A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Orkney Islands vs. Annecy for Food, Couples, Hiking, and Families

Should you visit Orkney Islands or Annecy?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Orkney Islands and Annecy can help you decide which place is right for you.

Orkney Islands

Orkney Islands is a pristine, remote, and serene archipelago. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the museums, food, and beaches.

Annecy

Annecy is a storybook, charming, and stunning alpine town. With amazing attractions and sights, it's also a fun small town not to be missed. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Orkney Islands and Annecy: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Orkney Islands or Annecy?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Annecy. Although Orkney Islands and Annecy are both popular with visitors, Annecy has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Annecy is more popular for its food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Orkney Islands is known for its beaches. Annecy is more touristy than Orkney Islands and is known for its charming old town and its beautiful, lakefront, alpine setting. It is also home to Palais de l'Isle. Orkney Islands is popular for its sandy beaches, serene landscape, and well-preserved Neolithic sights.

How is Orkney Islands different from Annecy?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Orkney Islands or Annecy?

You'll find a number of good museums and attractions in both Annecy and Orkney Islands.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Orkney Islands. The islands is home to a number of archaeological ruins including the stone age village of Skara Brae and the neolithic chambered cairn of Maes Howee. Also check out impressive Ring of Brodgar stone circle as well as the oldest dwelling in the UK, the Knap of Howar on Papa Westray.

Annecy is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The old town and lakefront setting is what brings the tourists, but there are several unique landmarks around town as well. Palais de l'Île is the most photographed spot in the old town. Also worth visiting are Musée-Château d'Annecy, Eglise Saint-Maurice, and Cathédrale Saint-Pierre.

Is the Food Better in Orkney Islands or Annecy? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Annecy is renowned for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Orkney Islands is not as popular, but is still a nice archipelago for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Annecy has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. Fresh caught fish and local French specialties make this town a wonderful culinary destination. The old town is filled with restaurants, cafes, and markets where you can enjoy local ingredients. There are many local dishes to try with some of the most popular being Tartiflette, Raclette, and Gratin de crozets. Fondue is also popular. You'll find cheese is a common component in many dishes.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Orkney Islands makes for a great culinary experience. You'll find so many local products on the islands. It's famous for its local beef, lamb, salmon, and seafood, but you'll also find cheeses and produce. There are two breweries on the island as well. Many people pick up some items that they take home with them.

Is Orkney Islands or Annecy Better for Nightlife?

Annecy is very good for its evening party scene. However, Orkney Islands is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Annecy has a few options to choose from. There are bars and pubs to visit with one of the most popular bar-hopping streets being Rue Sainte-Claire.

Orkney Islands is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Orkney Islands or Annecy Better for Beaches?

Orkney Islands is a great archipelago for the beache. However, Annecy is not a beach destination.

Orkney Islands is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. The archipelago has hundreds of miles of beaches that feel serene and remote. If you're looking for a tranquil setting that is natural and untouched, you'll have many to choose from. Some of the best beaches on the islands include Tresness Beach, Grobust Beach, and Sands of Evie Beach.

Annecy is not a beach destination.

Is Orkney Islands or Annecy Better for its Old Town?

Annecy is renowned for its historic old town charm. However, Orkney Islands does not have a historic old town.

The old town of Annecy is one of the most recognized in the world. This is among the most beautiful old towns in Europe. It sits along the banks of Lake Annecy and the water integrates beautifully into the setting.

Orkney Islands does not have a historic old town.

Is Orkney Islands or Annecy Better for Hiking?

You'll find very good hiking in both Orkney Islands and Annecy.

Many visitors go to Orkney Islands for the hiking trails. Rolling hills and rugged landscapes make for relaxing and beautiful walks. There are also many archaeological ruins that you can explore. Favorite hikes in the area include Balfour Village and Mill Dam, Birsay Whalebone, and Birwick to Barth Head.

Annecy is a popular spot for hiking. There are a range of hikes just out of town that cover all ability levels. There are flat, waterfront strolls as well as more strenuous mountain treks. La Tournette is one of the most famous hikes in the area. Other options include Circuit des 3 Croix de Sevrier and Gorges du Fier.

Is the Shopping Better in Orkney Islands or Annecy?

Annecy is very good for its shopping areas. However, Orkney Islands is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Annecy has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Three times a week you can check out the Old Town Market. Another popular shopping street is Rue Royale.

Orkney Islands is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Orkney Islands or Annecy Better for Families?

Annecy is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Orkney Islands is not as popular, but is still a nice archipelago for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Annecy. Families can enjoy getting out on the lake by renting a boat or going for a swim. Check out Wibit Water Park or let the kids play at Leisure Center Orange Montisel. There's also a great playground for kids right by the waterfront. Hiking and exploring are also fun for the whole family.

Orkney Islands is a family-friendly place to visit. Exploring the beaches is one of the best way to spend your days with kids. There are also several places you can take the kids like Barony Mill, Skate Rumple Alpaca Farm, Corrigall Farm Museum, and Kirbuster Farm Museum.

