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

Should you visit Kos 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 Kos 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.

Kos

Kos is a cultural, party-hard, and vibrant island. The famous beauty of Kos is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. See Kos travel costs.

Montpellier

Montpellier is a historic, vibrant, and bustling city. Montpellier is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and beaches. See Montpellier travel costs.

Kos and Montpellier: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kos or Montpellier?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Kos than Montpellier, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Kos is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Montpellier is more popular for its historical sights and shopping. Kos is well known for its sandy beaches and crystal clear blue water. Also, Kos is famous for Asklepieion Archeological Site. Montpellier is well known for its relaxed atmosphere, grand boulevards, and authentic personality.

How is Kos different from Montpellier?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Kos or Montpellier?

Kos is an unbeatable place for its museums and landmarks. Also, Montpellier is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Kos on the map. The small island is packed with archaeological sites and interesting history. Famous places worth visiting include the ruins of Asklepion, the ancient Agora, Roman Odeon, Neratzia Castle, and so many more!

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 Kos or Montpellier? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Kos is an unbeatable place for its restaurant scene. Also, Montpellier is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eat your way through Kos, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The cuisine relies heavily on locally harvested ingredients with many dishes featuring cheese, seafood, vegetables, olive oil, and potatoes. The dishes are influenced by Italian and Turkish cuisines and common dishes include moussaka, souvlaki and tzatziki. Popular seafood options are prawns, squid, lobster and octopus. A great way to enjoy a sampling of local dishes is to visit an ouzeri, which is a Greek taverna that serves mezza style meals with small dishes that you can share.

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 Kos or Montpellier Better for Nightlife?

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

The people in Kos know how to have a good time. For such a small island you'll find a huge party scene during the peak summer months. There are almost nightly parties, beach raves, and late night clubs throughout the summer months. The bars and clubs are mostly concentrated around a couple of streets in the center of Kos Town, but Kardamena is also a lively party area. It's popular with British tourists who head here for the all-night clubs.

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 Kos or Montpellier Better for Resorts?

Kos is a good destination for its resorts. However, Montpellier is not a resort destination.

Kos has a few great resort options. It's a smaller island and there aren't as many resorts here as there are on some of the larger Greek islands. Some of the best resort areas include Lamp and Psalidi to the northwest, Tigaki on the west coast (a good option for families), as well as Mastihari and Marmari which both have relaxed atmospheres. The younger crowd often hangs out around Kardemena on the east coast.

Montpellier is not a resort destination.

Is Kos or Montpellier Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Kos is an unbeatable place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Montpellier is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

People travel from around the world to go scuba diving and snorkeling in Kos. There are countless snorkeling sports around the island where you can immerse yourself in the undersea world. Popular snorkeling areas include Camel Beach and Limnionas Beach. Make sure you understand the water conditions before heading into the water.

Montpellier is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Kos or Montpellier Better for Beaches?

Kos is an unbeatable place for the beach. Also, Montpellier is still popular, but not quite as popular for its beaches.

Kos offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. The island is famous for its beautiful beaches, many of which are sandy with various shades of color. There are touristy beaches with plenty of amenities as well as less frequented beaches that offer a quieter and more remote atmosphere. Some of the most visited beaches on the island include Agios Stefanos, Kardamena, Kefalos and Lambi while some of the more peaceful areas are Cavo Paradiso and Helona Beach.

Montpellier is considered a top beach destination. 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.

Is Kos or Montpellier Better for its Old Town?

Montpellier is very popular for its historic old town. However, Kos 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.

Kos does not have a historic old town.

Is Kos or Montpellier Better for Hiking?

Kos is a good destination for its hiking experiences. However, Montpellier is not a hiking destination.

Kos offers some nice hiking trails. This is a great walking island with a number of easy walks or hikes that take you along the coastline or through interesting landscapes.

Montpellier is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Kos or Montpellier?

