A Travel Price Comparison for United Kingdom Snowdonia National Park vs. Isle of Skye for Hiking, Couples, Food, and Beaches

Should you visit Snowdonia National Park or Isle of Skye?

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 Isle of Skye can help you decide which place is right for you.

Snowdonia National Park

Snowdonia National Park is a stunning, natural, and scenic national park. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include food, beaches, and hiking.

Isle of Skye

Isle of Skye is a scenic, picturesque, and stunning island. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the beaches, hiking, and food.

Snowdonia National Park and Isle of Skye: 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
  • Good public transit
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Public transit not as usable


Is there more to do in Snowdonia National Park or Isle of Skye?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Isle of Skye. Although Snowdonia National Park and Isle of Skye are popular destinations, Isle of Skye has more sights and attractions for tourists. Isle of Skye is very popular for its food and beaches, while Snowdonia National Park attracts visitors for its skiing. Isle of Skye is more touristy than Snowdonia National Park and is popular for its quaint fishing villages, scenic landscapes, and historic castles. It is also well known for The Old Man of Storr. Snowdonia National Park is famous for its beautiful mountain landscape.

How is Snowdonia National Park different from Isle of Skye?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Snowdonia National Park or Isle of Skye Better for Skiing?

Snowdonia National Park
Isle of Skye

Snowdonia National Park is a decent place to visit for skiing and snowboarding. However, Isle of Skye is not a skiing destination.

Locals like to visit Snowdonia National Park to take advantage of their winter sports. 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.

Isle of Skye is not a skiing destination.


Is the Food Better in Snowdonia National Park or Isle of Skye? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Snowdonia National Park
Isle of Skye

Isle of Skye is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Snowdonia National Park is not as famous, but is still a good national park to visit for its restaurants.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Isle of Skye. Foodies will appreciate the seasonal local ingredients that many restaurants use. Both the land and sea offer ingredients that inspire delicious dishes. You can choose from Michelin star restaurants, local cafes, and cozy inns. The food is fresh and well made.

Snowdonia National Park is becoming an appealing option for foodies. 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.

Is Snowdonia National Park or Isle of Skye Better for Beaches?

Snowdonia National Park
Isle of Skye

Isle of Skye is a well-known place for the beache. Also, Snowdonia National Park is not as famous, but is still a good national park to visit for the beach.

Isle of Skye is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. Some of the best beaches in Scotland are found on the Isle of Skye. The rugged coastline feels pristine and undiscovered. Some of the best beaches include Coral Beach, Talisker Bay Beach, Rubha Shlèite Beach, and Camasunary Bay.

Snowdonia National Park has a beach worth visiting. 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.

Is Snowdonia National Park or Isle of Skye Better for Hiking?

Snowdonia National Park
Isle of Skye

You'll find first-rate hiking in both Snowdonia National Park and Isle of Skye.

Many people visit Snowdonia National Park specifically for its hiking. 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.

Known for its hiking, Isle of Skye draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. Hikes on the island range from family-friendly to some of the most challenging in Scotland. The setting is dramatic and beautiful and the hikes are a varied as the landscape. Some of the most popular hikes include the Fairy Pools, the Old Man of Storr, Neist Point Lighthouse, and the Quiraing.


Is Snowdonia National Park or Isle of Skye Better for Families?

Snowdonia National Park
Isle of Skye

Snowdonia National Park is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Isle of Skye is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Snowdonia National Park is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Isle of Skye. Kids who love the outdoors will enjoy many of the kid-friendly hikes in the area. Favorites include the Old Man of Storr Hike and the Brother’s Point Hike. Other fun family-friendly places to visit include the Isle of Skye Fairy Glen, the Fairy Pools, and Slipway Beach.

Is Snowdonia National Park or Isle of Skye Better for Couples?

Snowdonia National Park
Isle of Skye

Snowdonia National Park is terrific for romance. Also, Isle of Skye is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Snowdonia National Park is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. 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.

Couples visit Isle of Skye frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. With beautiful hikes and impressive castles, this island makes a stunning romantic getaway. There are beautiful viewpoints and coastal backdrops that make for a perfect couples getaway.

Is Snowdonia National Park or Isle of Skye Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Snowdonia National Park
Isle of Skye

Both Snowdonia National Park and Isle of Skye are high quality destinations for backpackers.

Snowdonia National Park is a great national park to visit for backpackers. 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.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Isle of Skye. There are many beautiful places to camp, so backpackers will enjoy hiking during the day and sleeping under the stars at night.


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

Snowdonia National Park
Isle of Skye

Snowdonia National Park is a good destination for times when you don't have a car. However, Isle of Skye is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Snowdonia National Park has some 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.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Isle of Skye. There are local bus routes on the island that are operated by Stagecoach.

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

Should I spend more time in Isle of Skye or Snowdonia National Park?

How long in Snowdonia National Park or Isle of Skye?

In either Snowdonia National Park or Isle of Skye, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Snowdonia National Park than Isle of Skye because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Snowdonia National Park, and 2-5 days is enough time in Isle of Skye.

Families should spend more time in Snowdonia National Park than Isle of Skye. 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 Isle of Skye. 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.


  • How many days in Snowdonia National Park or Isle of Skye? Ideal Length of Stay
    Snowdonia National Park 3-7 
    Isle of Skye 2-5

One day in Snowdonia National Park or Isle of Skye?

In Snowdonia National Park, many people enjoy the food that this stunning national park offers. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

You'll find food around the dramatic island of Isle of Skye. It's also a great beach destination, too. Most people head to the area for the hiking. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Snowdonia National Park or Isle of Skye?

