A Travel Price Comparison for Greece Cape Sounion vs. Hydra for Attractions, Couples, Families, and Food

Should you visit Cape Sounion or Hydra?

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

Should I visit Cape Sounion or Hydra? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Cape Sounion

Cape Sounion is a spectacular, iconic, and impressive destination. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for food, beaches, and museums.

Hydra

Hydra is a accessible, quaint, and picturesque island. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Cape Sounion and Hydra: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Home to the Temple of Poseidon
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Very walkable
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Cape Sounion or Hydra?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Hydra than Cape Sounion, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Hydra is better known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, historical sights, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Cape Sounion is more popular for its museums. Hydra is more touristy than Cape Sounion and is popular for its picturesque setting, car-free setting, and beautiful old town. Also, Hydra is famous for The Monastery of the Assumption of Virgin Mary. Cape Sounion is well known for its link to Greek mythology and its stunningly beautiful sunsets.

How is Cape Sounion different from Hydra?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Cape Sounion or Hydra?

Cape Sounion
Hydra

Cape Sounion is a world-class destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Hydra is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Cape Sounion that are not to be missed. The Temple of Poseidon is the main attraction here, but also nearby you'll find the Temple of Athena. The views, history, and connection to mythology fascinates most visitors who consider this to be a spectacular sight.

Many visitors head to Hydra specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. For such a small island, there are many local museums and sights. Highlights include the Historical Archives Museum, the Ecclesiastical Museum, the Monastery of Agia Efpraxia, and the Monastery of Prophet Elias.


Is the Food Better in Cape Sounion or Hydra? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Cape Sounion
Hydra

Both Cape Sounion and Hydra offer notable local cuisine and restaurants.

Cape Sounion is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are cafes as well as fine dining restaurants which are mostly located in hotels. Seafood is the cuisine of choice with many delicious Greek dishes available.

Hydra offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. For such a small island, it really packs in some great restaurants. Head down the side streets to find the best souvlaki. There are also tavernas where you can sample local wine. Fresh caught seafood is a favorite on the island as well.

Is Cape Sounion or Hydra Better for Nightlife?

Cape Sounion
Hydra

Both Cape Sounion and Hydra have respectable vibes after the sun sets.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Cape Sounion. There are some bars and lounges that are connected to hotels. If you're spending the night, these are nice places to enjoy a drink in a beautiful setting.

Hydra is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. It's a small island that is often visited as a day trip, so don't expect a huge party scene. There are about seven places in total that make up the island's nightlife scene. Each is centered around the harbor and many people start their evening at one bar and slowly hop around. They usually have DJs and full bars.

Is Cape Sounion or Hydra Better for Resorts?

Cape Sounion
Hydra

Hydra is a popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Cape Sounion is not a resort destination.

Hydra has a few great resort options. It's a popular day trip destination, but if you stay for a night or two, you'll find boutique hotels and charming pensions.

Cape Sounion is not a resort destination.


Is Cape Sounion or Hydra Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cape Sounion
Hydra

Hydra is a popular place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Cape Sounion is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Hydra has a few good snorkeling spots. There are some snorkeling spots around the island - most notably Bisti Beach, which is pebbly and has some interesting sea life.

Cape Sounion is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cape Sounion or Hydra Better for Beaches?

Cape Sounion
Hydra

For a relaxing beach holiday, both Cape Sounion and Hydra are notable choices.

Cape Sounion is a good option for a beach vacation. If you allow enough time, there are a couple of beaches where you can swim while enjoying views of the temple.

Many people head to Hydra to enjoy the beach. The beaches are usually pebbly with nice blue water. Many people visit the beaches as part of a boat tour, which leaves from the port and tours the island. Some of the most popular beaches are Vlichos, Kaminia, Bisti and Agios Nikolaos.

Is Cape Sounion or Hydra Better for its Old Town?

Cape Sounion
Hydra

Hydra is an excellent place to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Cape Sounion does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Hydra. With no cars and plenty of charm, the island's old town feels as if you've stepped back in time. Donkey pulled carts and quaint streets give this town its atmosphere.

