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

Should you visit Hydra or Biarritz?

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

Should I visit Hydra or Biarritz? 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. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

Biarritz

Biarritz is a dynamic, cultural, and relaxing seaside town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. It's also known for beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

Hydra and Biarritz: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hydra or Biarritz?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Hydra. Although Hydra and Biarritz are popular destinations, Hydra has more sights and attractions for tourists. Hydra is very popular for its museums, scuba diving & snorkeling, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Biarritz attracts visitors for its food, nightlife, resorts, and beaches. 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. Biarritz is famous for its surfing culture, long beaches, and seaside atmosphere.

How is Hydra different from Biarritz?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Hydra is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Biarritz is lacking in options for its museums and landmarks.

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.

Biarritz offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Most people pass their time relaxing on the beach or taking a walk, but you can also visit the Biarritz Aquarium or the Biarritz Lighthouse.

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

Biarritz 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, Biarritz makes for a great culinary experience. The food is a delicious mix of French, Spanish, and Basque flavors. Seafood is an obvious influence, but you'll also find meat and bread in many dishes. Local specialties include the oysters, pintxos (a snack of bread topped with ham, cheese, or vegetables), and marmitako (tuna stew).

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 Biarritz Better for Nightlife?

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

The people in Biarritz know how to have a good time. The city center has the most bars and clubs if you're looking for a party. Head to Port Vieux or Les Halles for some of the city's best nightlife. For a more relaxed night out, there are night markets as well as beach front terraces and rooftops where you can sip wine in a mellow atmosphere.

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 Biarritz Better for Resorts?

Biarritz is a great destination for its resorts. Also, Hydra is still popular, but not quite as popular for its luxury resorts.

Biarritz is known as a popular and fun resort destination. You'll find a mix of holiday cottages, vacation rentals, and beachfront hotels. There are also hostels around town for those on a budget.

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.

Is Hydra or Biarritz Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Hydra is a popular place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Biarritz is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Hydra has a few good snorkeling spots. There are some snorkeling spots around the island - most notably Bisti Beach, which is pebbly and has some interesting sea life.

Biarritz is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Hydra or Biarritz Better for Beaches?

Biarritz is a great destination for its beaches. Also, Hydra is still popular, but not quite as popular for the beache.

Biarritz is considered a top beach destination. There are plenty of sandy beaches near the town that offer great surfing. For calmer water you can head to some of the smaller bays. Some of the most popular beaches in the area include Le Grande Plage, Plage du Miramar, and Plage Port Vieux.

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.

Is Hydra or Biarritz Better for its Old Town?

Hydra is an excellent place to visit for its old town. However, Biarritz does not have a historic old town.

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.

Biarritz does not have a historic old town.

Is Hydra or Biarritz Better for Hiking?

Hydra is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Biarritz 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.

Biarritz is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hydra or Biarritz?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Biarritz and Hydra.

Hydra is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Charming shops fill the town and sell local items such as handmade jewelry and traditional embroideries.

Biarritz is well-known for its shopping. The town has many market halls, boutiques, and department stores. Head to Avenue de Verdun for some quirky local stores or Place Georges Clemenceau for more high end shopping.

Is Hydra or Biarritz Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Hydra or Biarritz.

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, Biarritz is very family-friendly. The sandy beaches are great for surfing, but you'll also find some calm water where kids can play. There are plenty of surf schools in the area that will help kids learn if they're just beginning to surf. Kids who love the ocean will find tons of entertainment in this seaside town.

Is Hydra or Biarritz Better for Couples?

Hydra is renowned for its romantic activities. Also, Biarritz is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

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.

Couples visit Biarritz frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There are many coastal walks, sandy beaches, and surfing opportunities that couples can enjoy. Combine that with great French cuisine and a lively atmosphere, and you won't find a better couples getaway.

Is Hydra or Biarritz Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Biarritz 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 Biarritz. The town attracts surfers and there are plenty of hostels and other accommodation options for budget travelers or backpackers.

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

Biarritz 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 Biarritz, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are regional bus lines to nearby towns operated by Chronoplus and PESA.

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

Is Hydra or Biarritz a more walkable city?

Hydra is renowned for its high level of walkability. Also, Biarritz is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

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

Biarritz is a very walkable destination. The city center is very walkable and you can reach many of the beaches on foot as well.

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

Should I spend more time in Biarritz or Hydra?

How long in Hydra or Biarritz?

Both Hydra and Biarritz have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Biarritz than in Hydra. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Hydra, and 3-7 days is enough time in Biarritz.

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

One day in Hydra or Biarritz?

Hydra is a small town where visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Biarritz, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this relaxing destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This seaside 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 Biarritz?

Hydra is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this island makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Hydra, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Biarritz. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Hydra or Biarritz?

Hydra is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Biarritz is a fun place to experience. In Biarritz, many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife that this destination offers. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Hydra or Biarritz?

Hydra is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This island offers something for everyone.

In Biarritz, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this dynamic destination offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in Greece, The Best 10-Day Tours in Greece, The Best Tours for Seniors to France, and The Best Contiki Tours to France.

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

Which is Bigger, Hydra or Biarritz?

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

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 Biarritz in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Hydra as well as Biarritz. The summer months attract visitors to Hydra because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Biarritz this time of year.

In the summer, Hydra is a little warmer than Biarritz. Typically, the summer temperatures in Hydra in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Biarritz averages at about 20°C (68°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Biarritz. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hydra this time of the year. In the summer, Hydra often gets more sunshine than Biarritz. Hydra gets 357 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Biarritz receives 209 hours of full sun.

Hydra usually gets less rain in July than Biarritz. Hydra gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Biarritz receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hydra or Biarritz in the Autumn?

Both Biarritz and Hydra are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Hydra this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Biarritz for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere.

In October, Hydra is generally a little warmer than Biarritz. Daily temperatures in Hydra average around 19°C (67°F), and Biarritz fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hydra. Hydra usually receives more sunshine than Biarritz during autumn. Hydra gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Biarritz receives 144 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Biarritz. In October, Hydra usually receives less rain than Biarritz. Hydra gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Biarritz receives 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Hydra or Biarritz in the Winter?

Both Biarritz and Hydra during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Hydra for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Biarritz in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Hydra is a little warmer than Biarritz in the winter. The daily temperature in Hydra averages around 10°C (51°F) in January, and Biarritz fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Hydra often gets more sunshine than Biarritz. Hydra gets 143 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Biarritz receives 85 hours of full sun.

Biarritz gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Hydra usually gets less rain in January than Biarritz. Hydra gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Biarritz receives 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hydra or Biarritz in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Hydra and Biarritz. Many visitors come to Hydra in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Biarritz for the beaches and the small town charm during these months.

In the spring, Hydra is a little warmer than Biarritz. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hydra in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Biarritz averages at about 12°C (54°F).

In Hydra, it's very sunny this time of the year. Hydra usually receives more sunshine than Biarritz during spring. Hydra gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Biarritz receives 141 hours of full sun in the spring.

Biarritz receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Hydra usually receives less rain than Biarritz. Hydra gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Biarritz receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Biarritz and Hydra