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

Should you visit Hydra or Bergamo?

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

Should I visit Hydra or Bergamo? 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 charming, accessible, and quaint island. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. 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.

Bergamo

Bergamo is a fascinating, beautiful, and under-rated city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Hydra and Bergamo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hydra or Bergamo?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Hydra. Although Hydra and Bergamo are popular destinations, Hydra has more sights and attractions for tourists. Hydra is very popular for its museums, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Bergamo attracts visitors for its food and nightlife. Hydra is more touristy than Bergamo and is known 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. Bergamo is famous for its historical buildings and beautiful squares.

How is Hydra different from Bergamo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Hydra is notable for its sights and museums. Also, Bergamo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Hydra can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Bergamo. There are historical buildings as well as fascinating museums that are worth checking out. Highlights include the Basilica of St. Mary Major, Colleoni Chapel, the Accademia Carrara, and the Cathedral of Sant'Alessandro.

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

Bergamo 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, Bergamo makes for a great culinary experience. You'll find traditional restaurants around town that serve the local specialties, many of which have their roots in peasant dishes. The flavors are humble but high quality and the food is fresh and masterfully prepared.

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 Bergamo Better for Nightlife?

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

Bergamo has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Despite not being high on the itinerary of many travelers, the city has a great nightlife scene that includes many local bars and clubs. You can enjoy a local brew or sip some Italian wine while you enjoy the atmosphere of the old town.

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 Bergamo Better for Resorts?

Hydra is a nice place to visit for its resorts. However, Bergamo 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.

Bergamo is not a resort destination.

Is Hydra or Bergamo Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Hydra is a nice place to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, Bergamo is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Hydra has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. There are some snorkeling spots around the island - most notably Bisti Beach, which is pebbly and has some interesting sea life.

Bergamo is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Hydra or Bergamo Better for Beaches?

Hydra is a nice place to visit for the beache. However, Bergamo is not a beach destination.

Hydra has a beach worth visiting. 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.

Bergamo is not a beach destination.

Is Hydra or Bergamo Better for its Old Town?

Hydra is notable for its old town. Also, Bergamo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its historic old town charm.

Many visitors go to Hydra to see the historical old town. 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.

Bergamo has an old town worth visiting. Since the old town was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the town has become more popular with visitors. Still, you can enjoy the authentic and less touristy vibe of this beautiful city.

Is Hydra or Bergamo Better for Hiking?

Hydra is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Bergamo is not a hiking destination.

Hydra is a popular spot for hiking. 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.

Bergamo is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hydra or Bergamo?

Hydra is notable for its shopping opportunities. Also, Bergamo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

Bergamo has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are a number of shopping areas around town including shopping malls and shopping streets. You'll find most of the major brands as well as some interesting boutique shops.

Is Hydra or Bergamo Better for Families?

Hydra is notable for its family-friendly activities. However, Bergamo is a mediocre city 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.

Bergamo is not always a place people visit with their families. It's a beautiful city that is filled with history, and for kids there are pedestrian streets to explore and great Italian food. There's also the Museo di Scienze Naturali, which is worth checking out.

Is Hydra or Bergamo Better for Couples?

Hydra is an amazing island to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Bergamo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

Hydra has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. 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.

Bergamo is a good island for couples to visit. Couples will appreciate the beautiful architecture and impressive squares. There are also great restaurants and pedestrian streets that are fun to wander through.

Is Hydra or Bergamo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Bergamo. While it's not the most popular backpacker city in Italy, it does have a couple of hostels and guesthouses that offer affordable rates and a young vibe.

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 Bergamo Better for Students?

Bergamo is a popular place for students. However, Hydra is not popular with students.

Bergamo is popular with students. The university attracts international students and the city makes a great base for learning and exploring.

Hydra is not popular with students.

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

Bergamo 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 Bergamo, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses around town as well as two funiculars, one connecting Città Bassa with the Città Alta and the other connecting Città Alta to San Vigilio.

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

Is Hydra or Bergamo a more walkable city?

Hydra is an amazing island to visit for its high level of walkability. Also, Bergamo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its ease of walking around.

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

Bergamo is a very walkable destination. There are many pedestrian streets and the best way to explore the city is on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Bergamo or Hydra?

How long in Hydra or Bergamo?

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

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

One day in Hydra or Bergamo?

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 Bergamo, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this fascinating destination offers. This city 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 Bergamo?

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 Bergamo. 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 Bergamo?

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.

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

A week in Hydra or Bergamo?

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 under-rated destination of Bergamo. 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 2-Week Tours from Rome, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Hydra or Bergamo?

Bergamo has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Hydra. When comparing the sizes of Hydra and Bergamo, 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 Bergamo?

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 Bergamo in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Hydra and Bergamo. Many travelers come to Hydra for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Bergamo in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Hydra is a little warmer than Bergamo. Typically, the summer temperatures in Hydra in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Bergamo averages at about 24°C (75°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Bergamo this time of the year. In Hydra, it's very sunny this time of the year. Hydra usually receives more sunshine than Bergamo during summer. Hydra gets 357 hours of sunny skies, while Bergamo receives 286 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Hydra usually receives less rain than Bergamo. Hydra gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Bergamo receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Hydra or Bergamo in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Hydra as well as Bergamo. Many visitors come to Hydra in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, most visitors come to Bergamo for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Hydra is generally a little warmer than Bergamo. Daily temperatures in Hydra average around 19°C (67°F), and Bergamo fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hydra this time of the year. In the autumn, Hydra often gets more sunshine than Bergamo. Hydra gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bergamo receives 137 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Bergamo. Hydra usually gets less rain in October than Bergamo. Hydra gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Bergamo receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hydra or Bergamo in the Winter?

Both Bergamo and Hydra are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Hydra for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Bergamo because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Bergamo can be very cold. Hydra is much warmer than Bergamo in the winter. The daily temperature in Hydra averages around 10°C (51°F) in January, and Bergamo fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

Hydra usually receives more sunshine than Bergamo during winter. Hydra gets 143 hours of sunny skies, while Bergamo receives 98 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Hydra usually receives less rain than Bergamo. Hydra gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Bergamo receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Hydra or Bergamo in the Spring?

Both Bergamo and Hydra during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Hydra because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Bergamo this time of year.

In the spring, Hydra is a little warmer than Bergamo. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hydra in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Bergamo averages at about 13°C (55°F).

It's quite sunny in Hydra. In the spring, Hydra often gets more sunshine than Bergamo. Hydra gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bergamo receives 169 hours of full sun.

Hydra usually gets less rain in April than Bergamo. Hydra gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Bergamo receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bergamo and Hydra