A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Hydra vs. Arles for Attractions, Old Town, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Hydra or Arles?

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

Should I visit Hydra or Arles? 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.

Arles

Arles is a compact, quaint, and historic town. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Hydra and Arles: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hydra or Arles?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Hydra than Arles, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Hydra is better known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, and small town charm, while Arles is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, and historical sights. Hydra is more touristy than Arles 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. Arles is well known for its Roman history and its influence over Vincent van Gogh.

How is Hydra different from Arles?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Arles is a world-class destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Hydra is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Arles that are not to be missed. It's a small town but it's filled with Roman ruins and remarkable landmarks. Popular sights include L'Amphithéâtre Romain, Les Alyscamps, Cloître Saint-Trophime, and Théâtre Antique.

Many visitors head to Hydra specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

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

Arles 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, Arles makes for a great culinary experience. The cuisine is heavily influenced by the region's local agriculture. Popular dishes include agriade (beef stew), tellines soup, and fougasse (a local bread).

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 Arles Better for Nightlife?

Arles is a popular place for nightlife. However, Hydra is a island with minimal options for nightlife and partying.

Arles has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There are countless bars and pubs where you can enjoy a cold drink and a relaxing night out.

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 Arles Better for Resorts?

Hydra is very good for its resorts. However, Arles 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.

Arles is not a resort destination.

Is Hydra or Arles Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Hydra is very good for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Arles is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in Hydra. There are some snorkeling spots around the island - most notably Bisti Beach, which is pebbly and has some interesting sea life.

Arles is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Hydra or Arles Better for Beaches?

Hydra is very good for the beach. However, Arles is not a beach destination.

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.

Arles is not a beach destination.

Is Hydra or Arles Better for its Old Town?

Arles is a world-class destination for its historic old town. Also, Hydra is still popular, but not quite as popular for its old town.

The historic old town of Arles is revered around the world. The large old town is filled with Roman ruins and historic sights. There are narrow streets and many interesting places to explore.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of 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.

Is Hydra or Arles Better for Hiking?

Hydra is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Arles 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.

Arles is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hydra or Arles?

Hydra is well known for its shopping areas. Also, Arles 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 Arles. There are many boutiques that are filled with local art, crafts, and merchandise.

Is Hydra or Arles Better for Families?

Hydra is well known for its family-friendly activities. However, Arles 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, Arles is not always the best place to visit. Filled with Roman ruins and beautiful art, this is a great town, but can make for a long day for younger kids.

Is Hydra or Arles Better for Couples?

Hydra is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Arles is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

For those traveling as a couple, Hydra has plenty to offer. 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.

Arles is a great island if you're traveling as a couple. Couples who enjoy history, roman ruins, and beautiful art will appreciate a weekend getaway to this town.

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

Arles 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 Arles, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are shuttle buses that run between the city center and the train station, which is less than a kilometer out of town.

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

Is Hydra or Arles a more walkable city?

Hydra is an unbeatable place for its ease of walking around. Also, Arles 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.

Arles is very walkable. It's a historic walled city that is very walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Arles or Hydra?

How long in Hydra or Arles?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Hydra or Arles 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 Arles. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

One day in Hydra or Arles?

Even though Hydra is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

In Arles, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this historic destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the museums. This town 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 Arles?

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Arles. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town 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 Arles?

Hydra is a fun place to experience. Hydra is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Arles is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Arles. Lots of people come for the museums. 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 Arles?

Hydra is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the charming destination of Arles. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the museums. 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 Contiki Tours to France, and The Best G Adventures Tours to France.

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

Which is Bigger, Hydra or Arles?

Arles has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Hydra. When comparing the sizes of Hydra and Arles, 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 Arles?

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 Arles in the Summer?

Both Arles 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. Also, many travelers come to Arles for the family-friendly experiences.

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

It's quite sunny in Arles. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hydra. Hydra usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Arles during summer. Hydra gets 357 hours of sunny skies, while Arles receives 354 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Hydra usually receives less rain than Arles. Hydra gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Arles receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Hydra or Arles in the Autumn?

Both Arles 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. Furthermore, many visitors come to Arles in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

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

It's quite sunny in Hydra. In the autumn, Hydra often gets more sunshine than Arles. Hydra gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Arles receives 178 hours of full sun.

Arles gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Hydra usually gets less rain in October than Arles. Hydra gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Arles receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hydra or Arles in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Hydra and Arles. Many visitors come to Hydra in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Arles for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

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

Hydra usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Arles during winter. Hydra gets 143 hours of sunny skies, while Arles receives 146 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Hydra usually receives less rain than Arles. Hydra gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Arles receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Hydra or Arles in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Hydra as well as Arles. Most visitors come to Hydra for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Arles because of the natural beauty.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Arles. 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 Arles. Hydra gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Arles receives 218 hours of full sun.

Hydra usually gets less rain in April than Arles. Hydra gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Arles receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Arles and Hydra