A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Saaremaa vs. Loch Lomond National Park for Food, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Saaremaa or Loch Lomond National Park?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Saaremaa or Loch Lomond National Park, 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. 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.

Loch Lomond National Park

Loch Lomond National Park is a serene, peaceful, and relaxing national park. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the hiking.

Saaremaa and Loch Lomond National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food


Is there more to do in Saaremaa or Loch Lomond National Park?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Saaremaa. Although Saaremaa and Loch Lomond National Park are popular destinations, Saaremaa has more sights and attractions for tourists. Saaremaa is very popular for its food, nightlife, beaches, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Loch Lomond National Park attracts visitors for its hiking. Saaremaa is famous for its untouched, undiscovered rural setting. It is also well known for Kuressaare Castle. Loch Lomond National Park is famous for becoming the first designated national park in Scotland in 2002.

How is Saaremaa different from Loch Lomond National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is the Food Better in Saaremaa or Loch Lomond National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Saaremaa
Loch Lomond National Park

Saaremaa is a great island for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Loch Lomond National Park is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

Loch Lomond National Park offers some easy restaurants to choose from. You'll find some traditional Scottish food to sample but in general for the best food, head to one of the nicer hotels in the area.


Is Saaremaa or Loch Lomond National Park Better for Nightlife?

Saaremaa
Loch Lomond National Park

Saaremaa is mediocre for its evening party scene. However, Loch Lomond National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Saaremaa 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.

Loch Lomond National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Saaremaa or Loch Lomond National Park Better for Beaches?

Saaremaa
Loch Lomond National Park

Saaremaa is a island with good options for the beach. However, Loch Lomond National Park 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.

Loch Lomond National Park is not a beach destination.

Is Saaremaa or Loch Lomond National Park Better for Hiking?

Saaremaa
Loch Lomond National Park

Loch Lomond National Park is a nice place to visit for hiking. However, Saaremaa is not a hiking destination.

Loch Lomond National Park has hiking trails worth exploring. You can choose from relaxing walks or more strenuous hikes and options run along the shoreline or into the surrounding hills and forests. Some of the more popular hikes in the area include Ben Lomond, Conic Hill, and Callander Crags.

Saaremaa is not a hiking destination.


Is Saaremaa or Loch Lomond National Park Better for Families?

Saaremaa
Loch Lomond National Park

Loch Lomond National Park 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 Loch Lomond National Park. You'll find a wide range of diverse activities for kids around the park. They can explore the maze at the Lodge Forest Visitor Center, get up close with animals at Loch Lomond Bird of Prey Centre, Blair Drummond Safari and Adventure Park, or Loch Lomond Pony Trekking, or have an adventure at Doune Castle. Other highlights for the kids include Wellsfield Farm and the Maid of the Loch Paddle Steamer.

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 Loch Lomond National Park Better for Couples?

Saaremaa
Loch Lomond National Park

Saaremaa and Loch Lomond National Park 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.

Loch Lomond National Park is a very popular place to visit for couples. There are many waterfront accommodation options that make for a beautiful and peaceful couples retreat. The nature and serenity is perfect for couples who want to get away from it all.

Is Saaremaa or Loch Lomond National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Saaremaa
Loch Lomond National Park

For backpackers, both Saaremaa and Loch Lomond National Park 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.

Loch Lomond National Park is a good island to visit for backpackers. There are some camping options available for backpackers and those who want to experience nature in its fullest.


Is Saaremaa or Loch Lomond National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Saaremaa
Loch Lomond National Park

Loch Lomond National Park 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 Loch Lomond National Park. You can reach the park by train, but transportation option within the area are generally limited.

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 Loch Lomond National Park a more walkable city?

Saaremaa
Loch Lomond National Park

Saaremaa is mediocre for its ease of walking around. However, Loch Lomond National Park is not a walkable destination.

Saaremaa is not a very walkable island. While their are some walking trails, you really need a car to explore the island in depth.

Loch Lomond National Park is not a walkable destination.

For even more information, also check out Is Saaremaa Worth Visiting? and Is Loch Lomond National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Loch Lomond National Park or Saaremaa?

How long in Saaremaa or Loch Lomond National Park?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Saaremaa than Loch Lomond National Park. 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 Saaremaa than Loch Lomond National Park 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.


  • How many days in Saaremaa or Loch Lomond National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Saaremaa 2-4 
    Loch Lomond National Park 2-4

One day in Saaremaa or Loch Lomond National Park?

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. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

The national park of Loch Lomond National Park offers . 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 Loch Lomond National Park?

Saaremaa is a small town where visitors enjoy the food. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

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

Five days in Saaremaa or Loch Lomond National Park?

Saaremaa is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. It offers something for everyone.

Loch Lomond National Park 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 Loch Lomond National Park?

Saaremaa is a popular choice for travelers. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Loch Lomond National Park 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 national park 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 Sightseeing Tours in United Kingdom, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United Kingdom.


Which place is cheaper, Loch Lomond National Park or Saaremaa?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Saaremaa is €101, while the average daily cost in Loch Lomond National Park is €71. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Saaremaa and Loch Lomond National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saaremaa 36
    Loch Lomond National Park 37
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saaremaa 72
    Loch Lomond National Park 74
Compare Hotels in Saaremaa and Loch Lomond National Park

Looking for a hotel in Saaremaa or Loch Lomond National Park? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Saaremaa


Hotels in Loch Lomond National Park


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saaremaa 47
    Loch Lomond National Park 23
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Saaremaa

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Saaremaa:


  • Rental Car and Gas for a Day
    34

Is it cheaper to fly into Saaremaa or Loch Lomond National Park?

Prices for flights to both Loch Lomond National Park and Saaremaa change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Saaremaa 37
    Loch Lomond National Park 18
Typical Food Prices in Saaremaa

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Saaremaa:


  • Salmon
    1.28

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Saaremaa 21
    Loch Lomond National Park 19

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Saaremaa 11
    Loch Lomond National Park 4.59


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Saaremaa and Loch Lomond National Park, we can see that Saaremaa is more expensive. And not only is Loch Lomond National Park much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Loch Lomond National Park would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Loch Lomond National Park 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 Saaremaa would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Saaremaa than you might in Loch Lomond National Park.

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