A Travel Price Comparison for United Kingdom Isle of Skye vs. Dover for Hiking, Food, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Isle of Skye or Dover?

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 Isle of Skye and Dover. 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.

Isle of Skye

Isle of Skye is a scenic, picturesque, and stunning island. You'll find world class beauty here as well. Other popular activities here include hiking, food, and beaches.

Dover

Dover is a stunning, natural, and breathtaking town. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include food, hiking, and museums.

Isle of Skye and Dover: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Isle of Skye or Dover?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Isle of Skye than Dover, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Isle of Skye is better known for its food, beaches, and hiking, while Dover is more popular for its museums and nightlife. Isle of Skye is more touristy than Dover and is popular for its quaint fishing villages, scenic landscapes, and historic castles. Also, Isle of Skye is famous for The Old Man of Storr. Dover is well known for the famous White Cliffs of Dover as well as the ferry connection to mainland Europe.

How is Isle of Skye different from Dover?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Isle of Skye or Dover?

Dover is a good destination for its museums and history. However, Isle of Skye does not have museums and landmarks.

Dover is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Aside from the iconic White Cliffs of Dover, there is the Dover Castle, the South Foreland Lighthouse, and the Grand Shaft.

Isle of Skye does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Isle of Skye or Dover? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Isle of Skye is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Dover is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

Dining out in Isle of Skye is an experience not to be missed. Foodies will appreciate the seasonal local ingredients that many restaurants use. Both the land and sea offer ingredients that inspire delicious dishes. You can choose from Michelin star restaurants, local cafes, and cozy inns. The food is fresh and well made.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Dover. The town has a growing food scene that includes waterfront restaurants and local dishes. Find a restaurant with a view to make sure you take full advantage of the setting.

Is Isle of Skye or Dover Better for Nightlife?

Dover is a decent place to visit for nightlife. However, Isle of Skye is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Dover. The nightlife has a relaxed atmosphere with wine bars and microbreweries.

Isle of Skye is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Isle of Skye or Dover Better for Beaches?

Isle of Skye is a well-known place for the beach. However, Dover is not a beach destination.

Isle of Skye is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. Some of the best beaches in Scotland are found on the Isle of Skye. The rugged coastline feels pristine and undiscovered. Some of the best beaches include Coral Beach, Talisker Bay Beach, Rubha Shlèite Beach, and Camasunary Bay.

Dover is not a beach destination.

Is Isle of Skye or Dover Better for Hiking?

Isle of Skye is a world-class destination for the nearby hiking options. Also, Dover is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its hiking trails.

Many people visit Isle of Skye specifically for its hiking. Hikes on the island range from family-friendly to some of the most challenging in Scotland. The setting is dramatic and beautiful and the hikes are a varied as the landscape. Some of the most popular hikes include the Fairy Pools, the Old Man of Storr, Neist Point Lighthouse, and the Quiraing.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Dover. There are many beautiful countryside walks that take you through the rolling hills and along the iconic white cliffs. Some of the best hikes in the area include The England Coast Path, The North Downs Way Saxon Shore Way.

Is Isle of Skye or Dover Better for Families?

Both Isle of Skye and Dover are notable family-friendly destinations.

Isle of Skye is a family-friendly island. Kids who love the outdoors will enjoy many of the kid-friendly hikes in the area. Favorites include the Old Man of Storr Hike and the Brother’s Point Hike. Other fun family-friendly places to visit include the Isle of Skye Fairy Glen, the Fairy Pools, and Slipway Beach.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Dover. There are a few kid-friendly museums like the Dover Transport Museum and the Dover Castle. Also make sure you check out the South Foreland Lighthouse.

Is Isle of Skye or Dover Better for Couples?

Isle of Skye and Dover both high quality destinations for a couple.

Isle of Skye makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With beautiful hikes and impressive castles, this island makes a stunning romantic getaway. There are beautiful viewpoints and coastal backdrops that make for a perfect couples getaway.

Couples visit Dover frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The White Cliffs of Dover are an iconic sight and perfect for a romantic trip away. Also make sure you check out St. Margaret's Bay Beach and the Kearsney Abbey Gardens.

Is Isle of Skye or Dover Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Isle of Skye is a well-known place for backpackers. Also, Dover is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Isle of Skye is a very popular island for backpackers and budget travelers. There are many beautiful places to camp, so backpackers will enjoy hiking during the day and sleeping under the stars at night.

