A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Saaremaa vs. Turku for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Saaremaa or Turku?

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

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

Where Should I go: Saaremaa or Turku?

Saaremaa

Saaremaa is the largest island in Estonia and it has a unique and rural atmosphere that makes it an interesting place to visit. Saaremaa has remained rural and frozen in time due to its isolated location, particularly during Soviet occupation when it was used as a military base. The island still has working windmills, hand placed stone walls, and old stone churches that feel like you've stepped back in time.

Turku

Turku, a city on the southwest coast of Finland, straddles the Aura River. Dating from the 13th century, it's known for Turku Castle, a medieval fortress with a history museum, perched at the river mouth. Restaurants line the cobbled riverside streets. On the eastern bank lies the Old Great Square, a former trade hub, surrounded by grand buildings. The nearby Turku Cathedral houses a royal tomb and a museum. The historic castle and cathedral point to the city's rich cultural history when it was the Finnish capital, and contemporary Turku is full of experimental art and vibrant festivals, thanks in part to its spirited university population (the country's second largest), who make Turku's nightlife young and fun. As the first city many visitors encounter arriving by ferry from Sweden and Aland, it's a splendid introduction to the Finnish mainland.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Tallinn, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Estonia, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Finland, and The Best Adventure Tours to Finland.

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

Which is Bigger, Saaremaa or Turku?

Turku has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Saaremaa. When comparing the sizes of Saaremaa and Turku, 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 Turku?

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 Turku in the Summer?

Both Turku and Saaremaa are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Saaremaa because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Saaremaa is generally around the same temperature as Turku. Daily temperatures in Saaremaa average around 17°C (62°F), and Turku fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

It's quite sunny in Turku. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saaremaa. Saaremaa usually receives more sunshine than Turku during summer. Saaremaa gets 302 hours of sunny skies, while Turku receives 262 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Saaremaa usually receives less rain than Turku. Saaremaa gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Turku receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Saaremaa or Turku in the Autumn?

Both Turku and Saaremaa during the autumn are popular places to visit. The small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Saaremaa this time of year.

Saaremaa is a little warmer than Turku in the autumn. The daily temperature in Saaremaa averages around 8°C (47°F) in October, and Turku fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

In the autumn, Saaremaa often gets more sunshine than Turku. Saaremaa gets 101 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Turku receives 90 hours of full sun.

Saaremaa usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Turku. Saaremaa gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Turku receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saaremaa or Turku in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Saaremaa and Turku. Many travelers come to Saaremaa for the cuisine.

Turku can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Saaremaa. In the winter, Saaremaa is much warmer than Turku. Typically, the winter temperatures in Saaremaa in January average around -3°C (27°F), and Turku averages at about -6°C (20°F).

Saaremaa usually receives less sunshine than Turku during winter. Saaremaa gets 33 hours of sunny skies, while Turku receives 39 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Saaremaa usually receives less rain than Turku. Saaremaa gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Turku receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Saaremaa or Turku in the Spring?

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

Turku can be very cold during spring. Saaremaa can get quite cold in the spring. In April, Saaremaa is generally a little warmer than Turku. Daily temperatures in Saaremaa average around 4°C (38°F), and Turku fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

In the spring, Saaremaa often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Turku. Saaremaa gets 196 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Turku receives 182 hours of full sun.

Saaremaa usually gets less rain in April than Turku. Saaremaa gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Turku receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Turku and Saaremaa