A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Snowdonia National Park vs. Calais for Couples, Families, Backpackers, and Food

Should you visit Snowdonia National Park or Calais?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Snowdonia National Park and Calais can help you decide which place is right for you.

Snowdonia National Park

Snowdonia National Park is a natural, scenic, and rugged national park. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include hiking, food, and beaches.

Calais

Calais is a undiscovered, coastal, and authentic city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Snowdonia National Park and Calais: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular for skiing
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Very walkable
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Snowdonia National Park or Calais?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Calais. Although Snowdonia National Park and Calais are both popular with visitors, Calais has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Calais is more popular for its museums, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Snowdonia National Park is known for its skiing, hiking, and impressive beauty. Snowdonia National Park is more touristy than Calais and is known for its beautiful mountain landscape. Calais is popular for being a gateway for travelers to France. It is also home to The Town Hall.

How is Snowdonia National Park different from Calais?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Snowdonia National Park or Calais Better for Skiing?

Snowdonia National Park
Calais

Snowdonia National Park is a national park with a few options for winter skiing. However, Calais is not a skiing destination.

While in the area, visitors like to go to Snowdonia National Park for snow skiing. The mountains in the area are a bit rugged and coastal, making them not ideal for skiing. But if the weather's right and you are up for the steep terrain, there may be opportunities to ski at times between the months of November and April.

Calais is not a skiing destination.


Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Snowdonia National Park or Calais?

Snowdonia National Park
Calais

Calais is very good for its sights and museums. However, Snowdonia National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

Calais offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. It's a port city with a few good museums and landmarks to see. Check out the Town Hall, Burghers of Calais, La Cité de la Dentelle et de la Mode, and Musée de la Guerre de Calais, as well as the Calais Lighthouse.

Snowdonia National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Snowdonia National Park or Calais? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Snowdonia National Park
Calais

Both Snowdonia National Park and Calais offer a number of good restaurants to choose from.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Snowdonia National Park. There are a variety of restaurants in the area that serve up local Welsh flavors. You'll build up your appetite hiking and then head into town to enjoy a quick bite at a cafe or a nice meal at a 5 star hotel.

Calais is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The region is known for its mackerel, andouillette sausage, and endive and ham gratin. If you're passing through, this is also a good place to stock up on wine and cheese.

Is Snowdonia National Park or Calais Better for Nightlife?

Snowdonia National Park
Calais

Calais is very good for nightlife and partying. However, Snowdonia National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Calais. You'll find bars and pubs around town as well as a few clubs. Places range from trendy and high end to local dive bars.

Snowdonia National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.


Is Snowdonia National Park or Calais Better for Beaches?

Snowdonia National Park
Calais

Snowdonia National Park and Calais are good choices for a beach vacation.

Many people head to Snowdonia National Park to enjoy the beach. The white sandy beaches offer spectacular views of the mountains. There are holiday cottages near the beaches that make it a nice vacation spot between the months of September and April. Several of the best beaches in the area include Porthdinllaen, Porth O'er, Llanbedrog, and Harlech Beach.

Calais has a beach worth visiting. There are some sandy beaches near town that have nice stretches of sand and plenty of sand dunes. Many locals enjoy sunbathing at the beaches.

Is Snowdonia National Park or Calais Better for Hiking?

Snowdonia National Park
Calais

Snowdonia National Park is a must-visit destination for its hiking experiences. However, Calais is not a hiking destination.

People visit Snowdonia National Park specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. There are approximately 1,500 miles of walking paths and hiking trails in the area. You can hike to waterfalls, along beaches, or to the top of Mt. Snowden. Aber Falls is a popular trail or you could explore lakes and try to see wild ponies along the Llyn Idwal Trail. For a particularly strenuous and adventurous trail, head to Glyder Fawr or The Snowdon Horseshoe Circular Walk.

Calais is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Snowdonia National Park or Calais?

Snowdonia National Park
Calais

Calais is very good for its shopping opportunities. However, Snowdonia National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Calais offers some nice shopping areas. Many visitors stock up on wine and cheese when they're passing through. It's common to head straight to Auchan or Carrefour to stock up on some items.

Snowdonia National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


Is Snowdonia National Park or Calais Better for Families?

