A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Saaremaa vs. Chamonix-Mont-Blanc for Couples, Food, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit Saaremaa or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Saaremaa or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, 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 relaxed, traditional, and quiet 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.

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is a world-class, spectacular, and awe-inspiring mountain town. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the hiking, skiing, and nightlife.

Saaremaa and Chamonix-Mont-Blanc: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saaremaa or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc. Although Saaremaa and Chamonix-Mont-Blanc are both popular with visitors, Chamonix-Mont-Blanc has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is more popular for its skiing, nightlife, resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Saaremaa is known for its beaches and small town charm. Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is more touristy than Saaremaa and is known for its world famous skiing, stunning natural beauty, and access to Mont Blanc. It is also home to Mont Blanc. Saaremaa is popular for its untouched, undiscovered rural setting.

Mont Blanc

How is Saaremaa different from Chamonix-Mont-Blanc?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Saaremaa or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Better for Skiing?

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is an amazing mountain town to visit for skiing. However, Saaremaa is not a skiing destination.

The snow ski experience you'll have in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is among the best in the world. It is one of the most famous and best ski areas in the world. There are 5 ski resorts in the area (Grands Montets, Les Houches, Le Tour/Balme, La Flegere and Le Brevent) and many options for expert skiers. You can take the Aiguille du Midi cable car from the middle of town to the top of the 3840 meter peak.

Saaremaa is not a skiing destination.

Is the Food Better in Saaremaa or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Saaremaa and Chamonix-Mont-Blanc can be difficult as they are each great in their own way.

Saaremaa has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Chamonix-Mont-Blanc makes for a great culinary experience. Regional food is wonderful and hearty, making for a great energy boost for all of your hiking or skiing. Dishes often include a lot of cream and cheese as well as local meats and potatoes. Local specialties include Crozets (buckwheat pasta), Fondue, and Galette des Rois (cake).

Is Saaremaa or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Better for Nightlife?

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is great for its evening party scene. However, Saaremaa is not a good destination for nightlife.

Many people head to Chamonix-Mont-Blanc for the nightlife scene. The town offers a great après-ski scene with many places to grab a drink or listen to live music. It's a tourist area with many young and adventurous vacationers who are out to have a good time.

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 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Better for Resorts?

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is an amazing mountain town to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Saaremaa is not a resort destination.

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc offers an unforgettable resort vacation. The region has 5 ski resorts (Grands Montets, Les Houches, Le Tour/Balme, La Flegere and Le Brevent), making it an excellent ski destination.

Saaremaa is not a resort destination.

Is Saaremaa or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Better for Beaches?

Saaremaa is a good destination for the beache. However, Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is not a beach destination.

Saaremaa offers a nice beach destination. 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.

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is not a beach destination.

Is Saaremaa or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Better for Hiking?

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is an amazing mountain town to visit for hiking. However, Saaremaa is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Chamonix-Mont-Blanc draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. Filled with panoramic views and breathtaking natural scenes, the hiking is among the best in the world. Some of the best hikes in the area include Plan de l'Aiguille - Montenvers Train Mer de Glace, Aiguilles Rouges Nature Reserve Hiking, and any of the "Glacier Views" Hikes.

Saaremaa is not a hiking destination.

Is Saaremaa or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Better for Families?

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc 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 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc. The mountains are the perfect playground for families. Kids will love the gondolas, chairlifts, and kid-friendly hikes that take them over rocks and to spectacular viewpoints. This is the perfect addition to a European family vacation.

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 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Better for Couples?

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is an amazing mountain town to visit for couples. Also, Saaremaa is not as popular, but is still a nice island for romance.

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. Nature-lovers, skiers, and outdoor enthusiasts will love a couples vacation to Chamonix. The setting is romantic and filled with adventures for thrill-seekers.

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 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Saaremaa is not as popular, but is still a nice island for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Chamonix-Mont-Blanc. You'll find a nice selection of hostels with affordable dorms and fun atmospheres.

Saaremaa is a good island to visit for backpackers. 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.

Is Saaremaa or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is an amazing mountain town to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Saaremaa is not a good destination for its public transit.

Public transit in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is top-notch. It's easy to explore the region by public transport. There are buses and trains available, most of which are free with a local transport card.

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 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc a more walkable city?

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is great for its ease of walking around. However, Saaremaa is not a good destination for its walkability.

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is a very walkable destination. It's generally walkable and there are plenty of walking trails outside of town.

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 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc or Saaremaa?

How long in Saaremaa or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc?

Both Saaremaa and Chamonix-Mont-Blanc have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc than in Saaremaa. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Saaremaa, and 4-7 days is enough time in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc.

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

Couples should spend more time in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc than Saaremaa. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc 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 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc.

One day in Saaremaa or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc?

Saaremaa is a small town with plenty to do. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

The beautiful mountain town of Chamonix-Mont-Blanc offers skiing and nightlife. 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 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc?

Many people visit Saaremaa for a weekend. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Saaremaa, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

Five days in Saaremaa or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc?

Because Saaremaa is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

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

A week in Saaremaa or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc?

Since Saaremaa is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. This island offers something for everyone. 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.

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc 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 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc has to offer. This mountain 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 Contiki Tours to France, and The Best G Adventures Tours to France.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Saaremaa and Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, we can see that Chamonix-Mont-Blanc 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 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc 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 Chamonix-Mont-Blanc Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Saaremaa or Chamonix-Mont-Blanc?

Saaremaa has a larger population, and is about 41% larger than the population of Chamonix-Mont-Blanc. When comparing the sizes of Saaremaa and Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, 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.