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

Should you visit Outer Hebrides or Como?

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 Como. 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 natural, tranquil, and serene archipelago. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the hiking, food, and beaches.

Como

Como is a trendy, fun, and vibrant lake area. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include food, beaches, and hiking.

Outer Hebrides and Como: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty


Is there more to do in Outer Hebrides or Como?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Como than Outer Hebrides, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Como is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Outer Hebrides is more popular for its beaches and hiking. Como is more touristy than Outer Hebrides and is known for its long-running history as a resort retreat for upscale travelers. Also, Como is famous for the lakeside setting. Outer Hebrides is well known for its scenic beauty, fresh seafood, and distilleries.

How is Outer Hebrides different from Como?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Outer Hebrides
Como

Como is a decent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Outer Hebrides does not have museums and landmarks.

While most people don't head to Como specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. Most people visit for the lakeside setting, but there's history throughout, with notable buildings including the Duomo, Museo Civico, and Basilica di Sant'Abbondio.

Outer Hebrides does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Outer Hebrides
Como

Como is an unbeatable place for its restaurants. Also, Outer Hebrides is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Eat your way through Como, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The area has its own style of Italian food. Polenta is one of the most popular dishes and it's usually served with meat, fish, or cheese. You can also enjoy several different types of fish such as misultitt (dried fish), salmon trout, pike, bleak, lavarello, and perch.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Outer Hebrides. 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.

Is Outer Hebrides or Como Better for Nightlife?

Outer Hebrides
Como

Como 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 Como. It is more known for its glamour and sophistication than its raging party scene. There are fine dining restaurants where you can sip wine and enjoy the view. There are also theaters and jazz clubs that offer a relaxing vibe and a nice night out.

Outer Hebrides is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Outer Hebrides or Como Better for Beaches?

Outer Hebrides
Como

Outer Hebrides is an excellent place to visit for the beach. Also, Como is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its beaches.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Outer Hebrides. 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Como. You'll find lakeside beaches where you can relax, sunbath, or swim. Many are affiliated with clubs and the atmosphere is often trendy and upscale. Don't expect a secluded and natural setting, but there are often nice restaurants nearby.


Is Outer Hebrides or Como Better for Hiking?

Outer Hebrides
Como

Outer Hebrides is renowned for its hiking trails. Also, Como is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

Known for its hiking, Outer Hebrides draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. 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.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Como. There's a wide variety of hiking trails in the area that take you through the mountains or along the water's edge. One of the most popular trails is the Greenway del Lago di Como.

Is the Shopping Better in Outer Hebrides or Como?

Outer Hebrides
Como

Como is an unbeatable place for shopping. However, Outer Hebrides is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Como. The shopping is comparable to major cities, with everything from high end boutiques to outlets and local markets. There are clothing shops, jewelry stores, and places to pick up local souvenirs. Shopping is a favorite activity for many visitors to Lake Como.

Outer Hebrides is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Outer Hebrides or Como Better for Families?

Outer Hebrides
Como

Como is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Outer Hebrides is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Como is a very family-friendly destination. It has parks and gardens to explore, as well as Vezio Castle and many nice walking trails. A highlight for many kids is a visit to Lake Como Adventure Park.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Outer Hebrides. 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.


Is Outer Hebrides or Como Better for Couples?

Outer Hebrides
Como

Como is an unbeatable place for romance. Also, Outer Hebrides is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Como is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. Its beautiful walks, charming towns, and surrounding natural setting make this a great honeymoon and couple's getaway destination. Dine on Italian cuisine as you sip wine and look out on the pristine waters of Lake Como.

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.

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

Outer Hebrides
Como

Como is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Outer Hebrides is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Como is very popular with the backpacker crowd. It's a popular destination with all types of travelers, so you'll find a decent selection of hostels to choose from, and a number of other backpackers around to hang out with.

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.

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

Outer Hebrides
Como

Como 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.

Como has some public transit options. There are buses, ferries, and a funicular that travel to different towns around the lake.

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 Como a more walkable city?

Outer Hebrides
Como

Como is a very popular place for its walkability. However, Outer Hebrides is not a walkable destination.

