A Travel Price Comparison for United Kingdom Isle of Skye vs. Saint Andrews for Hiking, Food, Beaches, and Couples

Should you visit Isle of Skye or Saint Andrews?

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 Saint Andrews. 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 picturesque, stunning, and diverse island. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the beaches, hiking, and food.

Saint Andrews

Saint Andrews is a quaint, peaceful, and historic university town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Isle of Skye and Saint Andrews: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Isle of Skye or Saint Andrews?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Saint Andrews. Although Isle of Skye and Saint Andrews are popular destinations, Saint Andrews has more sights and attractions for tourists. Saint Andrews is very popular for its museums, nightlife, shopping, and small town charm, while Isle of Skye attracts visitors for its beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Isle of Skye is more touristy than Saint Andrews and is popular for its quaint fishing villages, scenic landscapes, and historic castles. Saint Andrews is famous for its reputation as the birthplace of golf. It is also well known for The Old Course.

The Old Course

How is Isle of Skye different from Saint Andrews?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Saint Andrews is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. For many, a highlight of their trip is to play a round of golf at St. Andrews Links Golf Courses. Golf enthusiasts will also appreciate a visit to the British Golf Museum. Other interesting sights in the area include a visit to the ruins of the Cathedral of St. Andrew, visiting the St. Andrews University Museums, or stopping by St. Andrews Castle.

Isle of Skye does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Isle of Skye and Saint Andrews.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Isle of Skye. 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.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Saint Andrews. The town holds on to its history and heritage, and that stands out with the restaurant selection. There are a range of of independent cafes and pubs and surprisingly few major chain restaurants and fast food joints.

Is Isle of Skye or Saint Andrews Better for Nightlife?

Saint Andrews is a good destination for nightlife. However, Isle of Skye is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Saint Andrews. There are a large number of pubs and bars throughout the town, and you'll find students hanging out and keeping things lively.

Isle of Skye is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Isle of Skye or Saint Andrews Better for Beaches?

Isle of Skye is a well-known place for the beache. Also, Saint Andrews is not as famous, but is still a good university town to visit for the beach.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Isle of Skye. 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Saint Andrews. Adding to the natural beauty is the beautiful coastline around St. Andrews. Some of the best beaches include West Sands Beach, Kingsbarns Beach, Castle Sands, and Saint Andrews Beach.

Is Isle of Skye or Saint Andrews Better for Hiking?

Isle of Skye is terrific for the nearby hiking options. Also, Saint Andrews is not as famous, but is still a good university town to visit for its hiking trails.

Known for its hiking, Isle of Skye draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. 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.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Saint Andrews. There are some beautiful hikes just outside of town. Check out the views from Chamcook Mountain or wander down the Van Horne Trail.

Is the Shopping Better in Isle of Skye or Saint Andrews?

Saint Andrews is a very popular place for shopping. However, Isle of Skye is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Saint Andrews. The town is filled with boutique shops and local markets where you can buy unique items like artisan food, handmade crafts, or local art.

Isle of Skye is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Isle of Skye or Saint Andrews Better for Families?

Both Isle of Skye and Saint Andrews are nice 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 Saint Andrews. There are some great playgrounds, parks, and gardens that kids will enjoy. Check out Kingbrae Gardens, Ministers Island, and Katy’s Cove. For museums, head to Ross Memorial Museum and Huntsman Fundy Discovery Aquarium.

Is Isle of Skye or Saint Andrews Better for Couples?

Isle of Skye and Saint Andrews both great 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 Saint Andrews frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The scenic landscapes, stunning views, and quaint charm make this a perfect place for couples to escape to. You can enjoy boat rides, seafood restaurants, golfing, and spas all while you soak up the natural beauty.

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

Isle of Skye is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Saint Andrews is not a good university town for backpackers and budget travelers.

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

Saint Andrews is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not really a backpacker's destination, but there are some guesthouses and apartments that are more affordable.

Is Isle of Skye or Saint Andrews Better for Students?

Saint Andrews is terrific for its student-friendly activities. However, Isle of Skye is not popular with students.

Saint Andrews is a very popular place to visit for students. At its heart, this is a university town with a long standing history in teaching. You'll find the town's population doubles when students are in town.

Isle of Skye is not popular with students.

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

Saint Andrews is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Isle of Skye is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Saint Andrews has some public transit options. There are buses through St. Andrews.

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 Saint Andrews a more walkable city?

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

Saint Andrews is somewhat walkable. Parts of the town are compact enough to explore on foot.

Isle of Skye is not a walkable destination.

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

Should I spend more time in Saint Andrews or Isle of Skye?

How long in Isle of Skye or Saint Andrews?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Isle of Skye or Saint Andrews to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Isle of Skye than Saint Andrews because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Isle of Skye, and 1-2 days is enough time in Saint Andrews.

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

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

One day in Isle of Skye or Saint Andrews?

Many travelers enjoy the food when visiting the scenic destination of Isle of Skye. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Saint Andrews is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and shopping. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this university town.

A weekend in Isle of Skye or Saint Andrews?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Isle of Skye. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Saint Andrews is a fun place to experience. 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 Saint Andrews?

Many travelers enjoy the food when visiting the stunning destination of Isle of Skye. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Saint Andrews is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. 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 Saint Andrews?

You'll find food around the beautiful island of Isle of Skye. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

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

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 Saint Andrews Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Isle of Skye or Saint Andrews?

Saint Andrews has a larger population, and is about 54% larger than the population of Isle of Skye. When comparing the sizes of Isle of Skye and Saint Andrews, 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 Saint Andrews?

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 Saint Andrews in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Isle of Skye is cooler than Saint Andrews. Typically, the summer temperatures in Isle of Skye in July average around 13°C (55°F), and Saint Andrews averages at about 14°C (58°F).

In the summer, Isle of Skye often gets less sunshine than Saint Andrews. Isle of Skye gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Andrews receives 184 hours of full sun.

Isle of Skye usually gets more rain in July than Saint Andrews. Isle of Skye gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Saint Andrews receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Isle of Skye or Saint Andrews in the Autumn?

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

In October, Isle of Skye is generally around the same temperature as Saint Andrews. Daily temperatures in Isle of Skye average around 9°C (49°F), and Saint Andrews fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

Isle of Skye usually receives less sunshine than Saint Andrews during autumn. Isle of Skye gets 82 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Andrews receives 100 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 Saint Andrews. Isle of Skye gets 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Saint Andrews receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Isle of Skye or Saint Andrews in the Winter?

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

It's quite cold in Saint Andrews in the winter. The weather in Isle of Skye can be very cold. Isle of Skye is a little warmer than Saint Andrews in the winter. The daily temperature in Isle of Skye averages around 4°C (40°F) in January, and Saint Andrews fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

In the winter, Isle of Skye often gets less sunshine than Saint Andrews. Isle of Skye gets 41 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint Andrews receives 58 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 Saint Andrews. Isle of Skye gets 127 mm (5 in) of rain, while Saint Andrews receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Isle of Skye or Saint Andrews in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Isle of Skye is around the same temperature as Saint Andrews. Typically, the spring temperatures in Isle of Skye in April average around 7°C (44°F), and Saint Andrews averages at about 7°C (45°F).

Isle of Skye usually receives more sunshine than Saint Andrews during spring. Isle of Skye gets 168 hours of sunny skies, while Saint Andrews receives 155 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Isle of Skye usually receives more rain than Saint Andrews. Isle of Skye gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Saint Andrews receives 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Saint Andrews and Isle of Skye