A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Outer Hebrides vs. Calais for Food, Beaches, Couples, and Families

Should you visit Outer Hebrides or Calais?

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 Outer Hebrides and Calais. 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.

Outer Hebrides

Outer Hebrides is a remote, stunning, and spectacular archipelago. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include hiking, food, and beaches.

Calais

Calais is a authentic, undiscovered, and coastal city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include food, beaches, and shopping.

Outer Hebrides and Calais: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Outer Hebrides or Calais?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Calais than Outer Hebrides, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Calais is better known for its museums, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Outer Hebrides is more popular for its food, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Outer Hebrides is well known for its scenic beauty, fresh seafood, and distilleries. Calais is well known for being a gateway for travelers to France. Also, Calais is famous for The Town Hall.

How is Outer Hebrides different from Calais?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Outer Hebrides or Calais?

Calais is a good destination for its museums and history. However, Outer Hebrides does not have museums and landmarks.

Calais is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. It's a port city with a few good museums and landmarks to see. Check out the Town Hall, Burghers of Calais, La Cité de la Dentelle et de la Mode, and Musée de la Guerre de Calais, as well as the Calais Lighthouse.

Outer Hebrides does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Outer Hebrides or Calais? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Outer Hebrides is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Outer Hebrides is an experience not to be missed. You'll find plenty of seafood, smokehouses, distilleries and crofting produce in the area. Most islands have independent restaurants as well as pubs and other local eateries to choose from.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Calais. The region is known for its mackerel, andouillette sausage, and endive and ham gratin. If you're passing through, this is also a good place to stock up on wine and cheese.

Is Outer Hebrides or Calais Better for Nightlife?

Calais is a good destination for nightlife. However, Outer Hebrides is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Calais. You'll find bars and pubs around town as well as a few clubs. Places range from trendy and high end to local dive bars.

Outer Hebrides is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Outer Hebrides or Calais Better for Beaches?

Outer Hebrides is well known for the beach. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for its beaches.

Outer Hebrides is considered a top beach destination. From white sand beaches to hidden coves, you'll enjoy a completely serene beach experience on these islands. You can get lost in the nature and soak up the surprisingly blue waters at any of the remote beaches. Favorite beaches in the area include Vatersay Bay, Coilleag a’Phrionnsa, West Coast Beach, and Crabhadail.

Many people head to Calais to enjoy the beach. There are some sandy beaches near town that have nice stretches of sand and plenty of sand dunes. Many locals enjoy sunbathing at the beaches.

Is Outer Hebrides or Calais Better for Hiking?

Outer Hebrides is a must-visit destination for its hiking experiences. However, Calais is not a hiking destination.

People visit Outer Hebrides specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. The islands offer some of the area's best hiking. You'll pass by stunning beaches, see unique wildlife, and enjoy a remote and tranquil setting. Follow the Hebridean Way, which covers the full length of the archipelago. It spans 156 miles and goes through 10 islands with 2 ferry trips.

Calais is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Outer Hebrides or Calais?

Calais is a good destination for shopping. However, Outer Hebrides is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Calais. Many visitors stock up on wine and cheese when they're passing through. It's common to head straight to Auchan or Carrefour to stock up on some items.

Outer Hebrides is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Outer Hebrides or Calais Better for Families?

Both Outer Hebrides and Calais are notable family-friendly destinations.

Outer Hebrides is a family-friendly archipelago. The beautiful outdoor setting is great for kids and adults alike. There are beaches to explore as well as kid-friendly museums. You can also try your hand at digging for cockles or head out on the water to watch for dolphins.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Calais. There's the Nausicaa Aquarium, the Museum of the Atlantic Wall, and the Second World War Museum. There are also beaches and parks to explore as well as some nice playgrounds.

Is Outer Hebrides or Calais Better for Couples?

Outer Hebrides is well known for couples. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Couples visit Outer Hebrides frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Go island hopping and discover the countless beautiful beaches. You can take a boat trip or simply soak up the peaceful coastal setting.

Calais is a nice destination for couples. Couples can picnic with wine and cheese or eat their way through the town's great restaurants. There are also some nice beaches where people enjoy sunbathing or relaxing.

Is Outer Hebrides or Calais Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Outer Hebrides is a popular place for backpackers. However, Calais is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Outer Hebrides. You'll need to take either a plane of ferry to reach the islands but once you're there you can camp and hike and soak up the tranquil setting.

