A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Hydra vs. Antalya for Resorts, Beaches, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Hydra or Antalya?

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

Should I visit Hydra or Antalya? 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 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.

Antalya

Antalya is a relaxing, luxurious, and historic vacation spot. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Hydra and Antalya: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hydra or Antalya?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Antalya than Hydra, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Antalya is better known for its food, nightlife, music, resorts, beaches, shopping, and quaint atmosphere, while Hydra is more popular for its small town charm. Antalya is more touristy than Hydra and is popular for its turquoise waters, hotel lined beaches, and nearby archeological sights. Also, Antalya is famous for Hadrian's Gate. Hydra is well known for its picturesque setting, car-free setting, and beautiful old town.

How is Hydra different from Antalya?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Antalya 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 Antalya?

Both Hydra and Antalya 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 Antalya specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city combines history with a relaxing resort vacation. Sights in the area include the Antalya Museum and the Yivli Minare.

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

Antalya is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Hydra is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Antalya makes for a great culinary experience. Food is excellent throughout Turkey and this city is no exception. The local cuisine offers a combination of fresh caught seafood as well as various grilled meats. Local specialties include meatball skewers, kulakli soup, and even lentil ice cream. The traditional Turkish breakfast is also popular, which usually includes hard boiled eggs, cheese, tomatoes, cucumber, olives, and Turkish breads or pastries. It's almost always served with Turkish tea.

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 Antalya Better for Nightlife?

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

The people in Antalya know how to have a good time. The city has an insane nightlife scene with huge glamorous dance clubs that fill to the brink as well as low key bars and pubs that everyone can enjoy.

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 Antalya Better for Music?

Antalya is a popular place for live music. However, Hydra is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Antalya is active and vibrant. Live music ranges from rock concerts to symphonies as well as a number of local music venues.

Hydra is not a live music destination.

Is Hydra or Antalya Better for Resorts?

Antalya is a world-class destination for its resorts. Also, Hydra is still popular, but not quite as popular for its luxury resorts.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Antalya is a great choice. The city is famous for its resorts that range from luxury to family-friendly. Some of the most popular resorts in the area include Xanadu Resort Hotel, Susesi, and Lara Barut, but there are many more.

With a selection of resorts, Hydra makes a nice vacation spot. It's a popular day trip destination, but if you stay for a night or two, you'll find boutique hotels and charming pensions.

Is Hydra or Antalya Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

There's notable scuba diving or snorkeling available in both Hydra and Antalya.

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.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in Antalya. Outside of town, in the region of Antalya, you'll find some of the best snorkeling and scuba diving in Turkey.

Is Hydra or Antalya Better for Beaches?

Antalya is a world-class destination for its beaches. Also, Hydra is still popular, but not quite as popular for the beache.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Antalya. Beaches in Antalya are among the best in Turkey. They are sandy with warm water and a number of resorts nearby.

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 Hydra or Antalya Better for its Old Town?

It's fun to wander around the high quality old towns in both Hydra and Antalya.

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.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Antalya. The city has a beautiful old town area, Kaleiçi, that is known for its narrow streets and historic buildings. The area has many sights including Hadrian's Gate.

Is Hydra or Antalya Better for Hiking?

If you're looking to go hiking, Hydra and Antalya both have high quality trails.

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.

Many visitors go to Antalya for the hiking trails. Outside of town you'll find coastal hikes with scenic views as well as trails that wander through historic ruins.

Is the Shopping Better in Hydra or Antalya?

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

Antalya is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. Antalya combines modern high end malls with more traditional bazaars. From luxury fashion brands to souvenirs and local trinkets, the area has everything.

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 Antalya Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Hydra or Antalya.

Hydra is 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.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Antalya is very family-friendly. The city has beautiful beaches, historic ruins, and resorts that cater specifically to families. It's a popular family-friendly destination in Turkey.

Is Hydra or Antalya Better for Couples?

Hydra is an amazing island to visit for couples. Also, Antalya 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.

Couples visit Antalya frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Antalya is a top-rated honeymoon destination in Turkey. It's beautiful beaches, romantic resorts, and great shopping put it at the top of many couples' list.

Is Hydra or Antalya Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Antalya is a great destination for backpackers. However, Hydra is a island with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Antalya. Despite the many resorts in town, there are also budget accommodation options available including hostels. Backpackers appreciate Antalya's impressive old town as well as the area's stunning beaches.

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 Antalya Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Antalya is a great destination for its public transit. However, Hydra is a island with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Antalya. Buses and minibuses will help you get around town.

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

Is Hydra or Antalya a more walkable city?

Hydra is an amazing island to visit for its ease of walking around. Also, Antalya 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.

Antalya is somewhat walkable. The historic area in particular is compact, filled with historic sights, and easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Antalya or Hydra?

How long in Hydra or Antalya?

In either Hydra or Antalya, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Antalya than Hydra because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Hydra, and 2-5 days is enough time in Antalya.

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

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

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

One day in Hydra or Antalya?

Hydra is a small town with plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This island offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

In Antalya, many people enjoy the nightlife and live music that this luxurious destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This vacation spot 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 Antalya?

Hydra might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Hydra has to offer.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Antalya. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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 Antalya?

Hydra is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Antalya is a fun place to experience. In Antalya, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this destination offers. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Hydra or Antalya?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hydra. Since Hydra is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the relaxing destination of Antalya. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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 Turkey, and The Best Anzac Day Tours in Turkey.

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

Which is Bigger, Hydra or Antalya?

Antalya has a larger population, and is about 330 times larger than the population of Hydra. When comparing the sizes of Hydra and Antalya, 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 Antalya?

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 Hydra or Antalya in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Hydra as well as Antalya. 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, snorkeling, the hiking, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Antalya this time of year.

In July, Hydra is generally around the same temperature as Antalya. Daily temperatures in Hydra average around 27°C (81°F), and Antalya fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Antalya. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hydra this time of the year. In the summer, Hydra often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Antalya. Hydra gets 357 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Antalya receives 376 hours of full sun.

Hydra usually gets more rain in July than Antalya. Hydra gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Antalya receives 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hydra or Antalya in the Autumn?

Both Antalya and Hydra are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. 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 Antalya for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Hydra is around the same temperature as Antalya in the autumn. The daily temperature in Hydra averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Antalya fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

It's quite sunny in Antalya. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hydra. Hydra usually receives less sunshine than Antalya during autumn. Hydra gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Antalya receives 251 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Hydra usually receives less rain than Antalya. Hydra gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Antalya receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Hydra or Antalya in the Winter?

Both Antalya and Hydra during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Hydra for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Antalya in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Hydra is around the same temperature as Antalya. Typically, the winter temperatures in Hydra in January average around 10°C (51°F), and Antalya averages at about 11°C (51°F).

In the winter, Hydra often gets less sunshine than Antalya. Hydra gets 143 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Antalya receives 161 hours of full sun.

Antalya gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Hydra usually gets less rain in January than Antalya. Hydra gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Antalya receives 239 mm (9.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hydra or Antalya in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Hydra and Antalya. Many visitors come to Hydra in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Antalya for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Hydra is generally around the same temperature as Antalya. Daily temperatures in Hydra average around 16°C (60°F), and Antalya fluctuates around 16°C (62°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Antalya this time of the year. In Hydra, it's very sunny this time of the year. Hydra usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Antalya during spring. Hydra gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Antalya receives 243 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Hydra usually receives less rain than Antalya. Hydra gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Antalya receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Antalya and Hydra