Como is very walkable. The entire area is very walkable and you'll enjoy many great views during your stroll.

Outer Hebrides is not a walkable destination.

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

Should I spend more time in Como or Outer Hebrides?

How long in Outer Hebrides or Como?

It's fun to spend time in either Outer Hebrides or Como. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Outer Hebrides due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 4-10 days is a good amount of time for Outer Hebrides, and 2-4 days is enough time in Como.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Outer Hebrides or Como? Ideal Length of Stay
    Outer Hebrides 4-10 
    Como 2-4

One day in Outer Hebrides or Como?

Visitors enjoy the food when visiting the destination of Outer Hebrides. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

In Como, you'll find nightlife and food. 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 Outer Hebrides or Como?

Outer Hebrides is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the hiking. It's also a great beach destination, too. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Como is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Como?

Visitors enjoy the food when visiting the spectacular destination of Outer Hebrides. This archipelago offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Como. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Como?

Visitors enjoy the food when visiting the natural archipelago of Outer Hebrides. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Many people spend one week here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the lake area of Como. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Rome, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Rome.


Which place is cheaper, Como or Outer Hebrides?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Outer Hebrides is £123, while the average daily cost in Como is £183. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Outer Hebrides and Como in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Outer Hebrides £62
    Como £125
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Outer Hebrides £124
    Como £250
Compare Hotels in Outer Hebrides and Como

Looking for a hotel in Outer Hebrides or Como? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Outer Hebrides


Hotels in Como


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Como Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Outer Hebrides £51
    Como £12

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Como

Also for Como, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private transfer from Mandello del Lario or Abbadia Lariana: $76
  • Private transfer from Lenno or Argegno or Ossuccio: $147
  • Private Transfer: Lake Como to Milan Airport MXP in Luxury Van: $236
  • Private Transfer from Lezzeno or Pognana Lario or Faggeto Lario: $169
  • Private Transfer from Como to Milan hotels: $53
  • Private Transfer From Lecco or Malgrate: $65
  • Pirvate transfer from Malpensa airport to Como and Cernobbio: $207
  • Milan Private Transfer from Cernobbio (Como) to Milan airports (LIN or MPX): $243
  • From Milan center : Private 1-Way Transfer to Como: $275
  • From Private 1-Way Transfer to Linate airport: $306
  • From Como : Private 1-Way Transfer to Malpensa airport: $336
  • From Bellagio or Como hotels to Venice (+water taxi) - Private Transfer: $193

Is it cheaper to fly into Outer Hebrides or Como?

Prices for flights to both Como and Outer Hebrides change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Outer Hebrides £31
    Como £51

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Como

For Como, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • COOKING, EATING, LOVING - Lasagna cooking Class for everyone!: $45
  • Cantonese Dimsum Cooking Lesson in Como or Lugano with Chef Ling: $49
  • Dining Experience at a local's Home in Lentate Verbano with Show Cooking: $93
  • Lake Como Food Tour - Eat like a real Local: $108
  • Tour and historical dinner: Lake Como 1690: $131
  • Como Food Tour and the Farmers Market: $139
  • Homemade Pasta Cooking Class: $160
  • Como Area: Pizza Training Experience: $160
  • Pizza Training Experience. Como Area: $163
  • Lecco Bike Tour & Pizza Lunch: $163
  • Private Market Tour & Lunch or Dinner with a Local: $171
  • Como Food Tour: $180

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Outer Hebrides £20
    Como -

Tours and Activities in Como

For Como, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • A Self-Guided Walking Tour of Como and its Breathtaking Lakeside: $20
  • “Public Tour” Lake Como By SuBacco: $131
  • 1 Hour Boat Tour of Lake Como from Bellagio: $43
  • 1 or 2 Hours Private Boat Tour on Lake villas and more: $374
  • 1 or 2 hours Private Boat Tour on Lake Como with Prosecco: $374
  • 2 Hours Como Private Walking Tour: $179
  • 2 Hours Como Private Walking Tour: $182
  • 2 hours Private Boat Tour Como Lake: $933
  • 2 hours Private and Exclusive Clay sculpture Art experience : $294
  • 2 hours Private boat tour on lake of Como: $909
  • 2h Boat Tour with Classic Venetian Limousine in Menaggio: $734
  • 3 Hour Private Kayaking Experience on Lake Como: $120

