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

Should you visit Saaremaa or Kaunas?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Saaremaa or Kaunas, 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. 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.

Kaunas

Kaunas is a active, young, and vibrant city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the nightlife and food.

Saaremaa and Kaunas: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saaremaa or Kaunas?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Kaunas. Although Saaremaa and Kaunas are popular destinations, Kaunas has more sights and attractions for tourists. Kaunas is very popular for its nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Saaremaa attracts visitors for its food, beaches, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Saaremaa is famous for its untouched, undiscovered rural setting. Kaunas is famous for its traditional Lithuanian culture and authentic old town. It is also well known for The Kaunas Old Town.

How is Saaremaa different from Kaunas?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Saaremaa is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Kaunas is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

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 Kaunas. It is a great place to try traditional Lithuanian dishes as there are a number of good restaurants and an active restaurant scene. Popular local dishes include cepelinai potato dumplings and cold beetroot soup.

Is Saaremaa or Kaunas Better for Nightlife?

Kaunas 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 Kaunas has a few options to choose from. The nightlife scene continues to improve with a growing number of bars and clubs. During the warmer months you'll find many places opening outdoor areas. The old town is one of the more lively areas in town where it's nice to enjoy a drink on a terrace.

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 Kaunas Better for Beaches?

Saaremaa is a good destination for the beach. However, Kaunas 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.

Kaunas is not a beach destination.

Is Saaremaa or Kaunas Better for its Old Town?

Kaunas is a nice place to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Saaremaa does not have a historic old town.

Kaunas has an old town worth visiting. The old town has tree-lined streets with charming cafes and a number of museums. It's also where you'll find the Kaunas Castle.

Saaremaa does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Saaremaa or Kaunas?

Kaunas is adequate for its shopping areas. However, Saaremaa is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Kaunas has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. The old town is the place to pick up souvenirs, but there are also shopping malls and outlets in the city.

Saaremaa is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Saaremaa or Kaunas Better for Families?

Saaremaa and Kaunas are both nice destinations for the whole family.

Saaremaa offers lots of family activities. 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.

Kaunas is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has both outdoor and indoor areas that are fun for kids. Vienybės Square has fountains and splash areas that are fun for kids of all ages. Lampėdis Lake is a great place to swim or visit an adventure park. When the weather isn't great, you can head indoors to the the Kaunas Tadas Ivanauskas Zoological Museum or "CurioCity" in the Mega Mall.

Is Saaremaa or Kaunas Better for Couples?

Saaremaa is notable for couples. However, Kaunas is a mediocre city for romance.

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.

Kaunas is not the best destination for a couple to visit. The city has a number of historical sites as well as interesting restaurants that you can explore.

Is Saaremaa or Kaunas Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Saaremaa and Kaunas are nice 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.

Kaunas is a good island to visit for backpackers. It's not a popular destination, but there are enough concerts and festivals throughout the year that it does see a few tourists.

Is Saaremaa or Kaunas Better for Students?

Kaunas is a nice place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Saaremaa is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Kaunas. The city has a vibrant and young student population. It also hosts festivals, concerts, and other events that make it a fun destination for international students.

Saaremaa is not popular with students.

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

Kaunas 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 Kaunas offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are both buses and trolleybuses around town.

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 Kaunas a more walkable city?

Kaunas is a nice place to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Saaremaa is not a good destination for its walkability.

Kaunas is a somewhat walkable city. When the weather is nice, the city is a nice place to take a walk.

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 Kaunas Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Kaunas or Saaremaa?

How long in Saaremaa or Kaunas?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Saaremaa or Kaunas to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Saaremaa than Kaunas because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Saaremaa, and 1-2 days is enough time in Kaunas.

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

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

One day in Saaremaa or Kaunas?

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 city of Kaunas offers food and nightlife. 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 Kaunas?

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.

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

Five days in Saaremaa or Kaunas?

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.

Kaunas 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 Kaunas?

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.

Kaunas is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city 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 Tours for Seniors to Lithuania, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Vilnius.

When comparing the travel costs between Saaremaa and Kaunas, we can see that Saaremaa is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Saaremaa or Kaunas?

Kaunas has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Saaremaa. When comparing the sizes of Saaremaa and Kaunas, 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 Kaunas?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Saaremaa or Kaunas in the Summer?

Both Kaunas and Saaremaa during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Saaremaa for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Kaunas in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Saaremaa is around the same temperature as Kaunas in the summer. The daily temperature in Saaremaa averages around 17°C (62°F) in July, and Kaunas fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

In Kaunas, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Saaremaa. In the summer, Saaremaa often gets more sunshine than Kaunas. Saaremaa gets 302 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kaunas receives 256 hours of full sun.

Saaremaa usually gets less rain in July than Kaunas. Saaremaa gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Kaunas receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saaremaa or Kaunas in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Saaremaa and Kaunas. Many visitors come to Saaremaa in the autumn for the small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Kaunas for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Saaremaa is around the same temperature as Kaunas. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Saaremaa in October average around 8°C (47°F), and Kaunas averages at about 8°C (46°F).

Saaremaa usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Kaunas during autumn. Saaremaa gets 101 hours of sunny skies, while Kaunas receives 99 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Saaremaa usually receives more rain than Kaunas. Saaremaa gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Kaunas receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Saaremaa or Kaunas in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Saaremaa as well as Kaunas. Most visitors come to Saaremaa for the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Kaunas because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.

The weather in Kaunas can be very cold. Saaremaa can be very cold during winter. In January, Saaremaa is generally much warmer than Kaunas. Daily temperatures in Saaremaa average around -3°C (27°F), and Kaunas fluctuates around -5°C (23°F).

In the winter, Saaremaa often gets less sunshine than Kaunas. Saaremaa gets 33 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kaunas receives 40 hours of full sun.

Saaremaa usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Kaunas. Saaremaa gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Kaunas receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saaremaa or Kaunas in the Spring?

Both Kaunas and Saaremaa are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Saaremaa because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Kaunas this time of year.

The weather in Saaremaa can be very cold. Saaremaa is much colder than Kaunas in the spring. The daily temperature in Saaremaa averages around 4°C (38°F) in April, and Kaunas fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

Saaremaa usually receives more sunshine than Kaunas during spring. Saaremaa gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Kaunas receives 175 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Saaremaa usually receives less rain than Kaunas. Saaremaa gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Kaunas receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Kaunas and Saaremaa