A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Hydra vs. Auxerre for Couples, Attractions, Families, and Food

Should you visit Hydra or Auxerre?

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

Should I visit Hydra or Auxerre? 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 picturesque, charming, and accessible island. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Auxerre

Auxerre is a authentic, under-rated, and undiscovered town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. It's also known for food and museums.

Hydra and Auxerre: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hydra or Auxerre?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Hydra than Auxerre, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Hydra is more touristy than Auxerre and is popular for its picturesque setting, car-free setting, and beautiful old town. Also, Hydra is famous for The Monastery of the Assumption of Virgin Mary. Auxerre is well known for its food, wine, and art history.

How is Hydra different from Auxerre?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Hydra is great for its historical sights. Also, Auxerre is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its sights and museums.

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.

Auxerre is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Although the town is often overlooked by tourists, there are many nice cathedrals and churches around town.

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

Foodies will find both Hydra and Auxerre both to be notable destinations.

Hydra offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. 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.

Auxerre has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. The town is a the heart of the wine industry, so you'll find many great restaurants where you can enjoy local food and wine.

Is Hydra or Auxerre Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Hydra or Auxerre 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.

Auxerre doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. It has a quiet nightlife with some nice bars and pubs.

Is Hydra or Auxerre Better for Resorts?

Hydra is very good for its luxury resorts. However, Auxerre 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.

Auxerre is not a resort destination.

Is Hydra or Auxerre Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Hydra is very good for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Auxerre 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.

Auxerre is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Hydra or Auxerre Better for Beaches?

Hydra is very good for the beach. However, Auxerre 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.

Auxerre is not a beach destination.

Is Hydra or Auxerre Better for its Old Town?

Hydra is great for its historic old town charm. However, Auxerre does not have a historic old town.

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.

Auxerre does not have a historic old town.

Is Hydra or Auxerre Better for Hiking?

Hydra is great for hiking. However, Auxerre is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Hydra for the hiking trails. 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.

Auxerre is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hydra or Auxerre?

Hydra is great for its shopping areas. However, Auxerre is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Hydra. Charming shops fill the town and sell local items such as handmade jewelry and traditional embroideries.

Auxerre is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Hydra or Auxerre Better for Families?

Hydra is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Auxerre is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Hydra. 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.

Auxerre is a family-friendly place to visit. There's the Zoo de La Fleche and the Aquarium de Touraine. You can also wander through Musee de l'Avallon or des Plantes.

Is Hydra or Auxerre Better for Couples?

Hydra is an amazing island to visit for couples. Also, Auxerre is not as popular, but is still a nice town 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.

Auxerre is a nice destination for couples. There are many great eateries as well nice architecture and, of course, excellent wine.

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

Auxerre 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 Auxerre, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses around town.

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

Is Hydra or Auxerre a more walkable city?

Hydra is an amazing island to visit for its ease of walking around. Also, Auxerre is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its walkability.

Hydra is a very easy island to get around on foot. The entire island is car-free and everything that you want to visit is close together and easy to explore on foot.

Auxerre is somewhat walkable. The center is walkable but it is a bit more difficult to navigate than some nearby towns.

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

Should I spend more time in Auxerre or Hydra?

How long in Hydra or Auxerre?

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

Families should spend more time in Hydra than Auxerre. 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 Auxerre. 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 Auxerre 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 Auxerre?

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 Auxerre, many people enjoy the food and museums that this undiscovered destination offers. 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 Auxerre?

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 Auxerre. 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 Auxerre?

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.

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

A week in Hydra or Auxerre?

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 museums and food around the undiscovered destination of Auxerre. 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 France, and The Best 2-Week Tours in France.

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

Which is Bigger, Hydra or Auxerre?

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

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 Auxerre in the Summer?

Both Auxerre and Hydra during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Hydra this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Auxerre for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Hydra is generally a little warmer than Auxerre. Daily temperatures in Hydra average around 27°C (81°F), and Auxerre fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

In Auxerre, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Hydra. In the summer, Hydra often gets more sunshine than Auxerre. Hydra gets 357 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Auxerre receives 255 hours of full sun.

Hydra usually gets less rain in July than Auxerre. Hydra gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Auxerre receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hydra or Auxerre in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Hydra and Auxerre. 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 Auxerre in the autumn for the small town atmosphere.

Hydra is a little warmer than Auxerre in the autumn. The daily temperature in Hydra averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Auxerre fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In Hydra, it's very sunny this time of the year. Hydra usually receives more sunshine than Auxerre during autumn. Hydra gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Auxerre receives 126 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Hydra usually receives less rain than Auxerre. Hydra gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Auxerre receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Hydra or Auxerre in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Hydra as well as Auxerre. Many visitors come to Hydra in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Auxerre for the museums and the cuisine during these months.

Auxerre can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Hydra is much warmer than Auxerre. Typically, the winter temperatures in Hydra in January average around 10°C (51°F), and Auxerre averages at about 3°C (37°F).

In the winter, Hydra often gets more sunshine than Auxerre. Hydra gets 143 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Auxerre receives 53 hours of full sun.

Hydra usually gets less rain in January than Auxerre. Hydra gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Auxerre receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hydra or Auxerre in the Spring?

Both Auxerre and Hydra are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Hydra for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Auxerre because of the small town charm.

In April, Hydra is generally much warmer than Auxerre. Daily temperatures in Hydra average around 16°C (60°F), and Auxerre fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hydra. Hydra usually receives more sunshine than Auxerre during spring. Hydra gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Auxerre receives 167 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Hydra usually receives less rain than Auxerre. Hydra gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Auxerre receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Auxerre and Hydra