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Outer Hebrides £6.36
    Como -

Sample the Local Flavors in Como

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Como:

  • Domaso: Wine Tasting at the Winery on Como Lake: $60
  • Italian Wine Tasting & Food Como Lake: $70
  • Lake Food and Wine tour in Colico: $114
  • Wine Tastings with Chef Luigi Gandola: $135
  • Private Wine Tasting in Bellagio with Chef Luigi Gandola: $185
  • Food and Wine Tours Lake Como: $196


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

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 Como Expensive?.



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

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 Outer Hebrides or Como in the Summer?

Both Como and Outer Hebrides are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Outer Hebrides in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Como for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Outer Hebrides is generally much colder than Como. Daily temperatures in Outer Hebrides average around 13°C (55°F), and Como fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

It's quite sunny in Como. Outer Hebrides usually receives less sunshine than Como during summer. Outer Hebrides gets 117 hours of sunny skies, while Como receives 250 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Outer Hebrides usually receives more rain than Como. Outer Hebrides gets 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Como receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Outer Hebrides 13°C (55°F) 
    Como 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Outer Hebrides or Como in the Autumn?

Both Como and Outer Hebrides during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Outer Hebrides for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Como because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Outer Hebrides is much colder than Como in the autumn. The daily temperature in Outer Hebrides averages around 9°C (49°F) in October, and Como fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

In the autumn, Outer Hebrides often gets less sunshine than Como. Outer Hebrides gets 83 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Como receives 152 hours of full sun.

Como gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Outer Hebrides. Outer Hebrides usually gets more rain in October than Como. Outer Hebrides gets 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Como receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Outer Hebrides 9°C (49°F) 
    Como 15°C (58°F)

Should I visit Outer Hebrides or Como in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Outer Hebrides and Como. The winter months attract visitors to Outer Hebrides because of the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Como this time of year.

It's quite cold in Como in the winter. The weather in Outer Hebrides can be very cold. In the winter, Outer Hebrides is cooler than Como. Typically, the winter temperatures in Outer Hebrides in January average around 4°C (40°F), and Como averages at about 5°C (41°F).

Outer Hebrides usually receives less sunshine than Como during winter. Outer Hebrides gets 33 hours of sunny skies, while Como receives 119 hours of full sun in the winter.

Outer Hebrides gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Outer Hebrides usually receives more rain than Como. Outer Hebrides gets 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Como receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Outer Hebrides 4°C (40°F) 
    Como 5°C (41°F)

Should I visit Outer Hebrides or Como in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Outer Hebrides as well as Como. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Outer Hebrides this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Como for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Outer Hebrides is generally much colder than Como. Daily temperatures in Outer Hebrides average around 7°C (44°F), and Como fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Outer Hebrides often gets less sunshine than Como. Outer Hebrides gets 149 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Como receives 176 hours of full sun.

Outer Hebrides usually gets less rain in April than Como. Outer Hebrides gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Como receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Outer Hebrides 7°C (44°F) 
    Como 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Como and Outer Hebrides

Outer Hebrides Como
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (40°F) 122 mm (4.8 in) 5°C (41°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Feb 4°C (40°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 6°C (44°F) 60 mm (2.3 in)
Mar 5°C (41°F) 107 mm (4.2 in) 10°C (49°F) 85 mm (3.4 in)
Apr 7°C (44°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 13°C (55°F) 76 mm (3 in)
May 9°C (48°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 17°C (62°F) 102 mm (4 in)
Jun 11°C (53°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 20°C (69°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Jul 13°C (55°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 23°C (73°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Aug 13°C (55°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 22°C (72°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Sep 11°C (52°F) 115 mm (4.5 in) 19°C (67°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Oct 9°C (49°F) 140 mm (5.5 in) 15°C (58°F) 103 mm (4 in)
Nov 6°C (43°F) 133 mm (5.2 in) 9°C (49°F) 102 mm (4 in)
Dec 5°C (41°F) 126 mm (5 in) 6°C (42°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)