A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Hydra vs. Aix-en-Provence for Food, Couples, Attractions, and Families

Should you visit Hydra or Aix-en-Provence?

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

Should I visit Hydra or Aix-en-Provence? 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.

Aix-en-Provence

Aix-en-Provence is a laid-back, relaxing, and historic town. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for food, shopping, and museums.

Hydra and Aix-en-Provence: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hydra or Aix-en-Provence?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Hydra than Aix-en-Provence, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Hydra is better known for its museums, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, and small town charm, while Aix-en-Provence is more popular for its food and shopping. Hydra is more touristy than Aix-en-Provence and is 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. Aix-en-Provence is well known for its Provençal cuisine made with local produce, its many art galleries, and its beautiful fountains and square.

How is Hydra different from Aix-en-Provence?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Aix-en-Provence 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 Aix-en-Provence?

Hydra is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Aix-en-Provence is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Hydra can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

Aix-en-Provence is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. In addition to its many squares and fountains, there is also Cathédrale Saint-Sauveur, Musée Granet, and Musée des Tapisseries.

Is the Food Better in Hydra or Aix-en-Provence? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Aix-en-Provence is a world-class destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Hydra is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

For foodies, Aix-en-Provence is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The range of restaurants includes everything from modern and trendy to traditional and casual. The town is surrounded by a region that is known for its local produce. There are also many markets worth checking out in town.

Hydra has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. 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 Hydra or Aix-en-Provence Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Hydra or Aix-en-Provence has a better nightlife scene.

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.

Aix-en-Provence doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. The nightlife scene that does exist is mostly influenced by the town's large student population.

Is Hydra or Aix-en-Provence Better for Resorts?

Hydra is a nice place to visit for its resorts. However, Aix-en-Provence 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.

Aix-en-Provence is not a resort destination.

Is Hydra or Aix-en-Provence Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Hydra is a nice place to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Aix-en-Provence is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Hydra has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. There are some snorkeling spots around the island - most notably Bisti Beach, which is pebbly and has some interesting sea life.

Aix-en-Provence is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Hydra or Aix-en-Provence Better for Beaches?

Hydra is a nice place to visit for the beach. However, Aix-en-Provence is not a beach destination.

Hydra has a beach worth visiting. 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.

Aix-en-Provence is not a beach destination.

Is Hydra or Aix-en-Provence Better for its Old Town?

Hydra is well known for its historic old town charm. However, Aix-en-Provence does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Hydra to see the historical old town. 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.

Aix-en-Provence does not have a historic old town.

Is Hydra or Aix-en-Provence Better for Hiking?

Hydra is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Aix-en-Provence 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.

Aix-en-Provence is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hydra or Aix-en-Provence?

Aix-en-Provence is a world-class destination for shopping. Also, Hydra is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Aix-en-Provence is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. It has some of the best shopping in France outside of Paris. There are many shopping streets where you can pick up trendy fashions or boutique local finds. Head to Rue Marius Reynard, Les Allées Provençales, or Rue Clemenceau for some of the best shopping.

Hydra is well-known for its shopping. Charming shops fill the town and sell local items such as handmade jewelry and traditional embroideries.

Is Hydra or Aix-en-Provence Better for Families?

Hydra is well known for its family-friendly activities. However, Aix-en-Provence is not particularly known 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.

For families, Aix-en-Provence is not always the best place to visit. Many kids enjoy checking out the town's many fountains or taking a bike for a ride outside of town.

Is Hydra or Aix-en-Provence Better for Couples?

Hydra is terrific for couples. Also, Aix-en-Provence is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Hydra has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. 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.

Aix-en-Provence is a great island if you're traveling as a couple. It's among the most charming towns in southern France and couples will enjoy the romantic buildings, beautiful fountains, and relaxing countryside. Whether you're on a honeymoon or a couple's getaway, this is a great town.

Is Hydra or Aix-en-Provence Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Aix-en-Provence is a popular place for backpackers. However, Hydra is a island with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Aix-en-Provence. There are a couple of hostels and cheap hotels that are good options for backpackers.

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 Aix-en-Provence Better for Students?

Aix-en-Provence is a great destination for students. However, Hydra is not popular with students.

