A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Taormina vs. Montpellier for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Beaches

Should you visit Taormina or Montpellier?

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 Montpellier 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. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include food, beaches, and shopping.

Montpellier

Montpellier is a historic, vibrant, and bustling city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the nightlife, food, and beaches.

Taormina and Montpellier: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Taormina or Montpellier?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Montpellier. Although Taormina and Montpellier are popular destinations, Montpellier has more sights and attractions for tourists. Montpellier is very popular for its museums, beaches, historical sights, and shopping, while Taormina attracts visitors for its food, nightlife, resorts, and small town charm. Taormina is more touristy than Montpellier and is popular for its long history as a seaside resort town with luxury accommodation and beautiful views. Montpellier is famous for its relaxed atmosphere, grand boulevards, and authentic personality. It is also well known for The Place de la Comédie.

How is Taormina different from Montpellier?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Montpellier 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 Montpellier?

Montpellier is a great city for its historical sights. Also, Taormina is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its sights and museums.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Montpellier. With such a long history, the city has many landmarks and monuments. Also make sure you visit Musée Fabre and Saint-Pierre Cathedral.

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 Montpellier? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Taormina is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Montpellier is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Taormina is an experience not to be missed. 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.

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 Taormina or Montpellier Better for Nightlife?

Taormina is a great destination for its evening party scene. Also, Montpellier is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

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.

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 Taormina or Montpellier Better for Resorts?

Taormina is a great destination for its resorts. However, Montpellier is not a resort destination.

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

Montpellier is not a resort destination.

Is Taormina or Montpellier Better for Beaches?

Montpellier is a great city for the beach. Also, Taormina is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its beaches.

The beaches at Montpellier attract visitors from all over. 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.

Taormina offers a nice beach destination. 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.

Is Taormina or Montpellier Better for its Old Town?

Montpellier is very popular for its historic old town charm. However, Taormina does not have a historic old town.

Montpellier has a world-famous historical area. 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.

Taormina does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Taormina or Montpellier?

Montpellier is a great city for its shopping areas. Also, Taormina is not as popular, but is still a nice town for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Montpellier. Head to Rue de la Loge for some of the city's best shopping.

Taormina is a great destination for shopping. 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.

Is Taormina or Montpellier Better for Families?

Montpellier is a city with good options for its kid-friendly activities. However, Taormina is not known for its family-friendly activities.

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.

Taormina is not the most family-friendly destination. 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.

Is Taormina or Montpellier Better for Couples?

Both Taormina and Montpellier are very good destinations for a couple's getaway.

Taormina is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. 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.

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.

Is Taormina or Montpellier Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Montpellier is a great city for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Taormina is not known for backpackers.

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

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 Montpellier Better for Students?

Montpellier is very popular for its student-friendly activities. However, Taormina is not popular with students.

Montpellier is a very popular city 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.

Taormina is not popular with students.

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

Montpellier is a great city for times when you don't have a car. Also, Taormina is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its public transit.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Montpellier. There are a number of options for getting around town including the tramway, bus, and tourist train.

Taormina has a few public transit options. There are minibuses that travel to the more far-reaching parts of the town.

Is Taormina or Montpellier a more walkable city?

Taormina and Montpellier are very good when it comes to walkability.

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

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.

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

Should I spend more time in Montpellier or Taormina?

How long in Taormina or Montpellier?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Taormina and Montpellier. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Taormina than in Montpellier. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Taormina, and 1-3 days is enough time in Montpellier.

Families should spend more time in Montpellier than Taormina. 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 Taormina. 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 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 Montpellier.

One day in Taormina or Montpellier?

Taormina is a small town with plenty to do. 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.

The beautiful city of Montpellier offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Montpellier?

Taormina might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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.

Montpellier is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Montpellier, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Taormina or Montpellier?

Because Taormina is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 popular choice for travelers. 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 Montpellier?

Since Taormina is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. 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.

Montpellier is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in France, and The Best 2-Week Tours in France.

When comparing the travel costs between Taormina and Montpellier, we can see that Montpellier is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Taormina or Montpellier?

Montpellier has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Taormina. When comparing the sizes of Taormina 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 Taormina or Montpellier?

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 Montpellier in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Taormina as well as Montpellier. The beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Taormina this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Montpellier for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

Taormina is a little warmer than Montpellier in the summer. The daily temperature in Taormina averages around 27°C (80°F) in July, and Montpellier fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Montpellier. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Taormina this time of the year. In the summer, Taormina often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Montpellier. Taormina gets 332 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montpellier receives 351 hours of full sun.

Taormina usually gets less rain in July than Montpellier. Taormina gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Taormina or Montpellier in the Autumn?

Both Montpellier and Taormina are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Taormina for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Montpellier in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Taormina is a little warmer than Montpellier. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Taormina in October average around 21°C (69°F), and Montpellier averages at about 15°C (60°F).

Taormina usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Montpellier during autumn. Taormina gets 189 hours of sunny skies, while Montpellier receives 187 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Montpellier. It's quite rainy in Taormina. In October, Taormina usually receives more rain than Montpellier. Taormina gets 128 mm (5 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Taormina or Montpellier in the Winter?

Both Montpellier and Taormina during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Taormina in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Montpellier for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In January, Taormina is generally much warmer than Montpellier. Daily temperatures in Taormina average around 13°C (55°F), and Montpellier fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

In the winter, Taormina often gets less sunshine than Montpellier. Taormina gets 115 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montpellier receives 147 hours of full sun.

Taormina usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Montpellier. Taormina gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Taormina or Montpellier in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Taormina and Montpellier. Most visitors come to Taormina for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Montpellier because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

Taormina is a little warmer than Montpellier in the spring. The daily temperature in Taormina averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Montpellier fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Montpellier this time of the year. In Taormina, it's very sunny this time of the year. Taormina usually receives less sunshine than Montpellier during spring. Taormina gets 207 hours of sunny skies, while Montpellier receives 230 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Taormina usually receives less rain than Montpellier. Taormina gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Montpellier and Taormina