Snowdonia National Park
Calais

Snowdonia National Park is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Snowdonia National Park is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy exploring the outdoors. You can also check out Conwy Castle or wander the medieval walls around Conwy. If you're interested in taking a walk, you wander along Newborough Beach or head to the top of Mount Snowdon and enjoy the beautiful outdoor scenery. Llechwedd Slate Caverns is also particularly fun for kids.

Calais offers lots of family activities. There's the Nausicaa Aquarium, the Museum of the Atlantic Wall, and the Second World War Museum. There are also beaches and parks to explore as well as some nice playgrounds.

Is Snowdonia National Park or Calais Better for Couples?

Snowdonia National Park
Calais

Snowdonia National Park is a must-visit destination for couples. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Snowdonia National Park makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. Explore the beautiful outdoor scenery by taking one of the many hikes in the park. There are many diverse walking routes or you can head to the top of Mt. Snowden. There are also waterfalls and castles that couples can explore.

Calais is a nice destination for couples. Couples can picnic with wine and cheese or eat their way through the town's great restaurants. There are also some nice beaches where people enjoy sunbathing or relaxing.

Is Snowdonia National Park or Calais Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Snowdonia National Park
Calais

Snowdonia National Park is well known for backpackers. However, Calais is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Snowdonia National Park is a very popular national park for backpackers and budget travelers. Camping and hiking is the best way to experience this park. You can explore the stunning natural beauty without spending a fortune on a hotel.

Calais is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. This part of France is often overlooked by tourists so you won't find many backpackers or hostels in the area. It does offer a glimpse into an authentic side of France.


Is Snowdonia National Park or Calais Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Snowdonia National Park
Calais

Both Snowdonia National Park and Calais offer good public transit options.

Snowdonia National Park has a few public transit options. During the peak season you can travel to some areas by bus. Sherpa’r Wyddfa bus operates in part of the park. Train options include The Cambrian and Conwy Valley train lines as well as the Welsh Highland Railway and the Ffestiniog Railway.

Calais has some public transit options. The city has 13 bus lines that run through town and into the surrounding areas. If you're arriving by ferry from the UK, there are shuttle buses that connect the ferry terminal to the train station.

Is Snowdonia National Park or Calais a more walkable city?

Snowdonia National Park
Calais

Calais is very good for its high level of walkability. However, Snowdonia National Park is not a walkable destination.

Calais is a somewhat walkable place. Parts of the town are more walkable than others.

Snowdonia National Park is not a walkable destination.

For even more information, also check out Is Snowdonia National Park Worth Visiting? and Is Calais Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Calais or Snowdonia National Park?

How long in Snowdonia National Park or Calais?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Snowdonia National Park and Calais. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Snowdonia National Park than in Calais. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Snowdonia National Park, and 1-3 days is enough time in Calais.

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

Couples should spend more time in Snowdonia National Park than Calais. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Snowdonia National Park that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Snowdonia National Park than Calais 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 Snowdonia National Park.


  • How many days in Snowdonia National Park or Calais? Ideal Length of Stay
    Snowdonia National Park 3-7 
    Calais 1-3

One day in Snowdonia National Park or Calais?

Many travelers enjoy the food when visiting the destination of Snowdonia National Park. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

You'll find nightlife and food around the authentic city of Calais. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this city.


A weekend in Snowdonia National Park or Calais?

Snowdonia National Park is a great place to explore. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Calais is a popular choice for travelers. A weekend here is typical. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Five days in Snowdonia National Park or Calais?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Snowdonia National Park. Don't miss the hiking, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Calais is a great place to explore. 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. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

A week in Snowdonia National Park or Calais?

Many travelers enjoy the food when visiting the stunning destination of Snowdonia National Park. This national park offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Calais. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United Kingdom, The Best Luxury Tours to United Kingdom, The Best Budget Tours to France, and The Best Tours for Seniors to France.


Which place is cheaper, Calais or Snowdonia National Park?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Snowdonia National Park is £75, while the average daily cost in Calais is £119. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Snowdonia National Park and Calais in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Snowdonia National Park £29
    Calais £66
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Snowdonia National Park £58
    Calais £132
Compare Hotels in Snowdonia National Park and Calais

Looking for a hotel in Snowdonia National Park or Calais? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Snowdonia National Park


Hotels in Calais


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Calais Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Snowdonia National Park £46
    Calais £40

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Snowdonia National Park

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Snowdonia National Park:

  • Private Transfer from Caernarfon to Manchester Airport (MAN): $250

Is it cheaper to fly into Snowdonia National Park or Calais?

