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

Should you visit Saaremaa or Dubrovnik?

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

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

Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik is a cultural, coastal, and historic coastal town. Many visitors also come to Dubrovnik because of it's amazing beauty. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Dubrovnik travel costs.

Saaremaa and Dubrovnik: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saaremaa or Dubrovnik?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Dubrovnik. Although Saaremaa and Dubrovnik are popular destinations, Dubrovnik has more sights and attractions for tourists. Dubrovnik is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, historical sights, hiking, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Saaremaa attracts visitors for its small town charm. Dubrovnik is more touristy than Saaremaa and is known for its well-preserved medieval old town that is surrounded by stone walls and has been the production sight for many major movies and television shows. It is also well known for The Old Town Walls. Saaremaa is famous for its untouched, undiscovered rural setting.

How is Saaremaa different from Dubrovnik?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Dubrovnik is great for its historical sights. However, Saaremaa does not have museums and landmarks.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Dubrovnik can be an interesting and educational experience. The old town is a living museum that is filled with historic landmarks like the old town walls, the Dubrovnik Cathedral and Treasury, and Loggia Square.

Saaremaa does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Dubrovnik is an amazing coastal 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, Dubrovnik is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. Restaurants are usually locally-sourced with fresh produce and seafood. Traditional local dishes include black risotto (made with squid ink), pašticada (a beef dish), and various pasta 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 Dubrovnik Better for Nightlife?

Dubrovnik 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 Dubrovnik has a few options to choose from. There are many bars around town that take advantage of the unique architecture of the city. There are far less clubs, but for a drink in a laid back setting, you'll find plenty of options.

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 Dubrovnik Better for Resorts?

Dubrovnik is great for its luxury resorts. However, Saaremaa is not a resort destination.

Dubrovnik is a popular resort destination that attracts visitors from everywhere. The old town is the most famous and charming part of the city, but you'll find most of the resorts spanning the coastline outside of town. Inside the old town there are a few boutique hotels and a number of rooms available for rent, but make sure you book early during peak seasons. For a resort, look outside of the old town with popular options including Hotel Dubrovnik Palace, the Hilton Imperial, and Rixos Premium.

Saaremaa is not a resort destination.

Is Saaremaa or Dubrovnik Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Dubrovnik is adequate for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Saaremaa is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are few places where you can go snorkeling in Dubrovnik. On clear days, snorkeling can be a fun activity, but the weather and visibility can vary so conditions are unpredictable. Buža is a popular snorkeling spot in town, but you can also organize tours to other areas.

Saaremaa is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Saaremaa or Dubrovnik Better for Beaches?

Both Saaremaa and Dubrovnik 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 Dubrovnik. The old town is the main appeal of the area, but there are several beaches that are nice for taking a swim or sunbathing. They are often pebbly, but the water is blue and the views are beautiful.

Is Saaremaa or Dubrovnik Better for its Old Town?

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

Dubrovnik offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. This walled old town is among the most famous in Europe. It's sits beautifully along the coast and it is pedestrian only. You can spend plenty of time exploring the historic lanes, popping in shops and restaurants, and soaking up the charming atmosphere.

Saaremaa does not have a historic old town.

Is Saaremaa or Dubrovnik Better for Hiking?

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

Many visitors go to Dubrovnik for the hiking trails. There are a number of hikes outside of town that take you along the dramatic coastal. The paths offer spectacular views back towards town or along the water.

Saaremaa is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Saaremaa or Dubrovnik?

Dubrovnik is a nice place to visit for its shopping areas. However, Saaremaa is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Dubrovnik has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The old town offers some nice boutique shops where you can buy designer clothes, jewelry, or trinkets.

Saaremaa is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Saaremaa or Dubrovnik More Beautiful?

Dubrovnik is an amazing coastal town to visit for its scenery and beauty. Also, Saaremaa is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its scenery and beauty.

Many visitors also come to Dubrovnik because of it's amazing beauty. This historic city has a famous walled old town. It sits beautifully along the coast and offers stunning views of the area.

Saaremaa is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. The island has a classic beauty that feels frozen in time.

