A Travel Price Comparison for Greece Hydra vs. Aegina for Couples, Attractions, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Hydra or Aegina?

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

Should I visit Hydra or Aegina? 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.

Hydra

Hydra is a quaint, picturesque, and charming island. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Aegina

Aegina is a fun, active, and relaxing island. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. It's also known for beaches, shopping, and museums.

Hydra and Aegina: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for hiking
  • 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
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Hydra or Aegina?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Hydra than Aegina, 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 Aegina is more popular for its nightlife. Hydra is well known for its picturesque setting, car-free setting, and beautiful old town. Also, Hydra is famous for The Monastery of the Assumption of Virgin Mary. Aegina is well known for its local pistachio nuts, its nice seaside setting, and its easy access from Athens.

How is Hydra different from Aegina?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Hydra or Aegina?

Hydra
Aegina

Both Hydra and Aegina have high quality landmarks and museums for visitors.

Hydra offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

Many visitors head to Aegina specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. There are several temples on the island such as the Temple of Athena Aphaia and the Temple of Apollo. There's also and Archeological Museum that is nice to visit.


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

Hydra
Aegina

Foodies will find both Hydra and Aegina both to be notable destinations.

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.

Aegina has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There's a vibrant restaurant scene that includes traditional eateries serving seafood and refreshing ice cream shops where you can cool off with a scoop of your favorite flavor.

Is Hydra or Aegina Better for Nightlife?

Hydra
Aegina

Aegina is a great destination for nightlife. However, Hydra is a island with minimal options for nightlife and partying.

The people in Aegina know how to have a good time. There's a great nightlife scene on the island. Most of the dance clubs are found in Agia Marina and you'll find more relaxing lounges around Aegina Town and other villages on the island.

Hydra doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. 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 Hydra or Aegina Better for Resorts?

Hydra
Aegina

Hydra is a popular place for its resorts. However, Aegina 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.

Aegina is not a resort destination.


Is Hydra or Aegina Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Hydra
Aegina

Hydra is a popular place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Aegina 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.

Aegina is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Hydra or Aegina Better for Beaches?

Hydra
Aegina

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

Hydra is a good option for a beach vacation. 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.

Many people head to Aegina to enjoy the beach. While most of the beaches are small and crowded, they do offer a number of tourist facilities such as nearby bars and restaurants, as well as hotels. The most popular beaches on the island are Souvala and Agia Marina.

Is Hydra or Aegina Better for its Old Town?

Hydra
Aegina

Hydra is a great destination for its historic old town charm. However, Aegina 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.

Aegina does not have a historic old town.


Is Hydra or Aegina Better for Hiking?

Hydra
Aegina

Hydra is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Aegina is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around 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.

Aegina is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hydra or Aegina?

Hydra
Aegina

Hydra is a great destination for its shopping areas. Also, Aegina is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Hydra. Charming shops fill the town and sell local items such as handmade jewelry and traditional embroideries.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Aegina. You'll find the standard souvenir shops around town where you can buy trinkets or other items you may have forgotten.

Is Hydra or Aegina Better for Families?

Hydra
Aegina

Hydra is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Aegina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Hydra is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Aegina offers lots of family activities. Kids will enjoy the ferry ride from Athens as well as the pirate stories they'll hear throughout their trip. There are places that the whole family can swim and great restaurants with kid-friendly food.


Is Hydra or Aegina Better for Couples?

Hydra
Aegina

Hydra is an amazing island to visit for couples. Also, Aegina is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Aegina is a nice destination for couples. Couples will appreciate the beauty and great restaurants that this beautiful island offers. It's a charming day trip from Athens that is filled with impressive historical sights and a nice atmosphere.

Is Hydra or Aegina Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hydra
Aegina

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Aegina. Like most visitors, backpackers can hop on a ferry in Athens and visit the island as a day trip. It makes a nice excursion with many affordable restaurants and fun activities.