Aix-en-Provence is a very popular town for students and younger travelers. It's a university town with a lively but laid-back atmosphere. It's also a popular study abroad destination for American university students.

Hydra is not popular with students.

Is Hydra or Aix-en-Provence Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Aix-en-Provence 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 Aix-en-Provence, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. For the places you can't reach on foot, there is a bus network.

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

Is Hydra or Aix-en-Provence a more walkable city?

Hydra is terrific for its ease of walking around. Also, Aix-en-Provence 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.

Aix-en-Provence is very walkable. It's walkable, particularly in the heart of the city, so it's fun to explore on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Hydra Worth Visiting? and Is Aix-en-Provence Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Aix-en-Provence or Hydra?

How long in Hydra or Aix-en-Provence?

It's fun to spend time in either Hydra or Aix-en-Provence. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Aix-en-Provence due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Hydra, and 2-4 days is enough time in Aix-en-Provence.

Families should spend more time in Hydra than Aix-en-Provence. 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 Aix-en-Provence. 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 Aix-en-Provence 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 Aix-en-Provence.

One day in Hydra or Aix-en-Provence?

Hydra is a small town with plenty to do. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

In Aix-en-Provence, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this laid-back destination offers. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Hydra or Aix-en-Provence?

Hydra might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Aix-en-Provence. 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 Aix-en-Provence?

Hydra is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. This island offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

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

A week in Hydra or Aix-en-Provence?

Since Hydra is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

You'll find food and shopping around the historic destination of Aix-en-Provence. 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, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in France, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in France.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hydra and Aix-en-Provence, we can see that Aix-en-Provence 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 Aix-en-Provence would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Aix-en-Provence 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 Hydra Expensive? and Is Aix-en-Provence Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Hydra or Aix-en-Provence?

Aix-en-Provence has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Hydra. When comparing the sizes of Hydra and Aix-en-Provence, 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 Aix-en-Provence?

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 Aix-en-Provence in the Summer?

Both Aix-en-Provence and Hydra are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Hydra for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Aix-en-Provence in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Hydra is generally a little warmer than Aix-en-Provence. Daily temperatures in Hydra average around 27°C (81°F), and Aix-en-Provence fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

It's quite sunny in Aix-en-Provence. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hydra. Hydra usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Aix-en-Provence during summer. Hydra gets 357 hours of sunny skies, while Aix-en-Provence receives 366 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Hydra usually receives less rain than Aix-en-Provence. Hydra gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Aix-en-Provence receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Hydra or Aix-en-Provence in the Autumn?

Both Aix-en-Provence and Hydra during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Hydra in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, most visitors come to Aix-en-Provence for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Hydra is a little warmer than Aix-en-Provence in the autumn. The daily temperature in Hydra averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Aix-en-Provence fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

In Aix-en-Provence, 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 Aix-en-Provence. Hydra gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Aix-en-Provence receives 205 hours of full sun.

Hydra usually gets less rain in October than Aix-en-Provence. Hydra gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Aix-en-Provence receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hydra or Aix-en-Provence in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Hydra and Aix-en-Provence. Most visitors come to Hydra for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Aix-en-Provence because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Hydra is much warmer than Aix-en-Provence. Typically, the winter temperatures in Hydra in January average around 10°C (51°F), and Aix-en-Provence averages at about 7°C (44°F).

Hydra usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Aix-en-Provence during winter. Hydra gets 143 hours of sunny skies, while Aix-en-Provence receives 150 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Hydra usually receives around the same amount of rain as Aix-en-Provence. Hydra gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Aix-en-Provence receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Hydra or Aix-en-Provence in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Hydra as well as Aix-en-Provence. The spring months attract visitors to Hydra because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Additionally, the natural beauty are the main draw to Aix-en-Provence this time of year.

In April, Hydra is generally a little warmer than Aix-en-Provence. Daily temperatures in Hydra average around 16°C (60°F), and Aix-en-Provence fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Aix-en-Provence. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hydra this time of the year. In the spring, Hydra often gets less sunshine than Aix-en-Provence. Hydra gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Aix-en-Provence receives 245 hours of full sun.

Hydra usually gets less rain in April than Aix-en-Provence. Hydra gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Aix-en-Provence receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Aix-en-Provence and Hydra