It's common for backpackers to visit Dover. You'll find several nice hostels to choose from in the town.

Is Isle of Skye or Dover Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Dover is a decent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Isle of Skye is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Public transit is mostly limited in Dover. There are public buses through the district.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Isle of Skye. There are local bus routes on the island that are operated by Stagecoach.

Is Isle of Skye or Dover a more walkable city?

Dover is a good destination for its walkability. However, Isle of Skye is not a walkable destination.

Dover is somewhat walkable. You can wander around the countryside, but prepare for rolling hills and great views.

Isle of Skye is not a walkable destination.

For even more information, also check out Is Isle of Skye Worth Visiting? and Is Dover Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Dover or Isle of Skye?

How long in Isle of Skye or Dover?

It's fun to spend time in either Isle of Skye or Dover. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Isle of Skye due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Isle of Skye, and 2-4 days is enough time in Dover.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Isle of Skye than Dover 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 Isle of Skye.

One day in Isle of Skye or Dover?

In Isle of Skye, many people enjoy the food that this diverse destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. Lots of people come for the hiking. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

In Dover, many people enjoy the museums and food that this stunning town offers. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Isle of Skye or Dover?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Isle of Skye. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Dover is a fun place to experience. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Isle of Skye or Dover?

Isle of Skye is a fun place to experience. In Isle of Skye, many people enjoy the food that this destination offers. Lots of people come for the hiking. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

You'll find museums and food around the natural destination of Dover. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Isle of Skye or Dover?

You'll find food around the stunning destination of Isle of Skye. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the hiking. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Dover is a popular place to visit. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to United Kingdom, The Best 3-Day Tours from Edinburgh, The Best 3-Day Tours from London, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from London.

When comparing the travel costs between Isle of Skye and Dover, we can see that Dover 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 Isle of Skye Expensive? and Is Dover Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Isle of Skye or Dover?

Dover has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Isle of Skye. When comparing the sizes of Isle of Skye and Dover, 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 Isle of Skye or Dover?

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 Isle of Skye or Dover in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Isle of Skye as well as Dover. Many travelers come to Isle of Skye for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Dover in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Isle of Skye is generally cooler than Dover. Daily temperatures in Isle of Skye average around 13°C (55°F), and Dover fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Dover. In the summer, Isle of Skye often gets less sunshine than Dover. Isle of Skye gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dover receives 212 hours of full sun.

Isle of Skye usually gets more rain in July than Dover. Isle of Skye gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Dover receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Isle of Skye or Dover in the Autumn?

Both Dover and Isle of Skye are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Isle of Skye in the autumn for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Dover for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Isle of Skye is cooler than Dover in the autumn. The daily temperature in Isle of Skye averages around 9°C (49°F) in October, and Dover fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Isle of Skye usually receives less sunshine than Dover during autumn. Isle of Skye gets 82 hours of sunny skies, while Dover receives 119 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Isle of Skye. In October, Isle of Skye usually receives more rain than Dover. Isle of Skye gets 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Dover receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Isle of Skye or Dover in the Winter?

Both Dover and Isle of Skye during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Isle of Skye for the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Dover because of the museums and the cuisine.

The weather in Dover can be very cold. Isle of Skye can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Isle of Skye is around the same temperature as Dover. Typically, the winter temperatures in Isle of Skye in January average around 4°C (40°F), and Dover averages at about 4°C (40°F).

In the winter, Isle of Skye often gets less sunshine than Dover. Isle of Skye gets 41 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dover receives 57 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Isle of Skye. Isle of Skye usually gets more rain in January than Dover. Isle of Skye gets 127 mm (5 in) of rain, while Dover receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Isle of Skye or Dover in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Isle of Skye and Dover. The spring months attract visitors to Isle of Skye because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Dover this time of year.

In April, Isle of Skye is generally cooler than Dover. Daily temperatures in Isle of Skye average around 7°C (44°F), and Dover fluctuates around 9°C (47°F).

Isle of Skye usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Dover during spring. Isle of Skye gets 168 hours of sunny skies, while Dover receives 162 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Isle of Skye usually receives more rain than Dover. Isle of Skye gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Dover receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Dover and Isle of Skye