Snowdonia National Park is a fun place to experience. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Lots of people come for the hiking. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

Isle of Skye is a popular choice for travelers. A weekend here is typical. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Isle of Skye?

In Snowdonia National Park, many people enjoy the food that this rugged destination offers. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Lots of people come for the hiking. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Isle of Skye is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Most people head to the area for the hiking. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

A week in Snowdonia National Park or Isle of Skye?

Snowdonia National Park is a popular place to visit. Many people spend one week here. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Isle of Skye. Most people head to the area for the hiking. Most people come for the beaches. 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 United Kingdom, and The Best Tours for Seniors to United Kingdom.


Which place is cheaper, Isle of Skye 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 Isle of Skye is £114. 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 Isle of Skye in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Snowdonia National Park £29
    Isle of Skye £51
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Snowdonia National Park £58
    Isle of Skye £102
Compare Hotels in Snowdonia National Park and Isle of Skye

Looking for a hotel in Snowdonia National Park or Isle of Skye? 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 Isle of Skye


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.


Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Snowdonia National Park £46
    Isle of Skye £54

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Isle of Skye

Also for Isle of Skye, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Isle of Skye to Inverness Direct transfer: $623

Is it cheaper to fly into Snowdonia National Park or Isle of Skye?

Prices for flights to both Isle of Skye 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
    Isle of Skye £31

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Snowdonia National Park £18
    Isle of Skye £19

Tours and Activities in Snowdonia National Park

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

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

Tours and Activities in Isle of Skye

For Isle of Skye, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Isle of Skye Private Tour from Portree: $228
  • Tour the highlights and hidden beauties.: $812

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Snowdonia National Park £4.86
    Isle of Skye £7.71


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



When is the best time to visit Snowdonia National Park or Isle of Skye?

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 Snowdonia National Park or Isle of Skye in the Summer?

Both Isle of Skye and Snowdonia National Park during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Snowdonia National Park in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Isle of Skye for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Snowdonia National Park is generally a little warmer than Isle of Skye. Daily temperatures in Snowdonia National Park average around 15°C (60°F), and Isle of Skye fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

It's quite sunny in Snowdonia National Park. In the summer, Snowdonia National Park often gets more sunshine than Isle of Skye. Snowdonia National Park gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Isle of Skye receives 150 hours of full sun.

Snowdonia National Park usually gets less rain in July than Isle of Skye. Snowdonia National Park gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Isle of Skye receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Snowdonia National Park 15°C (60°F) 
    Isle of Skye 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Snowdonia National Park or Isle of Skye in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Snowdonia National Park and Isle of Skye. Most visitors come to Snowdonia National Park for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Isle of Skye because of the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

Snowdonia National Park is a little warmer than Isle of Skye in the autumn. The daily temperature in Snowdonia National Park averages around 12°C (53°F) in October, and Isle of Skye fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).

Snowdonia National Park usually receives more sunshine than Isle of Skye during autumn. Snowdonia National Park gets 101 hours of sunny skies, while Isle of Skye receives 82 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Isle of Skye receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Snowdonia National Park usually receives less rain than Isle of Skye. Snowdonia National Park gets 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Isle of Skye receives 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Snowdonia National Park 12°C (53°F) 
    Isle of Skye 9°C (49°F)

Should I visit Snowdonia National Park or Isle of Skye in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Snowdonia National Park as well as Isle of Skye. The winter months attract visitors to Snowdonia National Park because of the skiing and the cuisine. Also, the cuisine are the main draw to Isle of Skye this time of year.

It's quite cold in Isle of Skye in the winter. In the winter, Snowdonia National Park is a little warmer than Isle of Skye. Typically, the winter temperatures in Snowdonia National Park in January average around 5°C (42°F), and Isle of Skye averages at about 4°C (40°F).

In the winter, Snowdonia National Park often gets more sunshine than Isle of Skye. Snowdonia National Park gets 63 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Isle of Skye receives 41 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Isle of Skye. Snowdonia National Park usually gets less rain in January than Isle of Skye. Snowdonia National Park gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Isle of Skye receives 127 mm (5 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Snowdonia National Park or Isle of Skye in the Spring?

Both Isle of Skye and Snowdonia National Park are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Snowdonia National Park this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Isle of Skye for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Snowdonia National Park is generally a little warmer than Isle of Skye. Daily temperatures in Snowdonia National Park average around 8°C (47°F), and Isle of Skye fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

Snowdonia National Park usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Isle of Skye during spring. Snowdonia National Park gets 179 hours of sunny skies, while Isle of Skye receives 168 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Snowdonia National Park usually receives less rain than Isle of Skye. Snowdonia National Park gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Isle of Skye receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Snowdonia National Park 8°C (47°F) 
    Isle of Skye 7°C (44°F)

Typical Weather for Isle of Skye and Snowdonia National Park

Snowdonia National Park Isle of Skye
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 5°C (42°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 4°C (40°F) 127 mm (5 in)
Feb 5°C (41°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 4°C (40°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Mar 6°C (44°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 5°C (41°F) 96 mm (3.8 in)
Apr 8°C (47°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 7°C (44°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
May 11°C (52°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 9°C (48°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Jun 14°C (56°F) 52 mm (2 in) 11°C (53°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jul 15°C (60°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 13°C (55°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Aug 15°C (60°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 13°C (55°F) 95 mm (3.7 in)
Sep 14°C (57°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 11°C (52°F) 129 mm (5.1 in)
Oct 12°C (53°F) 91 mm (3.6 in) 9°C (49°F) 140 mm (5.5 in)
Nov 8°C (47°F) 101 mm (4 in) 6°C (43°F) 122 mm (4.8 in)
Dec 6°C (44°F) 94 mm (3.7 in) 5°C (41°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)