A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Saaremaa vs. Annecy for Food, Couples, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit Saaremaa or Annecy?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Saaremaa or Annecy, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Saaremaa

Saaremaa is a quiet, calm, and peaceful island. You'll find plenty of local activities in this small town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food and beaches.

Annecy

Annecy is a charming, stunning, and breathtaking 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 museums, nightlife, and food.

Saaremaa and Annecy: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saaremaa or Annecy?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Annecy. Although Saaremaa and Annecy are both popular with visitors, Annecy has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Annecy is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Saaremaa is known for its beaches. Annecy is more touristy than Saaremaa and is known for its charming old town and its beautiful, lakefront, alpine setting. It is also home to Palais de l'Isle. Saaremaa is popular for its untouched, undiscovered rural setting.

How is Saaremaa different from Annecy?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Saaremaa or Annecy?

Annecy is a nice place to visit for its historical sights. However, Saaremaa does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Annecy. 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.

Saaremaa does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Annecy is an amazing alpine town to visit for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Saaremaa is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Annecy is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. 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, Saaremaa makes for a great culinary experience. Like most things on the island, traditional local food is still the norm here. The island is known for its smoked fish, homemade bread, and locally brewed beers. Popular fishes include garfish, herring, and flatfish, which you can enjoy at a local restaurant or one of the pop-up cafes that are popular during the summer months. You'll find the highest concentration of restaurants in Kuressaare, but there are still many options further out. It's also fun to visit during September during the Saaremaa Food Festival.

Is Saaremaa or Annecy Better for Nightlife?

Annecy is a nice place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Saaremaa is not a good destination for 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.

People don't go to Saaremaa for the nightlife. The island is known for it's quiet, laid-back atmosphere, so you'll be hard pressed to find a party or active club, even during the more popular summer months.

Is Saaremaa or Annecy Better for Beaches?

Saaremaa is very good for the beache. However, Annecy is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Saaremaa to enjoy the beach. The beaches are quiet and relaxed, even during the summer months. In town, the best beach is Kuressaare Beach. Outside of town you'll find other nice beaches such as the sandy beaches between Mändjala and Järve. The beaches in Tuhkana and Jõiste villages are also well known. For swimming, most people prefer to visit Lake Karujärv.

Annecy is not a beach destination.

Is Saaremaa or Annecy Better for its Old Town?

Annecy is an amazing alpine town to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Saaremaa does not have a historic old town.

Annecy offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. 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.

Saaremaa does not have a historic old town.

Is Saaremaa or Annecy Better for Hiking?

Annecy is great for hiking. However, Saaremaa is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Annecy for the hiking trails. 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.

Saaremaa is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Saaremaa or Annecy?

Annecy is a nice place to visit for its shopping areas. However, Saaremaa 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.

Saaremaa is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Saaremaa or Annecy Better for Families?

Annecy is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Saaremaa is not as popular, but is still a nice island 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.

Saaremaa is a family-friendly place to visit. While the island is known for its slow pace, there are still a number of fun activities where the kids can run and jump. There are several outdoor adventure parks and playgrounds that are great for young legs. Check out the playgrounds in Kuressaare or head out of town for more outdoor activities. When the weather's nice you can head to Kuressaare Beach or check out the ostrich farm in Muhu.

Is Saaremaa or Annecy Better for Couples?

Annecy is an amazing alpine town to visit for couples. Also, Saaremaa is not as popular, but is still a nice island for romance.

Annecy has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. 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.

Saaremaa is a very popular place to visit for couples. The peace and quiet of the island make for a relaxing couple's getaway. You can enjoy the outdoors and feel like you've stepped back in time as you explore the laid back island in the Baltics.

Is Saaremaa or Annecy Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Saaremaa and Annecy are good places to visit.

It's common for backpackers to visit Saaremaa. While prices are cheap, transportation isn't great so you'll likely want to rent a car if you want to really explore the island. There are a number of rooms available for rent at an affordable price, particularly in the shoulder season, but you'll you'll only find a handful of hostels on the island.

