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

Should you visit Saaremaa or Glencoe?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Saaremaa or Glencoe, 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 peaceful, relaxed, and traditional island. Because it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors for a good reason. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include food and beaches.

Glencoe

Glencoe is a picturesque, natural, and serene village. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the food and hiking.

Saaremaa and Glencoe: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saaremaa or Glencoe?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Glencoe. Although Saaremaa and Glencoe are popular destinations, Glencoe has more sights and attractions for tourists. Glencoe is very popular for its nightlife, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Saaremaa attracts visitors for its food, beaches, and small town charm. Glencoe is more touristy than Saaremaa and is popular for its mountaineering, hiking, and beautiful natural setting. It is also well known for The Three Sisters. Saaremaa is famous for its untouched, undiscovered rural setting.

How is Saaremaa different from Glencoe?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Saaremaa is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Glencoe is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Saaremaa is an experience not to be missed. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Glencoe. Local specialties include seafood and pub food. You'll also find plenty of whisky and local beer. There are a variety of dining options with local pubs alongside fine dining restaurants.

Is Saaremaa or Glencoe Better for Nightlife?

Glencoe is adequate for its evening party scene. However, Saaremaa is not a good destination for nightlife.

Glencoe doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. There are a handful of bars where you can relax with local whisky or beer.

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 Glencoe Better for Beaches?

Saaremaa is a island with good options for the beach. However, Glencoe is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Saaremaa. 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.

Glencoe is not a beach destination.

Is Saaremaa or Glencoe Better for Hiking?

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

Many visitors go to Glencoe for the hiking trails. The area has dramatic hikes and stunning landscapes. Some of the best walks through the countryside include Inchree Falls, Grey Mare's Tail & Mamore Lodge, and The Two Lairigs.

Saaremaa is not a hiking destination.

Is Saaremaa or Glencoe Better for Families?

Glencoe 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 Glencoe. Take a steam train along the Harry Potter Line. You'll feel like you're aboard the Hogwarts Express. You can also visit the Natural History Center, hike around the Glencoe National Nature Center, or visit the Glencoe Folk Museum.

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 Glencoe Better for Couples?

Saaremaa and Glencoe are both high quality to visit as a couple.

Saaremaa is a great island if you're traveling as a couple. 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.

Glencoe is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples who enjoy nature, hiking, and stunning scenery will enjoy a visit to this beautiful area.

Is Saaremaa or Glencoe Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Saaremaa is a island with good options for backpackers. However, Glencoe is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

Glencoe is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It can be challenging to reach without a car and the surrounding countryside also requires a vehicle. There is some great camping available in the area.

Is Saaremaa or Glencoe Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Glencoe is adequate for times when you don't have a car. However, Saaremaa is not a good destination for its public transit.

Public transit is mostly limited in Glencoe. There are local buses, but it's much easier to make the most of your visit if you have a vehicle.

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 Glencoe a more walkable city?

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

Glencoe is generally not a very walkable village. It's easier to fully experience the area if you have your own vehicle.

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 Glencoe Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Glencoe or Saaremaa?

How long in Saaremaa or Glencoe?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Saaremaa and Glencoe. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Saaremaa than in Glencoe. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Saaremaa, and 1-3 days is enough time in Glencoe.

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

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

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

One day in Saaremaa or Glencoe?

Saaremaa is a small town with plenty to do. This island offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

The beautiful village of Glencoe offers food. 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 Glencoe?

Saaremaa might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Saaremaa has to offer.

Glencoe is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this village 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 Glencoe, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Saaremaa or Glencoe?

Saaremaa is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Glencoe 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 Glencoe?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Saaremaa. Since Saaremaa is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Glencoe 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 village 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 United Kingdom, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Kingdom.

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