Calais is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. This part of France is often overlooked by tourists so you won't find many backpackers or hostels in the area. It does offer a glimpse into an authentic side of France.

Is Outer Hebrides or Calais Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Calais is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Outer Hebrides is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Calais has some public transit options. The city has 13 bus lines that run through town and into the surrounding areas. If you're arriving by ferry from the UK, there are shuttle buses that connect the ferry terminal to the train station.

Public transit is generally limited in Outer Hebrides. There are buses that run doing the day between Monday and Saturday. In Stornoway you may be able to find some evening buses as well.

Is Outer Hebrides or Calais a more walkable city?

Calais is a good destination for its walkability. However, Outer Hebrides is not a walkable destination.

Calais is somewhat walkable. Parts of the town are more walkable than others.

Outer Hebrides is not a walkable destination.

For even more information, also check out Is Outer Hebrides Worth Visiting? and Is Calais Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Calais or Outer Hebrides?

How long in Outer Hebrides or Calais?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Outer Hebrides and Calais. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Outer Hebrides than in Calais. Usually, 4-10 days is a good amount of time for Outer Hebrides, and 1-3 days is enough time in Calais.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Outer Hebrides than Calais 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 Outer Hebrides.

One day in Outer Hebrides or Calais?

Many travelers enjoy the food when visiting the destination of Outer Hebrides. 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.

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

A weekend in Outer Hebrides or Calais?

Outer Hebrides is a great place to explore. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Calais 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 Outer Hebrides or Calais?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Outer Hebrides. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. 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 Calais. It offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Outer Hebrides or Calais?

Many travelers enjoy the food when visiting the serene destination of Outer Hebrides. 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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the city of Calais. 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 Sightseeing Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United Kingdom, The Best Budget Tours to France, and The Best Tours for Seniors to France.

When comparing the travel costs between Outer Hebrides and Calais, we can see that Outer Hebrides 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 Outer Hebrides Expensive? and Is Calais Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Outer Hebrides or Calais?

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 Outer Hebrides or Calais in the Summer?

Both Calais and Outer Hebrides during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Outer Hebrides this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Calais for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Outer Hebrides is generally cooler than Calais. Daily temperatures in Outer Hebrides average around 13°C (55°F), and Calais fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In Calais, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Outer Hebrides often gets less sunshine than Calais. Outer Hebrides gets 117 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Calais receives 212 hours of full sun.

Outer Hebrides usually gets more rain in July than Calais. Outer Hebrides gets 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Calais receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Outer Hebrides or Calais in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Outer Hebrides and Calais. Many travelers come to Outer Hebrides for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Calais in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Outer Hebrides is cooler than Calais in the autumn. The daily temperature in Outer Hebrides averages around 9°C (49°F) in October, and Calais fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Outer Hebrides usually receives less sunshine than Calais during autumn. Outer Hebrides gets 83 hours of sunny skies, while Calais receives 119 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Outer Hebrides gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Outer Hebrides usually receives more rain than Calais. Outer Hebrides gets 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Calais receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Outer Hebrides or Calais in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Outer Hebrides as well as Calais. Many visitors come to Outer Hebrides in the winter for the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Calais for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Calais can be very cold during winter. Outer Hebrides can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Outer Hebrides is around the same temperature as Calais. Typically, the winter temperatures in Outer Hebrides in January average around 4°C (40°F), and Calais averages at about 4°C (40°F).

In the winter, Outer Hebrides often gets less sunshine than Calais. Outer Hebrides gets 33 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Calais receives 57 hours of full sun.

Outer Hebrides receives a lot of rain in the winter. Outer Hebrides usually gets more rain in January than Calais. Outer Hebrides gets 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Calais receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Outer Hebrides or Calais in the Spring?

Both Calais and Outer Hebrides are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Outer Hebrides for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Calais because of the beaches and the activities around the city.

In April, Outer Hebrides is generally cooler than Calais. Daily temperatures in Outer Hebrides average around 7°C (44°F), and Calais fluctuates around 9°C (47°F).

Outer Hebrides usually receives less sunshine than Calais during spring. Outer Hebrides gets 149 hours of sunny skies, while Calais receives 162 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Outer Hebrides usually receives more rain than Calais. Outer Hebrides gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Calais receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Calais and Outer Hebrides