dishes, so pasta lovers will enjoy dining on homemade egg pasta dishes that are served with meat or cheese sauces. You'll also find lots of grilled meats and many great desserts.

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 Ravenna or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Nightlife?

Ravenna is very good for nightlife and partying. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is a island with minimal options for its evening party scene.

Ravenna has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. You'll find most of the pubs and clubs in town around Marina di Ravenna. There are a couple of places that attract a crowd, but many are open only during the summer months.

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

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

Mont-Saint-Michel is a good destination for its hiking trails. However, Ravenna is not a hiking destination.

Mont-Saint-Michel offers some nice hiking trails. There's a 4.2 mile out and back trail that can be walked in about 1.5 hours.

Ravenna is not a hiking destination.

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

Ravenna is very good for its shopping opportunities. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Ravenna offers some nice shopping areas. There are some nice shopping streets in town where you can buy locally made mosaics. You'll also find art studios and artisan shops, as well as your typical souvenir shops and clothing stores. Via Cavour, via Diaz, and via Cairoli are some of the most popular shopping streets.

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

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

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

Ravenna is a very kid-friendly town. In town you'll find mosaics, museums, and a charming town, and ten kilometers outside of town you'll find Italy's largest amusement park - Mirabilandia. The city is also filled with parks where kids can explore and learn, and the food, like any Italian city, is very kid-friendly.

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 Ravenna or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Couples?

Mont-Saint-Michel is a must-visit destination for its romantic activities. Also, Ravenna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Mont-Saint-Michel is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. 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.

Couples visit Ravenna frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Many visitors to Italy don't add this charming town to their itinerary, but for couples who want to experience a small town setting with beautiful art and architecture, then Ravenna is a great option. There are parks to explore and great restaurants to experience as well.

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

Ravenna and Mont-Saint-Michel are both notable destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Ravenna. It's a bit off-the-beaten path, so you won't find a large number of hostels or a lot of backpackers to hang out with. That doesn't mean it won't make a great addition to your itinerary though.

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

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

Visitors will find notable public transit in both Ravenna and Mont-Saint-Michel.

Ravenna has some public transit options. Buses in and around town are managed by START ROMAGNA and offer access to many nearby towns.

You'll find some public transit in Mont-Saint-Michel, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There's a free shuttle bus that connects Mont-Saint-Michel to the mainland.

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

Ravenna and Mont-Saint-Michel are high quality when it comes to walkability.

Ravenna is a very walkable town. There are care-free areas to the town that can only be explored on foot.

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

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

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

How long in Ravenna or Mont-Saint-Michel?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Ravenna or Mont-Saint-Michel to fill your time. In our opinion, Ravenna has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Ravenna than Mont-Saint-Michel. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Couples should spend more time in Mont-Saint-Michel than Ravenna. 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 Ravenna 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 Ravenna.

One day in Ravenna or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Even though Ravenna is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. 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 Ravenna or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Ravenna is a small town where visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife. Your budget might influence how long you stay. 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 Ravenna or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Ravenna is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. 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 Ravenna or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Ravenna is a popular choice for travelers. This town 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Italy, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Italy, The Best River Cruises in France, and The Best Bicycle Tours in France.

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

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

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

Ravenna has a larger population, and is about 1680 times larger than the population of Mont-Saint-Michel. When comparing the sizes of Ravenna 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 Ravenna 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 Ravenna or Mont-Saint-Michel in the Summer?

Both Mont-Saint-Michel and Ravenna during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Ravenna for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Mont-Saint-Michel in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Ravenna is a little warmer than Mont-Saint-Michel in the summer. The daily temperature in Ravenna averages around 22°C (72°F) in July, and Mont-Saint-Michel fluctuates around 19°C (65°F).

Ravenna usually gets more rain in July than Mont-Saint-Michel. Ravenna gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Ravenna and Mont-Saint-Michel. Many visitors come to Ravenna in the autumn for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere. Furthermore, most visitors come to Mont-Saint-Michel for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Ravenna is a little warmer than Mont-Saint-Michel. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Ravenna in October average around 14°C (58°F), and Mont-Saint-Michel averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In October, Ravenna usually receives less rain than Mont-Saint-Michel. Ravenna gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

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

The winter brings many poeple to Ravenna as well as Mont-Saint-Michel. Most visitors come to Ravenna for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Mont-Saint-Michel because of the museums and the cuisine.

Ravenna can be very cold during winter. In January, Ravenna is generally much colder than Mont-Saint-Michel. Daily temperatures in Ravenna average around 3°C (37°F), and Mont-Saint-Michel fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Ravenna usually gets less rain in January than Mont-Saint-Michel. Ravenna gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

Both Mont-Saint-Michel and Ravenna are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Ravenna because of the small town charm. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Mont-Saint-Michel this time of year.

Ravenna is a little warmer than Mont-Saint-Michel in the spring. The daily temperature in Ravenna averages around 11°C (53°F) in April, and Mont-Saint-Michel fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

In April, Ravenna usually receives more rain than Mont-Saint-Michel. Ravenna gets 54 mm (2.1 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 Ravenna