A Travel Price Comparison for Greece Hydra vs. Arachova for Couples, Attractions, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Hydra or Arachova?

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

Should I visit Hydra or Arachova? 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. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Arachova

Arachova is a beautiful, outdoorsy, and bustling town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. It's also known for skiing, nightlife, and food.

Hydra and Arachova: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hydra or Arachova?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Hydra. Although Hydra and Arachova are both popular with visitors, Hydra has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Hydra is more popular for its museums, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Arachova is known for its skiing, food, and nightlife. Hydra is popular for its picturesque setting, car-free setting, and beautiful old town. It is also home to The Monastery of the Assumption of Virgin Mary. Arachova is popular for its surrounding mountain beauty, festive Christmas atmosphere, and nearby winter skiing.

How is Hydra different from Arachova?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Hydra or Arachova Better for Skiing?

Arachova is a popular place for winter skiing. However, Hydra is not a skiing destination.

Arachova is a great destination for skiing with plenty areas to explore. The Parnassos Ski Resort is located just 24 kilometers from town and offers skiing that is beautiful and fun. There are spectacular views and the area has gained popularity in recent years. There are lessons for kids and many other fun winter activities nearby.

Hydra is not a skiing destination.

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

Hydra is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Arachova 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.

Arachova offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are some interesting sights in the surrounding area, as well as the unique Ai Giorgis Church near town.

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

Arachova 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, Arachova makes for a great culinary experience. The town is filled with old tavernas that serve up traditional local cuisine. You'll find a lot of the local cheese, formaela, as well as a local noodle dish called hilopites. Pork ribs and delicate desserts are also popular.

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 Arachova Better for Nightlife?

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

The people in Arachova know how to have a good time. There are many charming bars around town that stay open late into the night. During the popular winter months, you'll find the streets filled with people that come for the unique winter atmosphere.

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 Arachova Better for Resorts?

Hydra is a nice place to visit for its resorts. However, Arachova is not a resort destination.

Hydra has a handful of resorts to choose from. It's a popular day trip destination, but if you stay for a night or two, you'll find boutique hotels and charming pensions.

Arachova is not a resort destination.

Is Hydra or Arachova Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Hydra is a nice place to visit for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Arachova 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.

Arachova is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Hydra or Arachova Better for Beaches?

Hydra is a nice place to visit for its beaches. However, Arachova 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.

Arachova is not a beach destination.

Is Hydra or Arachova Better for its Old Town?

It's fun to wander around the very good old towns in both Hydra and Arachova.

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 Arachova. The charming old town is at its best during the Christmas season when there are decorations around the town square and the streets are filled with people.

Is Hydra or Arachova Better for Hiking?

If you're looking to go hiking, Hydra and Arachova both have very good 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 Arachova for the hiking trails. For the best outdoor activities, head to nearby Mount Parnassos, where there's skiing and snowboarding during the winter months and beautiful hikes through the mountainous terrain during the summer months.

Is the Shopping Better in Hydra or Arachova?

Hydra is well known for shopping. Also, Arachova is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Hydra is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Charming shops fill the town and sell local items such as handmade jewelry and traditional embroideries.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Arachova. The charming town has many unique shops that sell carpets, woven goods, and local food items.

Is Hydra or Arachova Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Hydra or Arachova.

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, Arachova is very family-friendly. The charming town has long served as a winter escape for those living in Athens. There's plenty for kids to do including and ice skating rink, a horse ranch, and even nearby skiing.

Is Hydra or Arachova Better for Couples?

Hydra is an unbeatable place for romance. Also, Arachova is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

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.

Arachova is a great island if you're traveling as a couple. It's a romantic setting with nice accommodation, delicious local taverns, and plenty of unique activities that couples can enjoy.

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

Arachova 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 Arachova, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are some public buses in the area.

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

Is Hydra or Arachova a more walkable city?

Hydra is an unbeatable place for its walkability. Also, Arachova is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of 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.

Arachova is a somewhat walkable place. The town has many walkable streets that are fun to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Arachova or Hydra?

How long in Hydra or Arachova?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Hydra and Arachova. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Arachova than in Hydra. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Hydra, and 2-3 days is enough time in Arachova.

Families should spend more time in Hydra than Arachova. 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 Arachova. 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 Hydra than Arachova 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 Hydra.

One day in Hydra or Arachova?

Hydra is a small town where visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Arachova, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this outdoorsy destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Arachova?

Hydra is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this island makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Hydra, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

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

Hydra is a popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Arachova is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Arachova. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Hydra or Arachova?

Hydra is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This island offers something for everyone.

You'll find museums and skiing around the beautiful destination of Arachova. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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.

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

Which is Bigger, Hydra or Arachova?

Arachova has a larger population, and is about 75% larger than the population of Hydra. When comparing the sizes of Hydra and Arachova, 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 Arachova?

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 Arachova in the Summer?

Both Arachova 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 Arachova in the summer for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Hydra is around the same temperature as Arachova in the summer. The daily temperature in Hydra averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Arachova fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

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

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

Should I visit Hydra or Arachova in the Autumn?

Both Arachova 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 Arachova for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the small town atmosphere during these months.

In the autumn, Hydra is around the same temperature as Arachova. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Hydra in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Arachova averages at about 19°C (67°F).

In Arachova, 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 Arachova. Hydra gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Arachova receives 206 hours of full sun.

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

Should I visit Hydra or Arachova in the Winter?

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

In January, Hydra is generally around the same temperature as Arachova. Daily temperatures in Hydra average around 10°C (51°F), and Arachova fluctuates around 10°C (51°F).

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

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

Should I visit Hydra or Arachova in the Spring?

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

Hydra is around the same temperature as Arachova in the spring. The daily temperature in Hydra averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Arachova fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Arachova. 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 Arachova. Hydra gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Arachova receives 226 hours of full sun.

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

Typical Weather for Arachova and Hydra