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

Hydra
Aegina

Aegina 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 Aegina, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. You'll find the central bus station in Aegina Town and there you can catch buses that travel around the island.

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


Is Hydra or Aegina a more walkable city?

Hydra
Aegina

Hydra is an amazing island to visit for its ease of walking around. Also, Aegina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

Getting around Hydra on foot is easy. The entire island is car-free and everything that you want to visit is close together and easy to explore on foot.

Aegina is somewhat walkable. The town is walkable, but to explore elsewhere on the island, it's easiest to have your own vehicle.

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

Should I spend more time in Aegina or Hydra?

How long in Hydra or Aegina?

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

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

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


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

One day in Hydra or Aegina?

Hydra might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

In Aegina, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this active destination offers. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Hydra or Aegina?

Hydra is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

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


Five days in Hydra or Aegina?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hydra. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Aegina is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Aegina. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Hydra or Aegina?

Hydra is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

You'll find food and shopping around the vibrant destination of Aegina. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in Greece, The Best 10-Day Tours in Greece, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Greece, and The Best 3-Day Tours in Greece.


Which place is cheaper, Aegina or Hydra?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Hydra is €97, while the average daily cost in Aegina is €92. 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 Hydra and Aegina in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Hydra 51
    Aegina 43
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Hydra 102
    Aegina 86
Compare Hotels in Hydra and Aegina

Looking for a hotel in Hydra or Aegina? 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 Hydra


Hotels in Aegina


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: Aegina Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Hydra 26
    Aegina 24

Is it cheaper to fly into Hydra or Aegina?

Prices for flights to both Aegina and Hydra 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
    Hydra 30
    Aegina 34

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Hydra 11
    Aegina 13

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Hydra 11
    Aegina 8.57


When comparing the travel costs between Hydra and Aegina, we can see that Hydra 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 Hydra Expensive? and Is Aegina Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Hydra or Aegina?

Aegina has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Hydra. When comparing the sizes of Hydra and Aegina, 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 Hydra or Aegina?

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 Hydra or Aegina in the Summer?

Both Aegina and Hydra are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Hydra because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Aegina this time of year.

In July, Hydra is generally around the same temperature as Aegina. Daily temperatures in Hydra average around 27°C (81°F), and Aegina fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

It's quite sunny in Aegina. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hydra. Hydra usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Aegina during summer. Hydra gets 357 hours of sunny skies, while Aegina receives 357 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Hydra usually receives around the same amount of rain as Aegina. Hydra gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Aegina receives 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


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

Should I visit Hydra or Aegina in the Autumn?

Both Aegina and Hydra during the autumn are popular places to visit. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Hydra this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Aegina for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere.

Hydra is around the same temperature as Aegina in the autumn. The daily temperature in Hydra averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Aegina fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).

In Aegina, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Hydra. In the autumn, Hydra often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Aegina. Hydra gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Aegina receives 206 hours of full sun.

Hydra usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Aegina. Hydra gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Aegina receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Hydra or Aegina in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Hydra and Aegina. Many travelers come to Hydra for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Aegina in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Hydra is around the same temperature as Aegina. Typically, the winter temperatures in Hydra in January average around 10°C (51°F), and Aegina averages at about 10°C (51°F).

Hydra usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Aegina during winter. Hydra gets 143 hours of sunny skies, while Aegina receives 143 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Hydra usually receives around the same amount of rain as Aegina. Hydra gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Aegina receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.


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

Should I visit Hydra or Aegina in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Hydra as well as Aegina. Many visitors come to Hydra in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Aegina for the beaches and the small town charm during these months.

In April, Hydra is generally around the same temperature as Aegina. Daily temperatures in Hydra average around 16°C (60°F), and Aegina fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Aegina. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hydra this time of the year. In the spring, Hydra often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Aegina. Hydra gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Aegina receives 226 hours of full sun.

Hydra usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Aegina. Hydra gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Aegina receives 25 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Typical Weather for Aegina and Hydra

Hydra Aegina
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)