Is Saaremaa or Dubrovnik Better for Families?

Dubrovnik 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 Dubrovnik. The city has nice beaches, beautiful hikes, and historic city walls that are fun to explore with kids. The food is also kid-friendly and the locals love meeting children.

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 Dubrovnik Better for Couples?

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

Dubrovnik has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. With its beautiful old town, nice beaches, and laid back atmosphere, this makes the perfect couple's getaway destination. Pop in a local restaurant and try the seafood before exploring the charming squares and historic buildings.

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 Dubrovnik Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Dubrovnik is an amazing coastal town to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Saaremaa is not as popular, but is still a nice island for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Dubrovnik, as it is a very popular coastal town for budget travelers. It's not hard to find a room in a local's home near old town at an affordable price. The food is delicious and affordable as well, and you'll find plenty of other backpackers in town 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 Dubrovnik Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Dubrovnik 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 Dubrovnik offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are 12 bus lines that connect all parts of the city with the city center.

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 Dubrovnik a more walkable city?

Dubrovnik is an amazing coastal town to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Saaremaa is not a good destination for its walkability.

Dubrovnik is a very easy coastal town to get around on foot. The old town is completely pedestrian-only and you can also explore the city's historic walls 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 Dubrovnik Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Dubrovnik or Saaremaa?

How long in Saaremaa or Dubrovnik?

In either Saaremaa or Dubrovnik, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Dubrovnik than Saaremaa because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Saaremaa, and 1-5 days is enough time in Dubrovnik.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Dubrovnik 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 Dubrovnik.

One day in Saaremaa or Dubrovnik?

Even though Saaremaa is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

The beautiful coastal town of Dubrovnik offers food and shopping. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Saaremaa or Dubrovnik?

Saaremaa is a small town where visitors enjoy the food. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this island has to offer. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Dubrovnik is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this coastal town makes for a great vacation. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Dubrovnik, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Saaremaa or Dubrovnik?

Saaremaa is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Dubrovnik is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Dubrovnik, 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 Dubrovnik?

Saaremaa is a popular choice for travelers. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Dubrovnik 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 coastal 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 2-Week Tours from Split, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Croatia.

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

Which is Bigger, Saaremaa or Dubrovnik?

Dubrovnik has a larger population, and is about 91% larger than the population of Saaremaa. When comparing the sizes of Saaremaa and Dubrovnik, 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 Dubrovnik?

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 Dubrovnik in the Summer?

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

Saaremaa is much colder than Dubrovnik in the summer. The daily temperature in Saaremaa averages around 17°C (62°F) in July, and Dubrovnik fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

In July, Saaremaa usually receives more rain than Dubrovnik. Saaremaa gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Dubrovnik receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Saaremaa or Dubrovnik in the Autumn?

Both Dubrovnik and Saaremaa during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Saaremaa for the small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Dubrovnik because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Saaremaa is much colder than Dubrovnik. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Saaremaa in October average around 8°C (47°F), and Dubrovnik averages at about 18°C (64°F).

Dubrovnik gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Saaremaa usually gets less rain in October than Dubrovnik. Saaremaa gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Dubrovnik receives 162 mm (6.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saaremaa or Dubrovnik in the Winter?

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

The weather in Saaremaa can be very cold. In January, Saaremaa is generally much colder than Dubrovnik. Daily temperatures in Saaremaa average around -3°C (27°F), and Dubrovnik fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Dubrovnik receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Saaremaa usually receives less rain than Dubrovnik. Saaremaa gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Dubrovnik receives 139 mm (5.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Saaremaa or Dubrovnik in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Saaremaa as well as Dubrovnik. The beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Saaremaa this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Dubrovnik for the beaches and the natural beauty.

It's quite cold in Saaremaa in the spring. Saaremaa is much colder than Dubrovnik in the spring. The daily temperature in Saaremaa averages around 4°C (38°F) in April, and Dubrovnik fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

It's quite rainy in Dubrovnik. Saaremaa usually gets less rain in April than Dubrovnik. Saaremaa gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Dubrovnik receives 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Dubrovnik and Saaremaa