Montpellier is an excellent place to visit for shopping. Also, Kos is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Montpellier. Head to Rue de la Loge for some of the city's best shopping.

Kos offers some nice shopping areas. There are a number of traditional items that you can pick up while you're in town. Fun souvenirs include jewelry, leather items, and perfumes.

Is Kos or Montpellier More Beautiful?

Kos is an unbeatable place for its scenery and beauty. Also, Montpellier is still popular, but not quite as popular for its scenery and beauty.

The famous beauty of Kos is one of the main draws. With it's beautiful coves and ancient ruins, this small island packs a lot of activity into a small space.

Montpellier is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. With it's long history and beautiful architecture, this is a beautiful town.

Is Kos or Montpellier Better for Families?

Both Kos and Montpellier are notable to visit with kids.

Kos is a family-friendly island. It's comparable to other Greek islands when it comes to kids' activities. Kos Town can get a bit lively at night so if you want to avoid the party crowds, then those areas are easily avoided. Popular activities include exploring ancient ruins, going to the Kos Archaeological Museum, visiting The Castle of the Knights, and of course, hanging out at the beach. One of the best family-friendly resort areas is Tigaki along the west coast.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Montpellier. 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.

Is Kos or Montpellier Better for Couples?

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

Kos makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. This small island offers beautiful beaches and plenty of ancient ruins to explore. Kos Town is where you'll find the liveliest atmosphere but for some of the best resorts you'll want to stay in one of the resort suburbs like Lampi or Psalidi.

Couples visit Montpellier frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Rich in history and beautiful architecture, this city offers a romantic setting for a great couple's getaway.

Is Kos or Montpellier Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kos and Montpellier are both very good destinations for backpackers.

Kos is very popular with the backpacker crowd. It's a small island but has a few hostels and a variety of apartments available for rent. Despite its small size, there are areas where you'll want to have a car if you wish to explore, but if you stay in town you'll find getting around fairly easy. The island attracts its share of young travelers and you'll find plenty of people to hang out with.

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

Is Kos or Montpellier Better for Students?

Montpellier is very popular for its student-friendly activities. However, Kos 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.

Kos is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find very good public transit in both Kos and Montpellier.

Visitors to Kos can move around easily with public transportation. Buses connect many of the tourist destinations including beaches, cultural sights, are resort areas.

The public transit in Montpellier can get you around easily. There are a number of options for getting around town including the tramway, bus, and tourist train.

Is Kos or Montpellier a more walkable city?

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

Kos is very walkable. It's small size means it's possible to explore parts of the island on foot or bicycle. There are some beautiful walks on the island, but some areas will require a car or bus.

Montpellier is a very walkable island. 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 Kos Worth Visiting? and Is Montpellier Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Montpellier or Kos?

How long in Kos or Montpellier?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Kos and Montpellier. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Kos than in Montpellier. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Kos, and 1-3 days is enough time in Montpellier.

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

Couples should spend more time in Kos than Montpellier. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Kos that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Kos than Montpellier 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 Kos.

One day in Kos or Montpellier?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the ancient island of Kos. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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.

With nightlife and food around the vibrant destination of Montpellier, there's plenty to do. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A weekend in Kos or Montpellier?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the cultural destination of Kos. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. This island 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.

Many people visit Montpellier for a weekend. With food and shopping around the beautiful city of Montpellier, there's plenty to do. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Five days in Kos or Montpellier?

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the vibrant island of Kos. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

The destination of Montpellier offers shopping and museums. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. 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.

A week in Kos or Montpellier?

Many people enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting Kos. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people come for the beaches. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Montpellier, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Athens, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Greece, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France, and The Best 2-Week Tours in France.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kos and Montpellier, we can see that Kos is more expensive. And not only is Montpellier much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Montpellier would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Montpellier 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 Kos would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Kos than you might in Montpellier.

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

Which is Bigger, Kos or Montpellier?

Montpellier has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Kos. When comparing the sizes of Kos 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.