A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Orkney Islands vs. Chartres for Food, Couples, Backpackers, and Attractions

Should you visit Orkney Islands or Chartres?

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 Chartres can help you decide which place is right for you.

Orkney Islands

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

Chartres

Chartres is a spectacular, historic, and grand town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It's also popular because of the food and museums.

Orkney Islands and Chartres: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Orkney Islands or Chartres?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Orkney Islands. Although Orkney Islands and Chartres are both popular with visitors, Orkney Islands has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Orkney Islands is more popular for its food, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Chartres is known for its small town charm. Chartres is more touristy than Orkney Islands and is known for its beautiful cathedral and long running history. Orkney Islands is popular for its sandy beaches, serene landscape, and well-preserved Neolithic sights. It is also home to The Heart of Neolithic Orkney.

How is Orkney Islands different from Chartres?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

You'll find a number of good museums and attractions in both Chartres 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.

Chartres is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Most visitors make the trip to see the spectacular Gothic cathedral, Cathédrale Notre-Dame. It was completed in 1220 and is famous for its beautiful stained glass windows.

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

Orkney Islands is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Chartres is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Orkney Islands has a huge number of terrific restaurants. 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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Chartres area. There are a number of restaurants around town so it's easy to grab lunch during a day trip.

Is Orkney Islands or Chartres Better for Beaches?

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

Orkney Islands is considered a top beach destination. 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.

Chartres is not a beach destination.

Is Orkney Islands or Chartres Better for Hiking?

Orkney Islands is great for hiking. However, Chartres is not a hiking destination.

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.

Chartres is not a hiking destination.

Is Orkney Islands or Chartres Better for Families?

Orkney Islands is a popular place for its kid-friendly activities. However, Chartres is not a good destination for its family-friendly activities.

Orkney Islands offers lots of family activities. 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.

Chartres is not the most family-friendly destination. The main attraction in town is the cathedral, but the surrounding area is also filled with history. This may not keep your kids entertained for long, so you can also check out the Stained Glass Museum, La Tanière (a zoo), or one of the parks around town.

Is Orkney Islands or Chartres Better for Couples?

Orkney Islands is great for its romantic activities. Also, Chartres is not as popular, but is still a nice town for couples.

Orkney Islands is a great archipelago if you're traveling as a couple. 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.

Chartres is a good archipelago for couples to visit. With its cathedral and rich history, many couples enjoy exploring the town. It is filled with history and interesting sights.

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

Orkney Islands is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Chartres is not as popular, but is still a nice 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.

Chartres is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. It's easy enough to visit as a day trip from Paris, so backpackers and other tourists typically allow themselves a few hours to explore.

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

Chartres is great for times when you don't have a car. Also, Orkney Islands is not as popular, but is still a nice archipelago for its public transit.

The public transit in Chartres can get you to most places easily. There are trains that leave Paris Montparnasse 1 Et 2 every half hour and travel to Chartres. The trip takes about 1 hour 15 minutes.

Orkney Islands has a few public transit options. Buses travel to many parts of the islands and many islands are connected by ferries.

Is Orkney Islands or Chartres a more walkable city?

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

Chartres is a very walkable destination. It's easy to see the sights around town on foot.

Orkney Islands is not a walkable destination.

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

Should I spend more time in Chartres or Orkney Islands?

How long in Orkney Islands or Chartres?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Orkney Islands or Chartres to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Orkney Islands than Chartres because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Orkney Islands, and 1-2 days is enough time in Chartres.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Orkney Islands than Chartres 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 Orkney Islands.

One day in Orkney Islands or Chartres?

The beautiful archipelago of Orkney Islands offers museums and food. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Chartres, you'll find museums and food. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A weekend in Orkney Islands or Chartres?

Orkney Islands is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Chartres is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. 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 Chartres?

Orkney Islands is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Orkney Islands, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Chartres. It offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Orkney Islands or Chartres?

Orkney Islands is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Orkney Islands has to offer. This archipelago offers something for everyone.

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the town of Chartres. Your budget might influence how long you stay. 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 Vineyard & Wine Tours in France, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in France.

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

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 Chartres Expensive?.

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

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 Chartres in the Summer?

Both Chartres and Orkney Islands are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Orkney Islands for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Chartres because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Orkney Islands is generally much colder than Chartres. Daily temperatures in Orkney Islands average around 12°C (54°F), and Chartres fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

It's quite sunny in Chartres. Orkney Islands usually receives less sunshine than Chartres during summer. Orkney Islands gets 129 hours of sunny skies, while Chartres receives 239 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Orkney Islands usually receives around the same amount of rain as Chartres. Orkney Islands gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Orkney Islands or Chartres in the Autumn?

Both Chartres and Orkney Islands during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Orkney Islands because of the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the small town atmosphere are the main draw to Chartres this time of year.

Orkney Islands is cooler than Chartres in the autumn. The daily temperature in Orkney Islands averages around 9°C (48°F) in October, and Chartres fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In the autumn, Orkney Islands often gets less sunshine than Chartres. Orkney Islands gets 73 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chartres receives 126 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 Chartres. Orkney Islands gets 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Orkney Islands or Chartres in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Orkney Islands and Chartres. The museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Orkney Islands this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Chartres for the museums and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Chartres. It's quite cold in Orkney Islands in the winter. In the winter, Orkney Islands is cooler than Chartres. Typically, the winter temperatures in Orkney Islands in January average around 4°C (39°F), and Chartres averages at about 5°C (40°F).

Orkney Islands usually receives less sunshine than Chartres during winter. Orkney Islands gets 29 hours of sunny skies, while Chartres receives 56 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 Chartres. Orkney Islands gets 106 mm (4.2 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Orkney Islands or Chartres in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Orkney Islands as well as Chartres. Many travelers come to Orkney Islands for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Chartres in the spring for the small town charm.

In April, Orkney Islands is generally much colder than Chartres. Daily temperatures in Orkney Islands average around 6°C (43°F), and Chartres fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the spring, Orkney Islands often gets less sunshine than Chartres. Orkney Islands gets 135 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chartres receives 173 hours of full sun.

Orkney Islands usually gets more rain in April than Chartres. Orkney Islands gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Chartres and Orkney Islands