Cape Sounion does not have a historic old town.


Is Cape Sounion or Hydra Better for Hiking?

Cape Sounion
Hydra

Hydra is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Cape Sounion is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Hydra. The island is filled with walking paths and donkey trails that are fun to explore. Some walk along the sea and offer spectacular views while others take you inland through the hills.

Cape Sounion is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cape Sounion or Hydra?

Cape Sounion
Hydra

Hydra is an excellent place to visit for its shopping areas. However, Cape Sounion is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Hydra. Charming shops fill the town and sell local items such as handmade jewelry and traditional embroideries.

Cape Sounion is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Cape Sounion or Hydra Better for Families?

Cape Sounion
Hydra

Hydra is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Cape Sounion is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Hydra. The island feels like it's frozen in time. There are no cars allowed here, so kids can run freely without the worry of traffic. They'll be as fascinated as you are by the carts pulled by donkeys. Most things you'll visit are also close together, making accessibility easy. In addition to some interesting museums, there are beaches and kid-friendly food. The whole island really is a playground.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Cape Sounion. Kids who like mythology will appreciated a trip to the famed Temple of Poseidon. It dates back to the 5th century and is dedicated to the God of the Sea. Also nearby is the Temple of Athena.


Is Cape Sounion or Hydra Better for Couples?

Cape Sounion
Hydra

Hydra is very popular for couples. Also, Cape Sounion is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Hydra makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. This beautiful island makes a great honeymoon or couple's destination. Most visitors come as a day trip, but spending a night or two on the island is a unique experience. It has a laid back vibe and is filled with romance. The food is amazing, and the traditional atmosphere will make you feel as if you've traveled back in time.

Cape Sounion is a nice destination for couples. Couples should definitely stay for the stunning sunset which provides dramatic oranges, pinks, and reds at the sun dips below the horizon.

Is Cape Sounion or Hydra Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cape Sounion
Hydra

Cape Sounion is a popular place for backpackers. However, Hydra is a island with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Cape Sounion. The Temple of Poseidon is an iconic site about an hour and a half outside of Athens. It appeals to all types of travelers, including backpackers and budget travelers.

Hydra is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Most people visit the island as a day trip and it doesn't attract nearly as many backpackers as the larger Greek islands. If you visit during the lower season, you might find some affordable accommodation.

Is Cape Sounion or Hydra Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Cape Sounion
Hydra

Cape Sounion is a popular place for its public transit. However, Hydra is a island with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Cape Sounion, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are local buses that travel from Athens to Cape Sounion and take between 2 and 3 hours.

Public transit is mostly limited in Hydra. There are sea taxis and beach boats on the island.


Is Cape Sounion or Hydra a more walkable city?

Cape Sounion
Hydra

Hydra is very popular for its ease of walking around. Also, Cape Sounion is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Hydra. The entire island is car-free and everything that you want to visit is close together and easy to explore on foot.

Cape Sounion is somewhat walkable. You can walk around the archeological site and the bus stops close enough that it is accessible.

For even more information, also check out Is Cape Sounion Worth Visiting? and Is Hydra Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hydra or Cape Sounion?

How long in Cape Sounion or Hydra?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Cape Sounion or Hydra to fill your time. In our opinion, Hydra has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Hydra than Cape Sounion. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Cape Sounion than Hydra 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 Cape Sounion.


  • How many days in Cape Sounion or Hydra? Ideal Length of Stay
    Cape Sounion 1-2 
    Hydra 1-2

One day in Cape Sounion or Hydra?

In Cape Sounion, many people enjoy the food and museums that this spectacular destination offers. Lots of people come for the museums. This destination offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

Hydra is a small town where visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this island.

A weekend in Cape Sounion or Hydra?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cape Sounion. 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.

Hydra is a fun place to experience. Visiting the old town is also a must. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.


Five days in Cape Sounion or Hydra?

Cape Sounion is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the destination of Cape Sounion. Lots of people come for the museums. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Hydra is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Cape Sounion or Hydra?

