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

Should you visit Saaremaa or Villach?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Saaremaa or Villach, 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. Because it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors for a good reason. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include food and beaches.

Villach

Villach is a nature-filled, outdoorsy, and historic town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and hiking.

Saaremaa and Villach: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saaremaa or Villach?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Villach. Although Saaremaa and Villach are popular destinations, Villach has more sights and attractions for tourists. Villach is very popular for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, hiking, and shopping, while Saaremaa attracts visitors for its food, beaches, and small town charm. Villach is more touristy than Saaremaa and is popular for its many alpine hikes, nearby lakes, and its quaint main square. It is also well known for The Villach Main Square. Saaremaa is famous for its untouched, undiscovered rural setting.

How is Saaremaa different from Villach?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Villach 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 Villach. There are several historical buildings in town such as the Parish Church of St. Jakob, the Holy Cross Church, and the Parish Church of St. Martin. Also worth a visit is the Museum of the City of Villach.

Saaremaa does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Saaremaa is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Villach is a mediocre town for its restaurants.

Dining out in Saaremaa is an experience not to be missed. 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.

Villach offers some easy restaurants to choose from. You'll find the standard options of pizza and burgers around town. While the food scene isn't particularly special, the quality is decent and reliable.

Is Saaremaa or Villach Better for Nightlife?

Villach 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 Villach has a few options to choose from. The weekends are when you'll find the best nightlife. There are some local bars and clubs that come to life and attract a young crowd on a weekend night.

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 Villach Better for Beaches?

Saaremaa is a popular place for the beach. However, Villach 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.

Villach is not a beach destination.

Is Saaremaa or Villach Better for its Old Town?

Villach is a nice place to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Saaremaa does not have a historic old town.

Villach has an old town worth visiting. You'll find churches and gardens throughout the charming old town. At the heart of the town is the main square.

Saaremaa does not have a historic old town.

Is Saaremaa or Villach Better for Hiking?

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

Many visitors go to Villach for the hiking trails. The surrounding countryside is filled with both short and long hikes. You can take a short stroll or spend hours (or days) exploring the alpine scenery. Breathtaking views and peaceful retreats make this a wonderful area for hiking.

Saaremaa is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Saaremaa or Villach?

Villach is adequate for its shopping areas. However, Saaremaa is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Villach has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. There are your standard shopping centers where you can pick up clothes or anything you may have forgotten for your trip.

Saaremaa is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Saaremaa or Villach Better for Families?

Villach 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 Villach. The area is filled with outdoor adventures that the whole family will enjoy. There's kid-friendly hiking, adventure parks, nature parks, and some swimming areas.

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 Villach Better for Couples?

Saaremaa and Villach are both very good 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.

Villach is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples who enjoy outdoor adventures, beautiful hikes, and stunning scenery will appreciate a visit to this area.

Is Saaremaa or Villach Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Villach 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 Villach. There are a number of hostels in the area that cater to backpackers who enjoy the outdoor setting and beautiful hikes that are nearby.

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

Villach 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 Villach. There are buses and trains in the area, but to experience the nearby nature you'll want 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 Villach a more walkable city?

Villach is adequate for its ease of walking around. However, Saaremaa is not a good destination for its walkability.

Villach is generally not a very walkable town. Parts of the town are walkable but the surrounding natural areas are most easily accessed with 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 Villach Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Villach or Saaremaa?

How long in Saaremaa or Villach?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Saaremaa and Villach. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Saaremaa than in Villach. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Saaremaa, and 1-3 days is enough time in Villach.

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

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

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

One day in Saaremaa or Villach?

Saaremaa is a small town with plenty to do. This island offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

The beautiful town of Villach offers museums and nightlife. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Saaremaa or Villach?

Saaremaa might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Saaremaa has to offer.

Villach 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 Villach, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Saaremaa or Villach?

Saaremaa is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Villach 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 Villach?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Saaremaa. Since Saaremaa is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Villach is a great place to explore. 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 2-Week Tours in Austria, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Austria.

When comparing the travel costs between Saaremaa and Villach, we can see that Villach is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Saaremaa or Villach?

Villach has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Saaremaa. When comparing the sizes of Saaremaa and Villach, 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 Villach?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Saaremaa or Villach in the Summer?

Both Villach and Saaremaa during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Saaremaa in the summer for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Villach for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Saaremaa is cooler than Villach in the summer. The daily temperature in Saaremaa averages around 17°C (62°F) in July, and Villach fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

In Villach, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Saaremaa. In the summer, Saaremaa often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Villach. Saaremaa gets 302 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Villach receives 288 hours of full sun.

Saaremaa usually gets less rain in July than Villach. Saaremaa gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Villach receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saaremaa or Villach in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Saaremaa and Villach. Most visitors come to Saaremaa for the small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Villach because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Saaremaa is much colder than Villach. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Saaremaa in October average around 8°C (47°F), and Villach averages at about 16°C (60°F).

Saaremaa usually receives less sunshine than Villach during autumn. Saaremaa gets 101 hours of sunny skies, while Villach receives 167 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Saaremaa usually receives less rain than Villach. Saaremaa gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Villach receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Saaremaa or Villach in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Saaremaa as well as Villach. The winter months attract visitors to Saaremaa because of the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Villach this time of year.

The weather in Saaremaa can be very cold. In January, Saaremaa is generally much colder than Villach. Daily temperatures in Saaremaa average around -3°C (27°F), and Villach fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Saaremaa often gets less sunshine than Villach. Saaremaa gets 33 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Villach receives 96 hours of full sun.

Saaremaa usually gets less rain in January than Villach. Saaremaa gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Villach receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saaremaa or Villach in the Spring?

Both Villach and Saaremaa are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Saaremaa this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Villach for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

It's quite cold in Saaremaa in the spring. Saaremaa is much colder than Villach in the spring. The daily temperature in Saaremaa averages around 4°C (38°F) in April, and Villach fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

Saaremaa usually receives more sunshine than Villach during spring. Saaremaa gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Villach receives 177 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Saaremaa usually receives less rain than Villach. Saaremaa gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Villach receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Villach and Saaremaa