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

Should you visit Saaremaa or Taupo?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Saaremaa or Taupo, 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 traditional, quiet, and calm island. It also offers plenty of small town charm and also has plenty of sights and activities. The beauty of Saaremaa is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the food and beaches. See Saaremaa travel costs.

Taupo

Taupo is a otherworldly, striking, and stunning town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Taupo offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the shopping, skiing, and nightlife. See Taupo travel costs.

Saaremaa and Taupo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saaremaa or Taupo?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Taupo. Although Saaremaa and Taupo are both popular with visitors, Taupo has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Taupo is more popular for its skiing, museums and attractions, nightlife, hiking, and shopping, while Saaremaa is known for its beaches, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Taupo is more touristy than Saaremaa and is popular for its thermal hot springs, dramatic landscapes, and world class hikes. It is also home to the Craters of the Moon reserve. Saaremaa is popular for its untouched, undiscovered rural setting.

How is Saaremaa different from Taupo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Saaremaa or Taupo Better for Skiing?

Taupo is an amazing town to visit for skiing. However, Saaremaa is not a skiing destination.

The snow ski experience you'll have in Taupo is among the best in the world. Nearby Mount Ruapehu offers access to the longest running ski season in both Australia and New Zealand. From June until October you can enjoy the largest commercial ski areas around. There are options for everyone from young beginners to experts. The two main ski resorts in the area are Whakapapa Ski Area and Tūroa Ski Area.

Saaremaa is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Saaremaa or Taupo?

Taupo is mediocre for its historical sights. However, Saaremaa does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Taupo. Stunning natural beauty and adventure-filled activities are what Taupo is all about, but you won't find much in the form of museums.

Saaremaa does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Saaremaa and Taupo can be difficult as they are each very good 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, Taupo makes for a great culinary experience. The town is filled with local restaurants that make use of local ingredients such as fresh caught trout, local produce, and wild game. The town also has many farmers markets and a strong cafe culture.

Is Saaremaa or Taupo Better for Nightlife?

Taupo 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 Taupo has a few options to choose from. It's a small resort town that is active during the day and night. There are low key activities in the evening like soaking in the thermal hot pools or grabbing a drink at a bar.

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 Taupo Better for Beaches?

Saaremaa is a popular place for the beach. However, Taupo is not a beach destination.

Saaremaa is a good option for a beach vacation. 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.

Taupo is not a beach destination.

Is Saaremaa or Taupo Better for Hiking?

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

Many visitors go to Taupo for the hiking trails. The area is filled with beautiful hikes that take you through the natural beauty. During the fall season you can enjoy the fall foliage and during the summer months the wildlife and waterfront setting is at a peak.

Saaremaa is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Saaremaa or Taupo?

Taupo is a nice place to visit for its shopping areas. However, Saaremaa is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Taupo has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The lakefront town has a nice, pedestrian-friendly stretch with boutique shops, fashion outlets, and souvenir vendors.

Saaremaa is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Saaremaa or Taupo More Beautiful?

Saaremaa is a great destination for its scenery and beauty. Also, Taupo is still popular, but not quite as popular for its scenery and beauty.

The beauty of Saaremaa is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. The island has a classic beauty that feels frozen in time.

Taupo offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Set against the lake, there is stunning natural beauty in the area and many breathtaking views.

Is Saaremaa or Taupo Better for Families?

Taupo is an amazing town to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Saaremaa is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its family-friendly activities.

Taupo is an amazing family-friendly town to visit. Set on the edge of Lake Taupo, there are many family-friendly activities in the area like swimming, boating, and hiking. There are also thermal hot springs and in the winter months skiing. Families who enjoy outdoor adventures will find no shortage of options year round.

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 Taupo Better for Couples?

Taupo is an amazing town to visit for couples. Also, Saaremaa is not as popular, but is still a nice island for romance.

Taupo has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. Honeymooners and couples who enjoy romantic scenery, beautiful sunsets, and outdoor adventure will fall in love with this area. You can soak in thermal hot springs and picnic next to beautiful waterfalls. There are also breathtaking hikes and great water activities.

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.

Is Saaremaa or Taupo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Taupo is an amazing town to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Saaremaa is not as popular, but is still a nice island for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Taupo, as it is a very popular town for budget travelers. There's plenty of backpacker and hostel accommodation in the area. There are also free outdoor activities and adrenaline-filled adventures that backpackers will enjoy.

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

Taupo 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 Taupo offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are local bus service, the Taupo Connector, that travels around the town center. If you want to get outside of town, you'll need to have a car.

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 Taupo a more walkable city?

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

Taupo is a somewhat walkable town. The town is fairly compact, but if you want to efficiently get around and experience everything that the area has to offer, you'll want to have a car.

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 Taupo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Taupo or Saaremaa?

How long in Saaremaa or Taupo?

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

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

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

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

One day in Saaremaa or Taupo?

Even though Saaremaa is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. This island offers a variety 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 town of Taupo offers nightlife 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 Taupo?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Saaremaa. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

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

Five days in Saaremaa or Taupo?

Saaremaa is a fun place to experience. Saaremaa is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Taupo is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that skiing is why people visit. 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 Taupo?

Saaremaa is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Taupo is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that skiing is why people visit. 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 town 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 G Adventures Tours to New Zealand, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Auckland.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Saaremaa and Taupo, we can see that Saaremaa is more expensive. And not only is Taupo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Saaremaa is in Europe and Taupo is in Pacific, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Taupo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Taupo 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 Taupo.

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

Which is Bigger, Saaremaa or Taupo?

Taupo has a larger population, and is about 51% larger than the population of Saaremaa. When comparing the sizes of Saaremaa and Taupo, 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.