You'll find museums and food around the iconic destination of Cape Sounion. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the museums. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Hydra is a popular place to visit. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Coach Bus Tours in Greece, The Best Adventure Tours to Greece, The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in Greece, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Greece.


Which place is cheaper, Hydra or Cape Sounion?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Cape Sounion is €158, while the average daily cost in Hydra is €97. 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 Cape Sounion and Hydra in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cape Sounion 99
    Hydra 51
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cape Sounion 198
    Hydra 102
Compare Hotels in Cape Sounion and Hydra

Looking for a hotel in Cape Sounion or Hydra? 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 Cape Sounion


Hotels in Hydra


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.
    Cape Sounion 26
    Hydra 26

Is it cheaper to fly into Cape Sounion or Hydra?

Prices for flights to both Hydra and Cape Sounion 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
    Cape Sounion 41
    Hydra 30

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cape Sounion 19
    Hydra 11

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cape Sounion 23
    Hydra 11


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

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


Which is Bigger, Cape Sounion or Hydra?

Hydra has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Cape Sounion. When comparing the sizes of Cape Sounion and Hydra, 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 Cape Sounion or Hydra?

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 Cape Sounion or Hydra in the Summer?

Both Hydra and Cape Sounion during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Cape Sounion because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Hydra this time of year.

In the summer, Cape Sounion is around the same temperature as Hydra. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cape Sounion in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Hydra averages at about 27°C (81°F).

In Hydra, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Cape Sounion. In the summer, Cape Sounion often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Hydra. Cape Sounion gets 357 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hydra receives 357 hours of full sun.

Cape Sounion usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Hydra. Cape Sounion gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Hydra receives 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Cape Sounion 27°C (81°F) 
    Hydra 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Cape Sounion or Hydra in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Cape Sounion and Hydra. The natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Cape Sounion this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Hydra for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Cape Sounion is generally around the same temperature as Hydra. Daily temperatures in Cape Sounion average around 19°C (67°F), and Hydra fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hydra this time of the year. In Cape Sounion, it's very sunny this time of the year. Cape Sounion usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Hydra during autumn. Cape Sounion gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Hydra receives 206 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Cape Sounion usually receives around the same amount of rain as Hydra. Cape Sounion gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Hydra receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cape Sounion 19°C (67°F) 
    Hydra 19°C (67°F)

Should I visit Cape Sounion or Hydra in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Cape Sounion as well as Hydra. Many travelers come to Cape Sounion for the museums and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Hydra in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Cape Sounion is around the same temperature as Hydra in the winter. The daily temperature in Cape Sounion averages around 10°C (51°F) in January, and Hydra fluctuates around 10°C (51°F).

In the winter, Cape Sounion often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Hydra. Cape Sounion gets 143 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hydra receives 143 hours of full sun.

Cape Sounion usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Hydra. Cape Sounion gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Hydra receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cape Sounion 10°C (51°F) 
    Hydra 10°C (51°F)

Should I visit Cape Sounion or Hydra in the Spring?

Both Hydra and Cape Sounion are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Cape Sounion in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Hydra for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Cape Sounion is around the same temperature as Hydra. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cape Sounion in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Hydra averages at about 16°C (60°F).

It's quite sunny in Hydra. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cape Sounion. Cape Sounion usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Hydra during spring. Cape Sounion gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Hydra receives 226 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Cape Sounion usually receives around the same amount of rain as Hydra. Cape Sounion gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Hydra receives 25 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Cape Sounion 16°C (60°F) 
    Hydra 16°C (60°F)

Typical Weather for Hydra and Cape Sounion

Cape Sounion Hydra
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (51°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 10°C (51°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Feb 11°C (51°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 11°C (51°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 12°C (54°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 25 mm (1 in) 16°C (60°F) 25 mm (1 in)
May 20°C (68°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 20°C (68°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Jun 24°C (76°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 24°C (76°F) 6 mm (0.2 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 27°C (81°F) 6 mm (0.2 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 27°C (81°F) 8 mm (0.3 in)
Sep 24°C (76°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 24°C (76°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 19°C (67°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Nov 16°C (60°F) 51 mm (2 in) 16°C (60°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 12°C (54°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)