A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Saaremaa vs. Outer Hebrides for Food, Beaches, Couples, and Families

Should you visit Saaremaa or Outer Hebrides?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Saaremaa or Outer Hebrides, 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. Since it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors, too. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food and beaches.

Outer Hebrides

Outer Hebrides is a natural, tranquil, and serene archipelago. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the hiking, food, and beaches.

Saaremaa and Outer Hebrides: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saaremaa or Outer Hebrides?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Outer Hebrides than Saaremaa, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Outer Hebrides is better known for its beaches and hiking, while Saaremaa is more popular for its nightlife and small town charm. Saaremaa is well known for its untouched, undiscovered rural setting. Outer Hebrides is well known for its scenic beauty, fresh seafood, and distilleries. Also, Outer Hebrides is famous for Barra.

How is Saaremaa different from Outer Hebrides?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Saaremaa and Outer Hebrides can be difficult as they are each great 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, Outer Hebrides makes for a great culinary experience. You'll find plenty of seafood, smokehouses, distilleries and crofting produce in the area. Most islands have independent restaurants as well as pubs and other local eateries to choose from.

Is Saaremaa or Outer Hebrides Better for Nightlife?

Saaremaa is not a good area for nightlife. However, Outer Hebrides is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Saaremaa doesn't offer many options. 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.

Outer Hebrides is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Saaremaa or Outer Hebrides Better for Beaches?

Outer Hebrides 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 Outer Hebrides. From white sand beaches to hidden coves, you'll enjoy a completely serene beach experience on these islands. You can get lost in the nature and soak up the surprisingly blue waters at any of the remote beaches. Favorite beaches in the area include Vatersay Bay, Coilleag a’Phrionnsa, West Coast Beach, and Crabhadail.

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 Outer Hebrides Better for Hiking?

Outer Hebrides is an amazing archipelago to visit for hiking. However, Saaremaa is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Outer Hebrides draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. The islands offer some of the area's best hiking. You'll pass by stunning beaches, see unique wildlife, and enjoy a remote and tranquil setting. Follow the Hebridean Way, which covers the full length of the archipelago. It spans 156 miles and goes through 10 islands with 2 ferry trips.

Saaremaa is not a hiking destination.

Is Saaremaa or Outer Hebrides Better for Families?

Saaremaa and Outer Hebrides are both notable 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.

Outer Hebrides is a family-friendly place to visit. The beautiful outdoor setting is great for kids and adults alike. There are beaches to explore as well as kid-friendly museums. You can also try your hand at digging for cockles or head out on the water to watch for dolphins.

Is Saaremaa or Outer Hebrides Better for Couples?

Saaremaa and Outer Hebrides are both great 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.

Outer Hebrides is a very popular place to visit for couples. Go island hopping and discover the countless beautiful beaches. You can take a boat trip or simply soak up the peaceful coastal setting.

Is Saaremaa or Outer Hebrides Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Saaremaa and Outer Hebrides are notable 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.

Outer Hebrides is a good island to visit for backpackers. You'll need to take either a plane of ferry to reach the islands but once you're there you can camp and hike and soak up the tranquil setting.

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

Outer Hebrides 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 Outer Hebrides. There are buses that run doing the day between Monday and Saturday. In Stornoway you may be able to find some evening buses as well.

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 Outer Hebrides a more walkable city?

Saaremaa is not a good area for its walkability. However, Outer Hebrides 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.

Outer Hebrides is not a walkable destination.

For even more information, also check out Is Saaremaa Worth Visiting? and Is Outer Hebrides Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Outer Hebrides or Saaremaa?

How long in Saaremaa or Outer Hebrides?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Saaremaa or Outer Hebrides to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Outer Hebrides than Saaremaa 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 4-10 days is enough time in Outer Hebrides.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Outer Hebrides 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 Outer Hebrides.

One day in Saaremaa or Outer Hebrides?

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 Outer Hebrides offers 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 Outer Hebrides?

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.

Outer Hebrides 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 Outer Hebrides?

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.

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

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.

Outer Hebrides is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. 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 Outer Hebrides 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 Sightseeing Tours in United Kingdom, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United Kingdom.

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

When is the best time to visit Saaremaa or Outer Hebrides?

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 Outer Hebrides in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Saaremaa and Outer Hebrides. Many travelers come to Saaremaa for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Outer Hebrides in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Saaremaa is a little warmer than Outer Hebrides. Typically, the summer temperatures in Saaremaa in July average around 17°C (62°F), and Outer Hebrides averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In Saaremaa, it's very sunny this time of the year. Saaremaa usually receives more sunshine than Outer Hebrides during summer. Saaremaa gets 302 hours of sunny skies, while Outer Hebrides receives 117 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Saaremaa usually receives less rain than Outer Hebrides. Saaremaa gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Outer Hebrides receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Saaremaa or Outer Hebrides in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Saaremaa as well as Outer Hebrides. Many visitors come to Saaremaa in the autumn for the small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, most visitors come to Outer Hebrides for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Saaremaa is generally around the same temperature as Outer Hebrides. Daily temperatures in Saaremaa average around 8°C (47°F), and Outer Hebrides fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).

In the autumn, Saaremaa often gets more sunshine than Outer Hebrides. Saaremaa gets 101 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Outer Hebrides receives 83 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Outer Hebrides. Saaremaa usually gets less rain in October than Outer Hebrides. Saaremaa gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Outer Hebrides receives 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saaremaa or Outer Hebrides in the Winter?

Both Outer Hebrides and Saaremaa are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Saaremaa for the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Outer Hebrides because of the cuisine.

The weather in Outer Hebrides can be very cold. Saaremaa can be very cold during winter. Saaremaa is much colder than Outer Hebrides in the winter. The daily temperature in Saaremaa averages around -3°C (27°F) in January, and Outer Hebrides fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).

Saaremaa usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Outer Hebrides during winter. Saaremaa gets 33 hours of sunny skies, while Outer Hebrides receives 33 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Outer Hebrides. In January, Saaremaa usually receives less rain than Outer Hebrides. Saaremaa gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Outer Hebrides receives 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Saaremaa or Outer Hebrides in the Spring?

Both Outer Hebrides and Saaremaa during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Saaremaa because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Outer Hebrides this time of year.

The weather in Saaremaa can be very cold. In the spring, Saaremaa is much colder than Outer Hebrides. Typically, the spring temperatures in Saaremaa in April average around 4°C (38°F), and Outer Hebrides averages at about 7°C (44°F).

In the spring, Saaremaa often gets more sunshine than Outer Hebrides. Saaremaa gets 196 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Outer Hebrides receives 149 hours of full sun.

Saaremaa usually gets less rain in April than Outer Hebrides. Saaremaa gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Outer Hebrides receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Outer Hebrides and Saaremaa