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

Should you visit Saaremaa or Como?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Saaremaa or Como, 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 calm, peaceful, and relaxed island. With amazing attractions and sights, it's also a fun small town not to be missed. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food and beaches.

Como

Como is a vibrant, scenic, and trendy lake area. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and food.

Saaremaa and Como: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saaremaa or Como?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Como. Although Saaremaa and Como are popular destinations, Como has more sights and attractions for tourists. Como is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Saaremaa attracts visitors for its small town charm. Como is more touristy than Saaremaa and is known for its long-running history as a resort retreat for upscale travelers. It is also well known for the lakeside setting. Saaremaa is famous for its untouched, undiscovered rural setting.

How is Saaremaa different from Como?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Como is adequate for its historical sights. However, Saaremaa 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.

Saaremaa does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Como is an amazing lake area 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, Como is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. 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.

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 Como Better for Nightlife?

Como 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 Como has a few options to choose from. 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.

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 Como Better for Beaches?

Both Saaremaa and Como have nice beaches worth visiting.

Saaremaa has a beach worth visiting. 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.

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 Saaremaa or Como Better for Hiking?

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

Many visitors go to Como for the hiking trails. 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.

Saaremaa is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Saaremaa or Como?

Como is an amazing lake area to visit for its shopping areas. However, Saaremaa is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many people travel to Como specifically to go shopping. 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.

Saaremaa is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Saaremaa or Como Better for Families?

Como 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 Como. 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.

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 Como Better for Couples?

Como is an amazing lake area to visit for couples. Also, Saaremaa is not as popular, but is still a nice island for romance.

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

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 Como Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Como 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 Como. 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.

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

Como 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 Como offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are buses, ferries, and a funicular that travel to different towns around the lake.

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 Como a more walkable city?

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

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

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 Como Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Como or Saaremaa?

How long in Saaremaa or Como?

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

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

One day in Saaremaa or Como?

Saaremaa is a small town where visitors enjoy the food. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

The beautiful lake area of Como offers nightlife 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.

A weekend in Saaremaa or Como?

Saaremaa is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

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

Five days in Saaremaa or Como?

Saaremaa is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. This island offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Como is a popular choice for travelers. 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 Como?

Because Saaremaa is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

Como is a great place to explore. 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 lake area 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Rome, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Rome.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Saaremaa and Como, we can see that Como 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 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 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 Como Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Saaremaa or Como?

Como has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Saaremaa. When comparing the sizes of Saaremaa and Como, 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 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 Saaremaa or Como in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Saaremaa and Como. The summer months attract visitors to Saaremaa because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Como this time of year.

Saaremaa is cooler than Como in the summer. The daily temperature in Saaremaa averages around 17°C (62°F) in July, and Como fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Como this time of the year. In Saaremaa, it's very sunny this time of the year. Saaremaa usually receives more sunshine than Como during summer. Saaremaa gets 302 hours of sunny skies, while Como receives 250 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Saaremaa usually receives less rain than Como. Saaremaa gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Como receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Saaremaa or Como in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Saaremaa as well as Como. The small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Saaremaa this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Como for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Saaremaa is much colder than Como. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Saaremaa in October average around 8°C (47°F), and Como averages at about 15°C (58°F).

In the autumn, Saaremaa often gets less sunshine than Como. Saaremaa gets 101 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Como receives 152 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Como. Saaremaa usually gets less rain in October than Como. Saaremaa gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Como receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saaremaa or Como in the Winter?

Both Como and Saaremaa are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Saaremaa for the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Como in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Como can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Saaremaa. In January, Saaremaa is generally much colder than Como. Daily temperatures in Saaremaa average around -3°C (27°F), and Como fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

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

In January, Saaremaa usually receives less rain than Como. Saaremaa gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Como receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Saaremaa or Como in the Spring?

Both Como and Saaremaa during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Saaremaa in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Como for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

Saaremaa can get quite cold in the spring. Saaremaa is much colder than Como in the spring. The daily temperature in Saaremaa averages around 4°C (38°F) in April, and Como fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Saaremaa often gets more sunshine than Como. Saaremaa gets 196 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Como receives 176 hours of full sun.

Saaremaa usually gets less rain in April than Como. Saaremaa gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Como receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Como and Saaremaa