Annecy is a good island to visit for backpackers. 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 Saaremaa or Annecy Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Annecy is a nice place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Saaremaa is not a good destination for its public transit.

While Annecy offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The Sibra public transport system offers buses that travel through Annecy and around the lake, stopping at many towns along the way.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Saaremaa. Most people arrive on the island by ferry. There are buses on the island but they cater mostly to locals. To really explore, you'll want to have access to a car.

Is Saaremaa or Annecy a more walkable city?

Annecy is great for its ease of walking around. However, Saaremaa is not a good destination for its walkability.

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

Saaremaa is not a walkable island. While their are some walking trails, you really need a car to explore the island in depth.

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

Should I spend more time in Annecy or Saaremaa?

How long in Saaremaa or Annecy?

It's fun to spend time in either Saaremaa or Annecy. In our opinion, Annecy has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Annecy than Saaremaa. However, 2-4 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Annecy than Saaremaa. 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 Saaremaa. 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.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Annecy than Saaremaa 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 Annecy.

One day in Saaremaa or Annecy?

Saaremaa might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

The beautiful alpine town of Annecy offers food and shopping. 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.

A weekend in Saaremaa or Annecy?

Saaremaa is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Annecy is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this alpine town makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Annecy, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Saaremaa or Annecy?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Saaremaa. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Annecy is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Saaremaa or Annecy?

Saaremaa is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Annecy is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This alpine town offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Tallinn, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Estonia, The Best Historical Tours in France, and The Best 10-Day Tours in France.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Saaremaa and Annecy, we can see that Annecy is more expensive. And not only is Saaremaa much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Saaremaa would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Saaremaa 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 Saaremaa.

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

Which is Bigger, Saaremaa or Annecy?

Annecy has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Saaremaa. When comparing the sizes of Saaremaa and Annecy, 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 Saaremaa 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 Saaremaa or Annecy in the Summer?

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

In July, Saaremaa is generally cooler than Annecy. Daily temperatures in Saaremaa average around 17°C (62°F), and Annecy fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

It's quite sunny in Annecy. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saaremaa. Saaremaa usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Annecy during summer. Saaremaa gets 302 hours of sunny skies, while Annecy receives 285 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Saaremaa usually receives less rain than Annecy. Saaremaa gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Saaremaa or Annecy in the Autumn?

Both Annecy and Saaremaa during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Saaremaa because of the small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Annecy this time of year.

Saaremaa is much colder than Annecy in the autumn. The daily temperature in Saaremaa averages around 8°C (47°F) in October, and Annecy fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).

In the autumn, Saaremaa often gets less sunshine than Annecy. Saaremaa gets 101 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Annecy receives 127 hours of full sun.

Saaremaa usually gets less rain in October than Annecy. Saaremaa gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saaremaa or Annecy in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Saaremaa and Annecy. The cuisine are the main draw to Saaremaa this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Annecy for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Annecy. It's quite cold in Saaremaa in the winter. In the winter, Saaremaa is much colder than Annecy. Typically, the winter temperatures in Saaremaa in January average around -3°C (27°F), and Annecy averages at about 4°C (39°F).

Saaremaa usually receives less sunshine than Annecy during winter. Saaremaa gets 33 hours of sunny skies, while Annecy receives 62 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Saaremaa usually receives less rain than Annecy. Saaremaa gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Saaremaa or Annecy in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Saaremaa as well as Annecy. Many travelers come to Saaremaa for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Additionally, many visitors come to Annecy in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Saaremaa. In April, Saaremaa is generally much colder than Annecy. Daily temperatures in Saaremaa average around 4°C (38°F), and Annecy fluctuates around 11°C (53°F).

In the spring, Saaremaa often gets more sunshine than Annecy. Saaremaa gets 196 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Annecy receives 174 hours of full sun.

Saaremaa usually gets less rain in April than Annecy. Saaremaa gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Annecy receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Annecy and Saaremaa