Prices for flights to both Calais and Snowdonia National Park change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Snowdonia National Park £19
    Calais £30

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Snowdonia National Park £18
    Calais £7.63

Tours and Activities in Snowdonia National Park

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Snowdonia National Park are as follows:

  • Anglesey Tour App, Hidden Gems Game and Big Britain Quiz (7 Day Pass) UK: $32
  • 2 Hours Historical Tour of Caernarfon: $33
  • Snowdon Kayak Adventure on Llyn Padarn: $56

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Snowdonia National Park £4.86
    Calais £10


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Snowdonia National Park and Calais, we can see that Calais is more expensive. And not only is Snowdonia National Park much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Snowdonia National Park would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Snowdonia National Park 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 Calais would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Calais than you might in Snowdonia National Park.

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



When is the best time to visit Snowdonia National Park or Calais?

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 Snowdonia National Park or Calais in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Snowdonia National Park and Calais. Most visitors come to Snowdonia National Park for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Calais because of the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Snowdonia National Park is cooler than Calais. Typically, the summer temperatures in Snowdonia National Park in July average around 15°C (60°F), and Calais averages at about 17°C (63°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Calais this time of the year. In Snowdonia National Park, it's very sunny this time of the year. Snowdonia National Park usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Calais during summer. Snowdonia National Park gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Calais receives 212 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Snowdonia National Park usually receives more rain than Calais. Snowdonia National Park gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Calais receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Snowdonia National Park 15°C (60°F) 
    Calais 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Snowdonia National Park or Calais in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Snowdonia National Park as well as Calais. The autumn months attract visitors to Snowdonia National Park because of the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Calais this time of year.

In October, Snowdonia National Park is generally around the same temperature as Calais. Daily temperatures in Snowdonia National Park average around 12°C (53°F), and Calais fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the autumn, Snowdonia National Park often gets less sunshine than Calais. Snowdonia National Park gets 101 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Calais receives 119 hours of full sun.

Snowdonia National Park usually gets more rain in October than Calais. Snowdonia National Park gets 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Calais receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Snowdonia National Park 12°C (53°F) 
    Calais 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Snowdonia National Park or Calais in the Winter?

Both Calais and Snowdonia National Park are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The skiing and the cuisine are the main draw to Snowdonia National Park this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Calais for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Calais. Snowdonia National Park is a little warmer than Calais in the winter. The daily temperature in Snowdonia National Park averages around 5°C (42°F) in January, and Calais fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).

Snowdonia National Park usually receives more sunshine than Calais during winter. Snowdonia National Park gets 63 hours of sunny skies, while Calais receives 57 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Snowdonia National Park usually receives more rain than Calais. Snowdonia National Park gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Calais receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Snowdonia National Park 5°C (42°F) 
    Calais 4°C (40°F)

Should I visit Snowdonia National Park or Calais in the Spring?

Both Calais and Snowdonia National Park during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Snowdonia National Park for the beaches and the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Calais in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city.

In the spring, Snowdonia National Park is around the same temperature as Calais. Typically, the spring temperatures in Snowdonia National Park in April average around 8°C (47°F), and Calais averages at about 9°C (47°F).

In the spring, Snowdonia National Park often gets more sunshine than Calais. Snowdonia National Park gets 179 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Calais receives 162 hours of full sun.

Snowdonia National Park usually gets more rain in April than Calais. Snowdonia National Park gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Calais receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Snowdonia National Park 8°C (47°F) 
    Calais 9°C (47°F)

Typical Weather for Calais and Snowdonia National Park

Snowdonia National Park Calais
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 5°C (42°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 4°C (40°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Feb 5°C (41°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 5°C (40°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)
Mar 6°C (44°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 6°C (44°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Apr 8°C (47°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 9°C (47°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
May 11°C (52°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 12°C (53°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Jun 14°C (56°F) 52 mm (2 in) 15°C (59°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Jul 15°C (60°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 17°C (63°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Aug 15°C (60°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 17°C (63°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Sep 14°C (57°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 15°C (59°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Oct 12°C (53°F) 91 mm (3.6 in) 12°C (54°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Nov 8°C (47°F) 101 mm (4 in) 8°C (46°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Dec 6°C (44°F) 94 mm (3.7 in) 6°C (42°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)


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