A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Como vs. Cairngorms National Park for Food, Couples, Hiking, and Families

Should you visit Como or Cairngorms National Park?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Como or Cairngorms National Park, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Como

Como is a trendy, fun, and vibrant lake area. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the hiking, shopping, and nightlife.

Cairngorms National Park

Cairngorms National Park is a beautiful, serene, and picturesque national park. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food and hiking.

Como and Cairngorms National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food


Is there more to do in Como or Cairngorms National Park?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Como. Although Como and Cairngorms National Park are popular destinations, Como has more sights and attractions for tourists. Como is more touristy than Cairngorms National Park and is known for its long-running history as a resort retreat for upscale travelers. It is also well known for the lakeside setting. Cairngorms National Park is famous for its impressive hikes, scenic natural beauty, and nice mountains.

How is Como different from Cairngorms National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Como or Cairngorms National Park?

Como
Cairngorms National Park

Como is a decent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Cairngorms National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

While most people don't head to Como specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. Most people visit for the lakeside setting, but there's history throughout, with notable buildings including the Duomo, Museo Civico, and Basilica di Sant'Abbondio.

Cairngorms National Park does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in Como or Cairngorms National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Como
Cairngorms National Park

Como is renowned for its restaurants. Also, Cairngorms National Park is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Como has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The area has its own style of Italian food. Polenta is one of the most popular dishes and it's usually served with meat, fish, or cheese. You can also enjoy several different types of fish such as misultitt (dried fish), salmon trout, pike, bleak, lavarello, and perch.

Cairngorms National Park offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There are a variety of cafes, pubs, and restaurants in the area that offer hearty dishes to fill a hungry hiker.

Is Como or Cairngorms National Park Better for Nightlife?

Como
Cairngorms National Park

Como is very good for its evening party scene. However, Cairngorms National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Como. It is more known for its glamour and sophistication than its raging party scene. There are fine dining restaurants where you can sip wine and enjoy the view. There are also theaters and jazz clubs that offer a relaxing vibe and a nice night out.

Cairngorms National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Como or Cairngorms National Park Better for Beaches?

Como
Cairngorms National Park

Como is very good for the beach. However, Cairngorms National Park is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Como to enjoy the beach. You'll find lakeside beaches where you can relax, sunbath, or swim. Many are affiliated with clubs and the atmosphere is often trendy and upscale. Don't expect a secluded and natural setting, but there are often nice restaurants nearby.

Cairngorms National Park is not a beach destination.


Is Como or Cairngorms National Park Better for Hiking?

Como
Cairngorms National Park

Como and Cairngorms National Park are both places where visitors can find excellent hiking trails.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Como. There's a wide variety of hiking trails in the area that take you through the mountains or along the water's edge. One of the most popular trails is the Greenway del Lago di Como.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Cairngorms National Park. There are hikes for every skill level. You'll find waterfalls, open glens, mountains, and beautiful lakes. Some of the best hikes include the Falls of Bruar, Morrone, and the Seven Bridges Trail.

Is the Shopping Better in Como or Cairngorms National Park?

Como
Cairngorms National Park

Como is renowned for its shopping areas. However, Cairngorms National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many people travel to Como specifically to go shopping. The shopping is comparable to major cities, with everything from high end boutiques to outlets and local markets. There are clothing shops, jewelry stores, and places to pick up local souvenirs. Shopping is a favorite activity for many visitors to Lake Como.

Cairngorms National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Como or Cairngorms National Park Better for Families?

Como
Cairngorms National Park

Como and Cairngorms National Park are both excellent destinations for the whole family.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Como. It has parks and gardens to explore, as well as Vezio Castle and many nice walking trails. A highlight for many kids is a visit to Lake Como Adventure Park.

Cairngorms National Park is a very family-friendly place to visit. The outdoor wilderness, natural lakes, and fun activities make for a great family holiday. Head to the beach at Loch Morlich or go for a pony trek. You can also take a ride on the Strathspey Steam Railway or if the kids are craving a bit more excitement head to Landmark Forest Adventure Park.


Is Como or Cairngorms National Park Better for Couples?

Como
Cairngorms National Park

Como is renowned for couples. Also, Cairngorms National Park is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

For those traveling as a couple, Como has plenty to offer. Its beautiful walks, charming towns, and surrounding natural setting make this a great honeymoon and couple's getaway destination. Dine on Italian cuisine as you sip wine and look out on the pristine waters of Lake Como.

Couples visit Cairngorms National Park frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The hiking, natural beauty, and stunning setting make for a wonderful couples getaway. Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the serene setting and it's not uncommon for some couples to get engaged in this beautiful park.

Is Como or Cairngorms National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Como
Cairngorms National Park

Como is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Cairngorms National Park is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Como. It's a popular destination with all types of travelers, so you'll find a decent selection of hostels to choose from, and a number of other backpackers around to hang out with.

It's common for backpackers to visit Cairngorms National Park. Transportation without a car is basically impossible, but camping is a great way to experience the park to its fullest without breaking the bank.

