A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Saaremaa vs. Orkney Islands for Food, Beaches, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Saaremaa or Orkney Islands?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Saaremaa or Orkney Islands, 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 quiet, calm, and peaceful 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.

Orkney Islands

Orkney Islands is a remote, serene, and tranquil archipelago. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and beaches.

Saaremaa and Orkney Islands: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saaremaa or Orkney Islands?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Orkney Islands. Although Saaremaa and Orkney Islands are popular destinations, Orkney Islands has more sights and attractions for tourists. Orkney Islands is very popular for its museums, beaches, and hiking, while Saaremaa attracts visitors for its nightlife and small town charm. Saaremaa is famous for its untouched, undiscovered rural setting. Orkney Islands is famous for its sandy beaches, serene landscape, and well-preserved Neolithic sights. It is also well known for The Heart of Neolithic Orkney.

How is Saaremaa different from Orkney Islands?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Orkney Islands is a nice place to visit for its historical sights. However, Saaremaa does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Orkney Islands. The islands is home to a number of archaeological ruins including the stone age village of Skara Brae and the neolithic chambered cairn of Maes Howee. Also check out impressive Ring of Brodgar stone circle as well as the oldest dwelling in the UK, the Knap of Howar on Papa Westray.

Saaremaa does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Saaremaa and Orkney Islands can be difficult as they are each excellent in their own way.

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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Orkney Islands makes for a great culinary experience. You'll find so many local products on the islands. It's famous for its local beef, lamb, salmon, and seafood, but you'll also find cheeses and produce. There are two breweries on the island as well. Many people pick up some items that they take home with them.

Is Saaremaa or Orkney Islands Better for Nightlife?

Saaremaa is mediocre for its evening party scene. However, Orkney Islands 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.

Orkney Islands is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Saaremaa or Orkney Islands Better for Beaches?

Orkney Islands is great for the beach. Also, Saaremaa is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its beaches.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Orkney Islands. The archipelago has hundreds of miles of beaches that feel serene and remote. If you're looking for a tranquil setting that is natural and untouched, you'll have many to choose from. Some of the best beaches on the islands include Tresness Beach, Grobust Beach, and Sands of Evie Beach.

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.

Is Saaremaa or Orkney Islands Better for Hiking?

Orkney Islands is great for hiking. However, Saaremaa is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Orkney Islands for the hiking trails. Rolling hills and rugged landscapes make for relaxing and beautiful walks. There are also many archaeological ruins that you can explore. Favorite hikes in the area include Balfour Village and Mill Dam, Birsay Whalebone, and Birwick to Barth Head.

Saaremaa is not a hiking destination.

Is Saaremaa or Orkney Islands Better for Families?

Saaremaa and Orkney Islands 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.

Orkney Islands is a family-friendly place to visit. Exploring the beaches is one of the best way to spend your days with kids. There are also several places you can take the kids like Barony Mill, Skate Rumple Alpaca Farm, Corrigall Farm Museum, and Kirbuster Farm Museum.

Is Saaremaa or Orkney Islands Better for Couples?

Saaremaa and Orkney Islands are both excellent 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.

Orkney Islands is a very popular place to visit for couples. Nature lovers will enjoy the stunning beaches and beautiful natural setting. There are also some great restaurants and even live music performances that make for a fun date night.

Is Saaremaa or Orkney Islands Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Orkney Islands 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 Orkney Islands. If camping is your style, you'll find some great campgrounds and campsites that make the most of this beautiful natural setting.

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

Orkney Islands 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 Orkney Islands offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Buses travel to many parts of the islands and many islands are connected by ferries.

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 Orkney Islands a more walkable city?

Saaremaa is mediocre for its ease of walking around. However, Orkney Islands 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.

Orkney Islands is not a walkable destination.

For even more information, also check out Is Saaremaa Worth Visiting? and Is Orkney Islands Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Orkney Islands or Saaremaa?

How long in Saaremaa or Orkney Islands?

Both Saaremaa and Orkney Islands have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Orkney Islands than in Saaremaa. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Saaremaa, and 3-7 days is enough time in Orkney Islands.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Orkney Islands 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 Orkney Islands.

One day in Saaremaa or Orkney Islands?

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 beautiful archipelago of Orkney Islands offers museums 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 Orkney Islands?

Saaremaa is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Orkney Islands is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Saaremaa or Orkney Islands?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Saaremaa. It offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Orkney Islands is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Orkney Islands, 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 Orkney Islands?

Saaremaa is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. Your budget might influence how long you stay. 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.

Orkney Islands is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Orkney Islands has to offer. This archipelago 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 Edinburgh, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United Kingdom.

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

When is the best time to visit Saaremaa or Orkney Islands?

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 Orkney Islands in the Summer?

Both Orkney Islands and Saaremaa are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Saaremaa for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Orkney Islands because of the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

Saaremaa is a little warmer than Orkney Islands in the summer. The daily temperature in Saaremaa averages around 17°C (62°F) in July, and Orkney Islands fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saaremaa. Saaremaa usually receives more sunshine than Orkney Islands during summer. Saaremaa gets 302 hours of sunny skies, while Orkney Islands receives 129 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Saaremaa usually receives less rain than Orkney Islands. Saaremaa gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Orkney Islands receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Saaremaa or Orkney Islands in the Autumn?

Both Orkney Islands and Saaremaa during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Saaremaa because of the small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Orkney Islands this time of year.

In the autumn, Saaremaa is around the same temperature as Orkney Islands. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Saaremaa in October average around 8°C (47°F), and Orkney Islands averages at about 9°C (48°F).

In the autumn, Saaremaa often gets more sunshine than Orkney Islands. Saaremaa gets 101 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Orkney Islands receives 73 hours of full sun.

Orkney Islands gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Saaremaa usually gets less rain in October than Orkney Islands. Saaremaa gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Orkney Islands receives 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saaremaa or Orkney Islands in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Saaremaa and Orkney Islands. The cuisine are the main draw to Saaremaa this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Orkney Islands for the museums and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Orkney Islands. It's quite cold in Saaremaa in the winter. In January, Saaremaa is generally much colder than Orkney Islands. Daily temperatures in Saaremaa average around -3°C (27°F), and Orkney Islands fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

Saaremaa usually receives more sunshine than Orkney Islands during winter. Saaremaa gets 33 hours of sunny skies, while Orkney Islands receives 29 hours of full sun in the winter.

Orkney Islands receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Saaremaa usually receives less rain than Orkney Islands. Saaremaa gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Orkney Islands receives 106 mm (4.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Saaremaa or Orkney Islands in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Saaremaa as well as Orkney Islands. Many travelers come to Saaremaa for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Orkney Islands in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Saaremaa. Saaremaa is much colder than Orkney Islands in the spring. The daily temperature in Saaremaa averages around 4°C (38°F) in April, and Orkney Islands fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

In the spring, Saaremaa often gets more sunshine than Orkney Islands. Saaremaa gets 196 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Orkney Islands receives 135 hours of full sun.

Saaremaa usually gets less rain in April than Orkney Islands. Saaremaa gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Orkney Islands receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Orkney Islands and Saaremaa