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

Should you visit Hydra or Beaune?

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

Should I visit Hydra or Beaune? 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. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and food.

Beaune

Beaune is a quaint, vineyard-filled, and cultural town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Hydra and Beaune: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Hydra or Beaune?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Hydra. Although Hydra and Beaune are popular destinations, Hydra has more sights and attractions for tourists. Hydra is very popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Beaune attracts visitors for its food, nightlife, and historical sights. Hydra is famous for its picturesque setting, car-free setting, and beautiful old town. It is also well known for The Monastery of the Assumption of Virgin Mary. Beaune is famous for its surrounding vineyards and world-renowned wines.

How is Hydra different from Beaune?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Hydra
Beaune

Both Hydra and Beaune 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 Beaune specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Top sights and museums around town include Hôtel-Dieu (a former hospital), Château de Savigny, and Château de la Rochepot.


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

Hydra
Beaune

Beaune 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, Beaune is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The restaurant scene is made up of small, narrow, local bistros that serve local dishes with regional ingredients. Many of the menus are focused on wine with the dishes designed specifically to compliment the wines. This is a tourist town, and you'll find many visitors come specifically to enjoy the French cuisine.

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 Beaune Better for Nightlife?

Hydra
Beaune

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

Beaune has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. You'll find bars and pubs as well as many places to sip French wine and enjoy the evening.

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 Beaune Better for Resorts?

Hydra
Beaune

Hydra is a good destination for its resorts. However, Beaune is not a resort destination.

With a selection of resorts, Hydra makes a nice vacation spot. It's a popular day trip destination, but if you stay for a night or two, you'll find boutique hotels and charming pensions.

Beaune is not a resort destination.


Is Hydra or Beaune Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Hydra
Beaune

Hydra is a good destination for its diving and snorkeling. However, Beaune 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.

Beaune is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Hydra or Beaune Better for Beaches?

Hydra
Beaune

Hydra is a good destination for the beache. However, Beaune 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.

Beaune is not a beach destination.

Is Hydra or Beaune Better for its Old Town?

Hydra
Beaune

Beaune 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 Beaune is revered around the world. The old town is walled and compact. It is centered around the medieval hospital complex and it is filled with cobblestone streets and shops.

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 Beaune Better for Hiking?

Hydra
Beaune

Hydra is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Beaune 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.

Beaune is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hydra or Beaune?

Hydra
Beaune

Hydra is a great destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Beaune is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

Hydra is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Charming shops fill the town and sell local items such as handmade jewelry and traditional embroideries.

Beaune has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Boutiques, wine shops, and independent vendors are fun to explore in town.

Is Hydra or Beaune Better for Families?

Hydra
Beaune

Hydra is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Beaune is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Hydra is a very kid-friendly island. 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.

Beaune offers lots of family activities. The town has museums like Hospices de Beaune, Hotel-Dieu (a formal hospital), as well as vineyards that you can hike through. Many people enjoy taking a hot air balloon ride while they're in the region.


Is Hydra or Beaune Better for Couples?

Hydra
Beaune

With fun activities for couples, both Hydra and Beaune make for a amazing place to visit.

Hydra makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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.

For those traveling as a couple, Beaune has plenty to offer. Couples will enjoy exploring vineyards, sipping French wine, and wandering through the charming old town. There are breathtaking hot air balloon rides and wonderful French restaurants that make for a romantic trip.

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

Hydra
Beaune

Beaune 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 Beaune, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. While you can walk around the historic center, it's possible to take a bus if you're traveling further.

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

Is Hydra or Beaune a more walkable city?

Hydra
Beaune

Hydra and Beaune 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.

Beaune is a very easy island to get around on foot. It's a walkable town that's perfect for taking a stroll.


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

Should I spend more time in Beaune or Hydra?

How long in Hydra or Beaune?

It's fun to spend time in either Hydra or Beaune. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Beaune due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Hydra, and 2-4 days is enough time in Beaune.

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


  • How many days in Hydra or Beaune? Ideal Length of Stay
    Hydra 1-2 
    Beaune 2-4

One day in Hydra or Beaune?

Hydra might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

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

Hydra is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hydra. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Beaune is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Beaune. 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 Beaune?

Hydra is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

You'll find food and shopping around the historic destination of Beaune. 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 Vineyard & Wine Tours in France, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Beaune or Hydra?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Hydra is €97, while the average daily cost in Beaune is €166. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Hydra and Beaune in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Hydra 51
    Beaune 83
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Hydra 102
    Beaune 166
Compare Hotels in Hydra and Beaune

Looking for a hotel in Hydra or Beaune? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Hydra


Hotels in Beaune


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Beaune Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Hydra 26
    Beaune 41

Is it cheaper to fly into Hydra or Beaune?

