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

Should you visit Hydra or Avignon?

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

Should I visit Hydra or Avignon? 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.

Avignon

Avignon is a charming, scenic, and picturesque town. This is also a fantastic small town with plenty of charm and local activities. It's also known for food, shopping, and museums.

Hydra and Avignon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hydra or Avignon?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Hydra than Avignon, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Hydra is better known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Avignon is more popular for its museums, food, historical sights, and small town charm. Hydra is well 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. Avignon is well known for its architectural beauty and historical importance.

How is Hydra different from Avignon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Avignon 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 Avignon that are not to be missed. The town is filled with historical landmarks such as Palais des Papes, Pont Saint Bénézet, Musée du Petit Palais, and Basilique Métropolitaine Notre-Dame des Doms.

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 Avignon? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Avignon is a world-class destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Hydra is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

For foodies, Avignon is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. For such a small town you'll find many great eateries where you can sample French cuisine. You'll find bakeries, patisseries, restaurants, chocolatiers, and cafes to try. Cooking classes are also a popular activity in town.

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 Avignon Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Hydra or Avignon 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.

Avignon doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. There's a limited nightlife scene but the bars you'll find are usually centered around Place de lHorloge, Place du Palais, Rue Carnot, and Place des Corps-Saints.

Is Hydra or Avignon Better for Resorts?

Hydra is a good destination for its luxury resorts. However, Avignon 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.

Avignon is not a resort destination.

Is Hydra or Avignon Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in Hydra. There are some snorkeling spots around the island - most notably Bisti Beach, which is pebbly and has some interesting sea life.

Avignon is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Hydra or Avignon Better for Beaches?

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

Hydra offers a nice beach destination. 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.

Avignon is not a beach destination.

Is Hydra or Avignon Better for its Old Town?

Avignon 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 Avignon is revered around the world. The walled medieval old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it's filled with history.

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 Avignon Better for Hiking?

Hydra is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Avignon is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting 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.

Avignon is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hydra or Avignon?

Hydra is a very popular place for its shopping areas. Also, Avignon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

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

Avignon is a great destination for shopping. There are several shopping streets in town like Rue de la Republique, Rue Joseph-Vernet, and Rue St Agricol.

Is Hydra or Avignon Better for Families?

Hydra is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Avignon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Avignon. Families can enjoy cooking classes, boat tours, and exploring the old town together.

Is Hydra or Avignon Better for Couples?

Hydra is renowned for couples. Also, Avignon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Hydra is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. 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 Avignon frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Filled with history, couples can enjoy strolling through the old town or dinner on amazing French food.

Is Hydra or Avignon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Avignon is a popular place for backpackers. However, Hydra is a island with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Avignon. You'll find a few affordable hotels, but hostels are a little bit more difficult to come by.

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

Avignon 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 Avignon, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are city buses as well as tourist shuttles around town.

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

Is Hydra or Avignon a more walkable city?

Hydra and Avignon both are amazing when exploring on foot.

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.

Avignon is a very easy island to get around on foot. There's almost no traffic in the city center so it's easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Avignon or Hydra?

How long in Hydra or Avignon?

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

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

One day in Hydra or Avignon?

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 Avignon, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this charming small town offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Avignon?

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 Avignon. 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 Avignon?

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.

Avignon is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the museums and food when visiting the small town destination of Avignon. 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 Avignon?

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 food and shopping around the picturesque small town of Avignon. 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 10-Day Tours in France, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France.

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

Which is Bigger, Hydra or Avignon?

Avignon has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Hydra. When comparing the sizes of Hydra and Avignon, 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 Avignon?

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 Avignon in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Hydra as well as Avignon. Most visitors come to Hydra for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Avignon because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Avignon. 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 Avignon. Hydra gets 357 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Avignon receives 354 hours of full sun.

Hydra usually gets less rain in July than Avignon. Hydra gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Avignon receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hydra or Avignon in the Autumn?

Both Avignon and Hydra are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Hydra because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere are the main draw to Avignon this time of year.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hydra. Hydra usually receives more sunshine than Avignon during autumn. Hydra gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Avignon receives 178 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Avignon. In October, Hydra usually receives less rain than Avignon. Hydra gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Avignon receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Hydra or Avignon in the Winter?

Both Avignon and Hydra during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Hydra this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Avignon for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

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

In the winter, Hydra often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Avignon. Hydra gets 143 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Avignon receives 146 hours of full sun.

Hydra usually gets less rain in January than Avignon. Hydra gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Avignon receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hydra or Avignon in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Hydra and Avignon. Many travelers come to Hydra for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Avignon in the spring for the small town charm.

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Avignon 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 Avignon during spring. Hydra gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Avignon receives 218 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Hydra usually receives less rain than Avignon. Hydra gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Avignon receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Avignon and Hydra