Is Como or Cairngorms National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Como
Cairngorms National Park

Como is very good for times when you don't have a car. However, Cairngorms National Park is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Como has some public transit options. There are buses, ferries, and a funicular that travel to different towns around the lake.

Public transit is generally limited in Cairngorms National Park. To fully explore the park, you really need to have your own vehicle, but there are local buses and trains that travel to the park.


Is Como or Cairngorms National Park a more walkable city?

Como
Cairngorms National Park

Como is a very popular place for its ease of walking around. However, Cairngorms National Park is not a walkable destination.

Como is a very walkable destination. The entire area is very walkable and you'll enjoy many great views during your stroll.

Cairngorms National Park is not a walkable destination.

For even more information, also check out Is Como Worth Visiting? and Is Cairngorms National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cairngorms National Park or Como?

How long in Como or Cairngorms National Park?

In either Como or Cairngorms National Park, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Cairngorms National Park than Como because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Como, and 3-5 days is enough time in Cairngorms National Park.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Como than Cairngorms National Park 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 Como.


  • How many days in Como or Cairngorms National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Como 2-4 
    Cairngorms National Park 3-5

One day in Como or Cairngorms National Park?

With food and shopping around the fun lake area of Como, there's plenty to do. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Visitors enjoy the food when visiting the destination of Cairngorms National Park. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Como or Cairngorms National Park?

With shopping and nightlife around the vibrant destination of Como, there's plenty to do. Hikers are also drawn to this area. If you have a weekend, this lake area makes for a great vacation.A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Cairngorms National Park is a fun place to experience. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.


Five days in Como or Cairngorms National Park?

You'll find nightlife and food around the trendy lake area of Como. This lake area offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Visitors enjoy the food when visiting the picturesque destination of Cairngorms National Park. This national park offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in Como or Cairngorms National Park?

Como is a great place to explore. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. One week 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 length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

The picturesque national park of Cairngorms National Park offers food. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week 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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Rome, The Best 10-Day Tours from Rome, The Best 10-Day Tours from Edinburgh, and The Best 2-Week Tours from London.


Which place is cheaper, Cairngorms National Park or Como?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Como is €214, while the average daily cost in Cairngorms National Park is €139. 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 Como and Cairngorms National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Como 146
    Cairngorms National Park 65
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Como 292
    Cairngorms National Park 130
Compare Hotels in Como and Cairngorms National Park

Looking for a hotel in Como or Cairngorms National Park? 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 Como


Hotels in Cairngorms National Park


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: Como Hotel Prices and Cairngorms National Park Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Como 14
    Cairngorms National Park 62

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Como

Also for Como, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private transfer from Mandello del Lario or Abbadia Lariana: $76
  • Private transfer from Lenno or Argegno or Ossuccio: $147
  • Private Transfer: Lake Como to Milan Airport MXP in Luxury Van: $236
  • Private Transfer from Lezzeno or Pognana Lario or Faggeto Lario: $169
  • Private Transfer from Como to Milan hotels: $53
  • Private Transfer From Lecco or Malgrate: $65
  • Pirvate transfer from Malpensa airport to Como and Cernobbio: $207
  • Milan Private Transfer from Cernobbio (Como) to Milan airports (LIN or MPX): $243
  • From Milan center : Private 1-Way Transfer to Como: $275
  • From Private 1-Way Transfer to Linate airport: $306
  • From Como : Private 1-Way Transfer to Malpensa airport: $336
  • From Bellagio or Como hotels to Venice (+water taxi) - Private Transfer: $193

Is it cheaper to fly into Como or Cairngorms National Park?

Prices for flights to both Cairngorms National Park and Como 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
    Como 60
    Cairngorms National Park 35

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Como

For Como, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • COOKING, EATING, LOVING - Lasagna cooking Class for everyone!: $45
  • Cantonese Dimsum Cooking Lesson in Como or Lugano with Chef Ling: $49
  • Dining Experience at a local's Home in Lentate Verbano with Show Cooking: $93
  • Lake Como Food Tour - Eat like a real Local: $108
  • Tour and historical dinner: Lake Como 1690: $131
  • Como Food Tour and the Farmers Market: $139
  • Homemade Pasta Cooking Class: $160
  • Como Area: Pizza Training Experience: $160
  • Pizza Training Experience. Como Area: $163
  • Lecco Bike Tour & Pizza Lunch: $163
  • Private Market Tour & Lunch or Dinner with a Local: $171
  • Como Food Tour: $180

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Como -
    Cairngorms National Park 31