Prices for flights to both Beaune and Hydra change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Hydra 30
    Beaune 54

Typical Food Prices in Beaune

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Beaune:


  • Fast Food Lunch (for 2)
    9.00
  • Cookie
    1.00
  • Coffee
    2.80

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Hydra 11
    Beaune 33

Typical Entertainment Prices in Beaune

Here are a few typical costs in Beaune for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Winery Tour (for 2)
    20

Tours and Activities in Beaune

Here are a few actual costs in Beaune for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Beguiling Beaune Self-Guided Smartphone Audio Tour: $5.99
  • A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Burgundy’s Wine Capital: $5.99
  • Skip the Line: Abbaye de Fontenay Admission Ticket: $13
  • Small group guided tour - Beaune 2h: $22
  • Meursault: Tour of the Vineyards on Motorbike with Sidecar: $59
  • Private Guided Sidecar Tour in Burgundy from Meursault: $60
  • Paris Private Walking Street Art Tour: $87
  • Small group tour Morning in Côte de Beaune: $102
  • Touristic highlights of Semur-en-Auxois a Private half day tour with a local: $118
  • Private city tour - Beaune the essential - 2h: $187
  • Private guided tour - Beaune 2h: $191
  • Wine walking tour through the Burgundian vineyards - 2h: $191

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Hydra 11
    Beaune 48

Sample the Local Flavors in Beaune

Also in Beaune, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • 2 Hour Sparkling Wine Tasting and visit in Beaune: $11
  • Wine Tasting at Château de Pommard: $21
  • Maison Champy Guided Cellar Tour with Wine Tasting: $27
  • Visit Domaine Bourgogne - Guided wine tasting: $44
  • From Full-Day Bicycle and Wine Tour in Burgundy: $227
  • Burgundy Bike Tour with Wine Tasting from Beaune: $229
  • Wine tour - Meursault, its prestigious whites: $240
  • Wine tour - Aloxe-Corton, its great wines: $240
  • From Burgundy Day Trip with 12 Wine Tastings: $262
  • Côte de Nuits Private Local Wineries and Wine Tasting Tour: $945
  • Côte de Beaune Private Local Wineries and Wine Tasting Tour: $945


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


Which is Bigger, Hydra or Beaune?

Beaune has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Hydra. When comparing the sizes of Hydra and Beaune, 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 Beaune?

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 Beaune in the Summer?

Both Beaune and Hydra are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. 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 Beaune because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Hydra is a little warmer than Beaune. Typically, the summer temperatures in Hydra in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Beaune averages at about 21°C (70°F).

It's quite sunny in Beaune. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hydra. Hydra usually receives more sunshine than Beaune during summer. Hydra gets 357 hours of sunny skies, while Beaune receives 266 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Hydra usually receives less rain than Beaune. Hydra gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Beaune receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Hydra 27°C (81°F) 
    Beaune 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Hydra or Beaune in the Autumn?

Both Beaune and Hydra during the autumn are popular places to visit. 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 Beaune this time of year.

In October, Hydra is generally much warmer than Beaune. Daily temperatures in Hydra average around 19°C (67°F), and Beaune fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

It's quite sunny in Hydra. In the autumn, Hydra often gets more sunshine than Beaune. Hydra gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Beaune receives 121 hours of full sun.

Hydra usually gets less rain in October than Beaune. Hydra gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Beaune receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Hydra 19°C (67°F) 
    Beaune 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Hydra or Beaune in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Hydra and Beaune. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Hydra this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Beaune for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Beaune. Hydra is much warmer than Beaune in the winter. The daily temperature in Hydra averages around 10°C (51°F) in January, and Beaune fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Hydra usually receives more sunshine than Beaune during winter. Hydra gets 143 hours of sunny skies, while Beaune receives 53 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Hydra usually receives less rain than Beaune. Hydra gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Beaune receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Hydra 10°C (51°F) 
    Beaune 3°C (38°F)

Should I visit Hydra or Beaune in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Hydra as well as Beaune. Many travelers come to Hydra for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Beaune in the spring for the small town charm.

In the spring, Hydra is a little warmer than Beaune. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hydra in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Beaune averages at about 11°C (53°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hydra this time of the year. In the spring, Hydra often gets more sunshine than Beaune. Hydra gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Beaune receives 178 hours of full sun.

Hydra usually gets less rain in April than Beaune. Hydra gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Beaune receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Hydra 16°C (60°F) 
    Beaune 11°C (53°F)

Typical Weather for Beaune and Hydra

Hydra Beaune
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (51°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 3°C (38°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Feb 11°C (51°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 5°C (41°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 8°C (46°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 25 mm (1 in) 11°C (53°F) 52 mm (2 in)
May 20°C (68°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 15°C (59°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Jun 24°C (76°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 19°C (66°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 21°C (70°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 21°C (69°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Sep 24°C (76°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 18°C (64°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 13°C (55°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Nov 16°C (60°F) 51 mm (2 in) 7°C (45°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 4°C (39°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)