A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Hydra vs. Alexandria for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Hydra or Alexandria?

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

Should I visit Hydra or Alexandria? 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.

Where Should I go: Hydra or Alexandria?

Hydra

The island of Hydra is located in the Aegean Sea between the Saronic and Argolic Gulfs. Named for its natural springs, the island now has most of its freshwater imported from the mainland. The real gem of the place is the absence of motorized vehicles. Car and scooters are nowhere to be seen by the narrow marble-cobbled lanes, rocks, and sea. Such vehicles have been outlawed and so the way to navigate the island is by donkey, water taxi, or on foot.

Alexandria

There are few cities in the world with a history as rich, deep, tragic and fascinating than Alexandria, Egypt. Founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BC, Egypt's second largest city has seen the most extreme ups and extreme downs. The city watched the beautiful and iconic Alexandria Lighthouse crumble to the ground after several natural disasters. The Alexandria Library housed their most sacred and historical documents only to be burned to the ground. These structures may be physically gone, but the history remains. Alexandria is a city with an ancient allure that draws in visitors from all over the world. Alexandria is a survivor city ready for a comeback.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in Greece, The Best 10-Day Tours in Greece, The Best Luxury Tours to Egypt, and The Best Budget Tours to Egypt.


Which place is cheaper, Alexandria 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 Alexandria is €16. 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 Alexandria in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Hydra 51
    Alexandria 7.49
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Hydra 102
    Alexandria 15
Compare Hotels in Hydra and Alexandria

Looking for a hotel in Hydra or Alexandria? 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 Alexandria


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: Alexandria Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Hydra 26
    Alexandria 2.33

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Alexandria

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Alexandria:


  • Taxi to Train Station
    0.08

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Alexandria

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Alexandria:

  • Alexandria Airport to Alexandria - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $52
  • Alexandria to Alexandria Airport - Departure Private Transfer: $26
  • Borg El Arab Arrival & Departure Transfers: $40
  • From Private One-Way Transfer to Cairo: $75
  • From Private Transfer to Luxor: $251
  • Private One Way Transfer from Alexandria Hotels to Cairo and Giza Hotels: $68
  • Private Pickup Transfer From A Hotel In Alexandria To Borg Al Arab Airport: $50
  • Private Transfer from 6 of October City to El Cairo (CAI) Airport: $52
  • Private Transfer from Alexandria Airport (HBE) to Alexandria: $26
  • Private Transfer from Alexandria Port to Alexandria City Hotels: $16
  • Private Transfer from Alexandria Port to Cairo Int Airport (CAI): $71
  • Private Transfer from Alexandria to Cairo : $73

Is it cheaper to fly into Hydra or Alexandria?

Prices for flights to both Alexandria 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
    Alexandria 6.05

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Alexandria

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Alexandria.

  • Half-Day Food Tour in Alexandria, Egypt: $35
  • Alexandria Food Tour: $50
  • From Giza: Sound&light show, Giza pyramids and Dinner on the Nile: $94

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Hydra 11
    Alexandria 3.28

Tours and Activities in Alexandria

Here are a few actual costs in Alexandria for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • The Ancient Roman Theater Entry Ticket: $3.80
  • Pompey's Pillar Entry Ticket: $3.80
  • Citadel of Qaitbay Entry Ticket : $3.80
  • Catacomb Of Kom El-Shoqafa Entry Tickets : $3.80
  • Skip The Line Entry Ticket to Pompey's Pillar in Alexandria: $4.25
  • Alexandria Library Entry Ticket: $5.70
  • Qaitbay Citadel Entry Ticket: $5.70
  • Catacomb Of Kom El-Shoqafa Entry Ticket: $5.70
  • Alexandria Library Skip the line Access Entry Ticket: $6.12
  • Skip the Line Tickets for The Catacomb of Kom eL Shoqafa: $6.12
  • Skip the Line Tickets for The Roman Theater in Alexandria: $6.12
  • Library of Alexandria Entry Ticket Included Pickup And Drop Off: $6.38

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Hydra 11
    Alexandria 1.26


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hydra and Alexandria, we can see that Hydra is more expensive. And not only is Alexandria much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Hydra is in Europe and Alexandria is in Africa, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Alexandria would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Alexandria 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 Hydra would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Hydra than you might in Alexandria.

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


Which is Bigger, Hydra or Alexandria?

Alexandria has a larger population, and is about 1670 times larger than the population of Hydra. When comparing the sizes of Hydra and Alexandria, 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 Alexandria?

Hydra has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Alexandria experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Hydra or Alexandria in the Summer?

Both Alexandria and Hydra are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Hydra this time of year. Plenty of visitors come to Alexandria because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In July, Hydra is generally around the same temperature as Alexandria. Daily temperatures in Hydra average around 27°C (81°F), and Alexandria fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

In July, Hydra usually receives less rain than Alexandria. Hydra gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Alexandria receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Hydra 27°C (81°F) 
    Alexandria 26°C (79°F)

Should I visit Hydra or Alexandria in the Autumn?

Both Alexandria and Hydra during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Hydra for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Alexandria year-round.

Hydra is cooler than Alexandria in the autumn. The daily temperature in Hydra averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Alexandria fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

Hydra usually gets more rain in October than Alexandria. Hydra gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Alexandria receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Hydra 19°C (67°F) 
    Alexandria 22°C (72°F)

Should I visit Hydra or Alexandria in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Hydra and Alexandria. Many visitors come to Hydra in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Alexandria attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In the winter, Hydra is cooler than Alexandria. Typically, the winter temperatures in Hydra in January average around 10°C (51°F), and Alexandria averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In January, Hydra usually receives less rain than Alexandria. Hydra gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Alexandria receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Hydra 10°C (51°F) 
    Alexandria 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Hydra or Alexandria in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Hydra as well as Alexandria. Most visitors come to Hydra for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months. The warm climate attracts visitors to Alexandria throughout the year.

In April, Hydra is generally cooler than Alexandria. Daily temperatures in Hydra average around 16°C (60°F), and Alexandria fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

Hydra usually gets more rain in April than Alexandria. Hydra gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Alexandria receives 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Hydra 16°C (60°F) 
    Alexandria 19°C (66°F)

Typical Weather for Alexandria and Hydra

Hydra Alexandria
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (51°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 13°C (55°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Feb 11°C (51°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 13°C (55°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 16°C (61°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 25 mm (1 in) 19°C (66°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
May 20°C (68°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Jun 24°C (76°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 23°C (73°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 26°C (79°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 27°C (81°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Sep 24°C (76°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 25°C (77°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 22°C (72°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Nov 16°C (60°F) 51 mm (2 in) 19°C (66°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 14°C (57°F) 50 mm (2 in)