Tours and Activities in Como

For Como, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • A Self-Guided Walking Tour of Como and its Breathtaking Lakeside: $20
  • “Public Tour” Lake Como By SuBacco: $131
  • 1 Hour Boat Tour of Lake Como from Bellagio: $43
  • 1 or 2 Hours Private Boat Tour on Lake villas and more: $374
  • 1 or 2 hours Private Boat Tour on Lake Como with Prosecco: $374
  • 2 Hours Como Private Walking Tour: $179
  • 2 Hours Como Private Walking Tour: $182
  • 2 hours Private Boat Tour Como Lake: $933
  • 2 hours Private and Exclusive Clay sculpture Art experience : $294
  • 2 hours Private boat tour on lake of Como: $909
  • 2h Boat Tour with Classic Venetian Limousine in Menaggio: $734
  • 3 Hour Private Kayaking Experience on Lake Como: $120

Tours and Activities in Cairngorms National Park

For Cairngorms National Park, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Cairn Gorm Mountain Adventure Private Hike: $168
  • Private Guided Mountain Walking Experience in the Cairngorms: $177
  • Private Guided Ridge Scrambling Experience in the Cairngorms: $202
  • Private Guided Rock Climbing Experience in the Cairngorms: $202
  • Private Guided Winter Mountain Walking Experience in the Cairngorms: $202
  • Private Guided Winter Mountaineering Experience in the Cairngorms: $222
  • Private Walking Tour to Ben Macdui Scotland: $114

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Como -
    Cairngorms National Park 9.83

Sample the Local Flavors in Como

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Como:

  • Domaso: Wine Tasting at the Winery on Como Lake: $60
  • Italian Wine Tasting & Food Como Lake: $70
  • Lake Food and Wine tour in Colico: $114
  • Wine Tastings with Chef Luigi Gandola: $135
  • Private Wine Tasting in Bellagio with Chef Luigi Gandola: $185
  • Food and Wine Tours Lake Como: $196


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

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



When is the best time to visit Como or Cairngorms National Park?

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 Como or Cairngorms National Park in the Summer?

Both Cairngorms National Park and Como are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Como for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Cairngorms National Park because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Como is much warmer than Cairngorms National Park in the summer. The daily temperature in Como averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Cairngorms National Park fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Como. Como usually receives more sunshine than Cairngorms National Park during summer. Como gets 250 hours of sunny skies, while Cairngorms National Park receives 147 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Como usually receives more rain than Cairngorms National Park. Como gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Cairngorms National Park receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Como 23°C (73°F) 
    Cairngorms National Park 14°C (58°F)

Should I visit Como or Cairngorms National Park in the Autumn?

Both Cairngorms National Park and Como during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Como because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Cairngorms National Park this time of year.

In the autumn, Como is much warmer than Cairngorms National Park. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Como in October average around 15°C (58°F), and Cairngorms National Park averages at about 9°C (49°F).

In the autumn, Como often gets more sunshine than Cairngorms National Park. Como gets 152 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cairngorms National Park receives 84 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Como. Como usually gets more rain in October than Cairngorms National Park. Como gets 103 mm (4 in) of rain, while Cairngorms National Park receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Como 15°C (58°F) 
    Cairngorms National Park 9°C (49°F)

Should I visit Como or Cairngorms National Park in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Como and Cairngorms National Park. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Como this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Cairngorms National Park for the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Cairngorms National Park. It's quite cold in Como in the winter. In January, Como is generally much warmer than Cairngorms National Park. Daily temperatures in Como average around 5°C (41°F), and Cairngorms National Park fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Como usually receives more sunshine than Cairngorms National Park during winter. Como gets 119 hours of sunny skies, while Cairngorms National Park receives 42 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Como usually receives more rain than Cairngorms National Park. Como gets 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Cairngorms National Park receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Como 5°C (41°F) 
    Cairngorms National Park 3°C (38°F)

Should I visit Como or Cairngorms National Park in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Como as well as Cairngorms National Park. Many travelers come to Como for the beaches and the natural beauty. Additionally, many visitors come to Cairngorms National Park in the spring for the natural beauty.

Como is much warmer than Cairngorms National Park in the spring. The daily temperature in Como averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, and Cairngorms National Park fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

In the spring, Como often gets more sunshine than Cairngorms National Park. Como gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cairngorms National Park receives 136 hours of full sun.

Como usually gets more rain in April than Cairngorms National Park. Como gets 76 mm (3 in) of rain, while Cairngorms National Park receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Como 13°C (55°F) 
    Cairngorms National Park 7°C (44°F)

Typical Weather for Cairngorms National Park and Como

Como Cairngorms National Park
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 5°C (41°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 3°C (38°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Feb 6°C (44°F) 60 mm (2.3 in) 3°C (38°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Mar 10°C (49°F) 85 mm (3.4 in) 5°C (41°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Apr 13°C (55°F) 76 mm (3 in) 7°C (44°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
May 17°C (62°F) 102 mm (4 in) 10°C (50°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Jun 20°C (69°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 13°C (55°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 14°C (58°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Aug 22°C (72°F) 94 mm (3.7 in) 14°C (57°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 19°C (67°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 12°C (54°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Oct 15°C (58°F) 103 mm (4 in) 9°C (49°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Nov 9°C (49°F) 102 mm (4 in) 5°C (42°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Dec 6°C (42°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 4°C (39°F) 52 mm (2 in)