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

Should you visit Taormina or Mont-Saint-Michel?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Taormina and Mont-Saint-Michel can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Taormina

Taormina is a historic, beautiful, and exclusive town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Mont-Saint-Michel

Mont-Saint-Michel is a iconic, religious, and historic island. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and hiking.

Taormina and Mont-Saint-Michel: Pros and Cons

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

Tourists will generally find more to do in Taormina. Although Taormina and Mont-Saint-Michel are both popular with visitors, Taormina has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Taormina is more popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, beaches, shopping, and small town charm, while Mont-Saint-Michel is known for its museums, hiking, and impressive beauty. Mont-Saint-Michel is more touristy than Taormina and is popular for its Gothic-style abbey and its medieval village that stands at its base. Taormina is popular for its long history as a seaside resort town with luxury accommodation and beautiful views. It is also home to The Greek Theater.

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

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

Mont-Saint-Michel is very popular for its historical sights. Also, Taormina is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its sights and museums.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Mont-Saint-Michel has many famous sights for visitors. 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.

Taormina is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The main landmark in town is the Greek Theater which dates back to the 3rd century BC. Also visit Madonna della Rocca as well as Castello di Taormina, which is perched above the sea.

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

Taormina 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 Taormina. The local dishes draw on traditional Italian flavors such as pasta, tomato sauce, and vegetables, but they're also heavily influenced by the island's many historical invaders. You'll find a variety of ingredients in recipes including red chilies, tuna, swordfish, sardines, pine nuts, capers, and olives.

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 Taormina or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Nightlife?

Taormina is a great destination for nightlife and partying. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is a island with minimal options for its evening party scene.

The people in Taormina know how to have a good time. The town has a bit of an exclusive vibe and that's felt in the nightlife scene as well. There are lounges and exclusive clubs that serve fine wine and cocktails. You'll also find some late night dance clubs around town.

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

Is Taormina or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Resorts?

Taormina is a great destination for its resorts. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is not a resort destination.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Taormina. There are a number of high end resorts and hotels in and near town that have pools and five star facilities.

Mont-Saint-Michel is not a resort destination.

Is Taormina or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Beaches?

Taormina is very good for the beache. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Taormina to enjoy the beach. The easiest beaches to access from town are Mazzaro Beach and Isola Bella Beach. The beaches are near hotels and there are restaurants as well as beach umbrellas and chairs that you can rent.

Mont-Saint-Michel is not a beach destination.

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

Mont-Saint-Michel is a island with good options for hiking. However, Taormina is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Mont-Saint-Michel. There's a 4.2 mile out and back trail that can be walked in about 1.5 hours.

Taormina is not a hiking destination.

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

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

Taormina offers some nice shopping areas. It's a fashion-conscious town and you'll find boutiques and shops that carry high end Italian brands. There are also shops that sell local pottery and other items.

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

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

Neither Taormina nor Mont-Saint-Michel are considered to be the most family-friendly destination.

For families, Taormina is not always the best place to visit. Kids may not appreciate everything that the adults enjoy about this town, but they will likely have fun taking a ride on the cable car and visiting the Greek Theater. There are also wonderful desserts that kids will enjoy.

Mont-Saint-Michel is not the most family-friendly destination. 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 Taormina or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Couples?

Mont-Saint-Michel is very popular for couples. Also, Taormina is not as popular, but is still a nice town for romance.

Mont-Saint-Michel is a great island for couples, as it has plenty to offer. 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.

Taormina is a very popular place to visit for couples. It's a truly beautiful town with impressive views and a great atmosphere. It makes a wonderful stop off for couples or honeymooners who want to soak up the region's beauty.

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

Mont-Saint-Michel is a island with good options for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Taormina is not known for backpackers.

Mont-Saint-Michel is a good island to visit for backpackers. You'll find a couple of hostels an cheap hotels in the area.

Taormina is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. There aren't many hostels around town and you won't find a large backpacker crowd here. The town has the feel of an exclusive resort community with high end resorts more common than anything else.

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

Taormina and Mont-Saint-Michel both offer good public transit to get you around.

While Taormina offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are minibuses that travel to the more far-reaching parts of the town.

Mont-Saint-Michel has a few public transit options. There's a free shuttle bus that connects Mont-Saint-Michel to the mainland.

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

Taormina and Mont-Saint-Michel are superb when it comes to walkability.

Taormina is a very walkable destination. Walking is one of the best ways to explore the town.

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

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

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

How long in Taormina or Mont-Saint-Michel?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Taormina or Mont-Saint-Michel to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Taormina than Mont-Saint-Michel because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Taormina, and 1-2 days is enough time in Mont-Saint-Michel.

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

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

One day in Taormina or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Even though Taormina is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It offers something for everyone.

The beautiful island of Mont-Saint-Michel offers museums and food. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Taormina or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Taormina is a small town where visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife. Your budget might influence how long you stay. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here.

Mont-Saint-Michel is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this island makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Mont-Saint-Michel, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Taormina or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Taormina is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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 popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Taormina or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Taormina is a popular choice for travelers. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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.

Mont-Saint-Michel is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that museums is why people visit. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This island offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy, The Best Walking 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 Taormina and Mont-Saint-Michel, we can see that Mont-Saint-Michel is more expensive. And not only is Taormina much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Taormina would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Taormina 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 Taormina.

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

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

Taormina has a larger population, and is about 130 times larger than the population of Mont-Saint-Michel. When comparing the sizes of Taormina 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 Taormina 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 Taormina or Mont-Saint-Michel in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Taormina as well as Mont-Saint-Michel. Many visitors come to Taormina in the summer for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, most visitors come to Mont-Saint-Michel for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Taormina is generally a little warmer than Mont-Saint-Michel. Daily temperatures in Taormina average around 27°C (80°F), 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 Taormina this time of the year. In the summer, Taormina often gets more sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel. Taormina gets 332 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 246 hours of full sun.

Taormina usually gets less rain in July than Mont-Saint-Michel. Taormina gets 6 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 Taormina or Mont-Saint-Michel in the Autumn?

Both Mont-Saint-Michel and Taormina are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Taormina for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Mont-Saint-Michel because of the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

Taormina is much warmer than Mont-Saint-Michel in the autumn. The daily temperature in Taormina averages around 21°C (69°F) in October, and Mont-Saint-Michel fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Taormina usually receives more sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel during autumn. Taormina gets 189 hours of sunny skies, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 134 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Taormina. In October, Taormina usually receives more rain than Mont-Saint-Michel. Taormina gets 128 mm (5 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

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

Both Mont-Saint-Michel and Taormina during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Taormina because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Mont-Saint-Michel this time of year.

In the winter, Taormina is much warmer than Mont-Saint-Michel. Typically, the winter temperatures in Taormina in January average around 13°C (55°F), and Mont-Saint-Michel averages at about 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Taormina often gets more sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel. Taormina gets 115 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 70 hours of full sun.

Taormina usually gets more rain in January than Mont-Saint-Michel. Taormina gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Taormina and Mont-Saint-Michel. The beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Taormina this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Mont-Saint-Michel for the natural beauty.

In April, Taormina is generally much warmer than Mont-Saint-Michel. Daily temperatures in Taormina average around 16°C (60°F), and Mont-Saint-Michel fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

In Taormina, it's very sunny this time of the year. Taormina usually receives more sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel during spring. Taormina gets 207 hours of sunny skies, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 180 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Taormina usually receives less rain than Mont-Saint-Michel. Taormina gets 37 mm (1.5 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 Taormina