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

Should you visit Hydra or Bari?

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

Should I visit Hydra or Bari? 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.

Bari

Bari is a authentic, local, and cultural port city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for beaches, shopping, and museums.

Hydra and Bari: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hydra or Bari?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Bari than Hydra, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Bari is better known for its food, nightlife, and big city activities, while Hydra is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Hydra is more touristy than Bari and is popular for its picturesque setting, car-free setting, and beautiful old town. Bari is well known for its authentic old town and its role as a ferry port for travelers headed across the Adriatic. Also, Bari is famous for San Nicola.

How is Hydra different from Bari?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Both Hydra and Bari have superb 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 Bari specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city is filled with historical sights and archeological ruins. San Nicola is the main basilica in town and a popular tourist sight. The Castello is also a highlight, as is San Sabino.

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

Bari 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, Bari is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. It's off-the-beaten-path vibe means that you won't find the overpriced tourist restaurants that have taken over more touristy cities. Instead you'll find locally owned pasta shops that cater to the town's residents. You can taste authentic Pugliese cuisine, which is centered around wheat and olive oil. Orecchiette is the local pasta and seafood is one of the most common staples.

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 Bari Better for Nightlife?

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

The people in Bari know how to have a good time. The city really comes to life at night with many dance clubs, bars, and other fun venues. There's plenty of live music as well as jazz clubs and other local bars.

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 Bari Better for Resorts?

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

Bari is not a resort destination.

Is Hydra or Bari Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Hydra is a good destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Bari 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.

Bari is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Hydra or Bari Better for Beaches?

For a relaxing beach holiday, both Hydra and Bari are notable choices.

Hydra is a good option for a beach vacation. 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.

Many people head to Bari to enjoy the beach. There's a sandy beach that you can reach by bus outside of the city center. There are also many great beaches around Puglia if you're willing to take a day trip or travel a bit farther.

Is Hydra or Bari Better for its Old Town?

It's fun to wander around the superb old towns in both Hydra and Bari.

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 Bari. The old town is filled with historic sights, mazelike streets, and great food. It's pedestrian-only and, because Bari is not as popular with tourists, it holds on to its authentic charm.

Is Hydra or Bari Better for Hiking?

Hydra is a great island for hiking. However, Bari 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.

Bari is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hydra or Bari?

Hydra is a great island for its shopping areas. Also, Bari is not as popular, but is still a nice port city 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.

Bari is a great destination for shopping. You won't find the souvenir shops that you find in more touristy cities, so if you take the time to do some shopping while you're in town, you can enjoy a truly authentic and cultural experience.

Is Hydra or Bari Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Hydra or Bari.

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, Bari is very family-friendly. There are historical sites and castles to explore as well as the fun-filled Miragica amusement park. There's also an impressive underground city that will spark the kid's imagination. Other fun activities include visiting the nearby beaches, taking a kayak tour, or wandering around the old town.

Is Hydra or Bari Better for Couples?

Hydra is terrific for couples. Also, Bari is not as popular, but is still a nice port city 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.

Bari is a nice destination for couples. The old town is filled with mazelike streets and the city has many unique activities that appeal to history buffs and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Is Hydra or Bari Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bari 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 Bari. There's plenty of hostels around town and the prices are usually very reasonable. Many backpackers pass through this port city on their way to Greece or other Adriatic destinations.

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 Bari Better for Students?

Bari is a great destination for students. However, Hydra is not popular with students.

Bari is a very popular port city for students and younger travelers. It's a great student city that offers access to many nearby Mediterranean destinations. There are also a number of historical sights within town that students can visit.

Hydra is not popular with students.

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

Bari 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 Bari, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses around town that are operated by the AMTAB.

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

Is Hydra or Bari a more walkable city?

Hydra is terrific for its ease of walking around. Also, Bari is not as popular, but is still a nice port city 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.

Bari is very walkable. The old town is pedestrian-only and best explored on foot. It's also about a 20 minute walk from the central train station.

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

Should I spend more time in Bari or Hydra?

How long in Hydra or Bari?

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

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

One day in Hydra or Bari?

Hydra is a small town where visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

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

Hydra is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

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

Hydra is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. This island offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

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

Because Hydra is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the local destination of Bari. 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 food. 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 Historical Tours in Italy, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Hydra or Bari?

Bari has a larger population, and is about 140 times larger than the population of Hydra. When comparing the sizes of Hydra and Bari, 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 Bari?

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 Bari in the Summer?

Both Bari and Hydra during the summer are popular places to visit. 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 Bari because of the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Hydra is generally a little warmer than Bari. Daily temperatures in Hydra average around 27°C (81°F), and Bari fluctuates around 25°C (76°F).

In Bari, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Hydra. In the summer, Hydra often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Bari. Hydra gets 357 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bari receives 336 hours of full sun.

Hydra usually gets less rain in July than Bari. Hydra gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Bari receives 9 mm (0.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hydra or Bari in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Hydra and Bari. 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 city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Bari this time of year.

Hydra is around the same temperature as Bari in the autumn. The daily temperature in Hydra averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Bari fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).

In Hydra, it's very sunny this time of the year. Hydra usually receives more sunshine than Bari during autumn. Hydra gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Bari receives 178 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Hydra usually receives less rain than Bari. Hydra gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Bari receives 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Hydra or Bari in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Hydra as well as Bari. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Hydra this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bari for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Hydra is around the same temperature as Bari. Typically, the winter temperatures in Hydra in January average around 10°C (51°F), and Bari averages at about 10°C (49°F).

In the winter, Hydra often gets more sunshine than Bari. Hydra gets 143 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bari receives 110 hours of full sun.

Hydra usually gets less rain in January than Bari. Hydra gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Bari receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hydra or Bari in the Spring?

Both Bari and Hydra are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Hydra for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Bari in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city.

In April, Hydra is generally a little warmer than Bari. Daily temperatures in Hydra average around 16°C (60°F), and Bari fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

It's quite sunny in Bari. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hydra. Hydra usually receives more sunshine than Bari during spring. Hydra gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Bari receives 203 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Hydra usually receives less rain than Bari. Hydra gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Bari receives 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bari and Hydra