Is Orkney Islands or Annecy Better for Couples?

Annecy is renowned for couples. Also, Orkney Islands is not as popular, but is still a nice archipelago for romance.

For those traveling as a couple, Annecy has plenty to offer. It's a romantic French mountain town with beautiful scenery and a wonderful lake. Couples can enjoy outdoor activities or wandering through one of the best old towns in the region. The beauty and natural setting make this a wonderful couples destination.

Orkney Islands is a very popular place to visit for couples. Nature lovers will enjoy the stunning beaches and beautiful natural setting. There are also some great restaurants and even live music performances that make for a fun date night.

Is Orkney Islands or Annecy Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Orkney Islands is a great archipelago for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Annecy is not as popular, but is still a nice alpine town for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Orkney Islands. If camping is your style, you'll find some great campgrounds and campsites that make the most of this beautiful natural setting.

It's common for backpackers to visit Annecy. It's a world class mountain destination that attracts families and vacationers, but there aren't as many hostels around town as backpackers would like.

Is Orkney Islands or Annecy Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Orkney Islands and Annecy both offer good public transit to get you around.

While Orkney Islands offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Buses travel to many parts of the islands and many islands are connected by ferries.

Annecy has a few public transit options. The Sibra public transport system offers buses that travel through Annecy and around the lake, stopping at many towns along the way.

Is Orkney Islands or Annecy a more walkable city?

Annecy is great for its ease of walking around. However, Orkney Islands is not a walkable destination.

Annecy is a very walkable destination. The old town is filled with pedestrian streets that are perfect to explore on foot.

Orkney Islands is not a walkable destination.

For even more information, also check out Is Orkney Islands Worth Visiting? and Is Annecy Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Annecy or Orkney Islands?

How long in Orkney Islands or Annecy?

It's fun to spend time in either Orkney Islands or Annecy. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Orkney Islands due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Orkney Islands, and 2-4 days is enough time in Annecy.

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

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

One day in Orkney Islands or Annecy?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Orkney Islands. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Annecy might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Orkney Islands or Annecy?

Orkney Islands is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Annecy is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Five days in Orkney Islands or Annecy?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Orkney Islands. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Annecy. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. It offers something for everyone. One reason most visitors come is for the food. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Orkney Islands or Annecy?

Many travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the tranquil destination of Orkney Islands. This archipelago offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Annecy is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One reason most visitors come is for the food. 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 2-Week Tours from Edinburgh, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United Kingdom, The Best Historical Tours in France, and The Best 10-Day Tours in France.

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

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

When is the best time to visit Orkney Islands or Annecy?

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 Orkney Islands or Annecy in the Summer?

Both Annecy and Orkney Islands are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Orkney Islands because of the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Annecy this time of year.

In July, Orkney Islands is generally much colder than Annecy. Daily temperatures in Orkney Islands average around 12°C (54°F), and Annecy fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

It's quite sunny in Annecy. Orkney Islands usually receives less sunshine than Annecy during summer. Orkney Islands gets 129 hours of sunny skies, while Annecy receives 285 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Orkney Islands usually receives less rain than Annecy. Orkney Islands gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Orkney Islands or Annecy in the Autumn?

Both Annecy and Orkney Islands during the autumn are popular places to visit. The hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Orkney Islands this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Annecy for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Orkney Islands is much colder than Annecy in the autumn. The daily temperature in Orkney Islands averages around 9°C (48°F) in October, and Annecy fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).

In the autumn, Orkney Islands often gets less sunshine than Annecy. Orkney Islands gets 73 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Annecy receives 127 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Orkney Islands. Orkney Islands usually gets more rain in October than Annecy. Orkney Islands gets 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Orkney Islands or Annecy in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Orkney Islands and Annecy. Many travelers come to Orkney Islands for the museums and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Annecy in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Annecy can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Orkney Islands. In the winter, Orkney Islands is around the same temperature as Annecy. Typically, the winter temperatures in Orkney Islands in January average around 4°C (39°F), and Annecy averages at about 4°C (39°F).

Orkney Islands usually receives less sunshine than Annecy during winter. Orkney Islands gets 29 hours of sunny skies, while Annecy receives 62 hours of full sun in the winter.

Orkney Islands gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Orkney Islands usually receives more rain than Annecy. Orkney Islands gets 106 mm (4.2 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Orkney Islands or Annecy in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Orkney Islands as well as Annecy. Many visitors come to Orkney Islands in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Additionally, most visitors come to Annecy for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Orkney Islands is generally much colder than Annecy. Daily temperatures in Orkney Islands average around 6°C (43°F), and Annecy fluctuates around 11°C (53°F).

In the spring, Orkney Islands often gets less sunshine than Annecy. Orkney Islands gets 135 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Annecy receives 174 hours of full sun.

Orkney Islands usually gets less rain in April than Annecy. Orkney Islands gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Annecy and Orkney Islands