A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Hydra vs. Bodrum for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Hydra or Bodrum?

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

Should I visit Hydra or Bodrum? 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.

Where Should I go: Hydra or Bodrum?

Hydra

The island of Hydra is located in the Aegean Sea between the Saronic and Argolic Gulfs. Named for its natural springs, the island now has most of its freshwater imported from the mainland. The real gem of the place is the absence of motorized vehicles. Car and scooters are nowhere to be seen by the narrow marble-cobbled lanes, rocks, and sea. Such vehicles have been outlawed and so the way to navigate the island is by donkey, water taxi, or on foot.

Bodrum

Bodrum is a city on the Bodrum Peninsula, stretching from Turkey's southwest coast into the Aegean Sea. The city features twin bays with views of Bodrum Castle. This medieval fortress was built partly with stones from the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, completed in the 4th century B.C. The city is also a gateway for nearby beach towns and resorts. Although more than a million tourists flock to its beaches, boutique hotels, trendy restaurants, and clubs each summer, the town of Bodrum (ancient Halicarnassus) never seems to lose its cool. More than any other Turkish seaside getaway, it has an enigmatic elegance that pervades it. The evocative castle and the ancient ruins around town also help keep Bodrum a discerning step above the rest.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in Greece, The Best 10-Day Tours in Greece, The Best Anzac Day Tours in Turkey, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Turkey.


Which place is cheaper, Bodrum 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 Bodrum is €87. 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 Bodrum in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Hydra 51
    Bodrum 45
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Hydra 102
    Bodrum 90
Compare Hotels in Hydra and Bodrum

Looking for a hotel in Hydra or Bodrum? 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 Bodrum


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: Bodrum Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Hydra 26
    Bodrum 22

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bodrum

Also for Bodrum, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Arrival Transfer Bodrum Airport BJV to Bodrum City by Minibus: $74
  • Bodrum Adventures ATV Quad Safari Tour with Roundtrip Transfer: $76
  • Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers to Akyaka Hotels: $174
  • Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers to Akyarlar Hotels: $109
  • Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers to Bitez Hotels: $78
  • Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers to Gumbet Hotels: $78
  • Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers to Gundogan Hotels: $98
  • Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers to Guvercinlik Hotels: $76
  • Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers to Kadikalesi Hotels: $114
  • Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers to Kusadasi Hotels: $202
  • Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers to Mugla City Center Hotels: $174
  • Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers to Ortakent Hotels: $98

Is it cheaper to fly into Hydra or Bodrum?

Prices for flights to both Bodrum 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
    Bodrum 23

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bodrum

For Bodrum, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Cooking Class in Authentic Etrim Village: $44
  • Christmas Dinner at Karnas Vineyards: $104
  • Farmers Market visit & Turkish Cooking Class: $125
  • Bodrum Market Visit and Cooking Class: $128
  • Bodrum Vineyard Tour with Dinner and Wine Pairing: $128
  • Food and Wine pairing Dinner at Karnas Vineyards Bodrum: $131
  • Bodrum Cooking Class: $174
  • Private Sunset Boat Tour in Bodrum With Dinner: $221
  • Shore Excursions - Istanbul by Night: Turkish Food Tour: $252
  • Private Vineyard Tour with Dinner Under the Stars in Karnas: $291
  • From Private Sunset Boat Tour with Dinner & Swimming: $320
  • Private Sunset Boat Tour with Dinner: $368

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Hydra 11
    Bodrum 29

Tours and Activities in Bodrum

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Bodrum.

  • Muğla: Quick Tour, Essentials of Muğla: $6.00
  • Daily Boat Tour (Orak Island) around Bodrum and Black Island Coves : $19
  • Beaches and Islands Boat Tour with Lunch: $20
  • Orak Island Boat Tour with Swim Stops and Lunch: $24
  • Orakadasi Boat Tour From Bodrum (Maldives of Turkey) With Lunch: $25
  • Bodrum Black island Tour: $26
  • Bodrum Village Tour with Group: $26
  • Blue cruise around Bodrum bays: $28
  • Black Island Boat Tour with Lunch: $30
  • Turkish Bath Experience: $31
  • Boat Tour for Mein Schiff Cruise Passengers: $32
  • Half Day Guided Knidos Ancient City Tour: $35

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Hydra 11
    Bodrum 13


When comparing the travel costs between Hydra and Bodrum, we can see that Hydra is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Hydra Expensive? and Is Bodrum Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Hydra or Bodrum?

Bodrum has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Hydra. When comparing the sizes of Hydra and Bodrum, 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 Bodrum?

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 Bodrum in the Summer?

Both Bodrum and Hydra during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Hydra in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Hydra is around the same temperature as Bodrum. Typically, the summer temperatures in Hydra in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Bodrum averages at about 27°C (81°F).

Hydra usually gets more rain in July than Bodrum. Hydra gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Bodrum receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Hydra 27°C (81°F) 
    Bodrum 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Hydra or Bodrum in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Hydra and Bodrum. Most visitors come to Hydra for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Hydra is generally around the same temperature as Bodrum. Daily temperatures in Hydra average around 19°C (67°F), and Bodrum fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

In October, Hydra usually receives more rain than Bodrum. Hydra gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Bodrum receives 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Hydra 19°C (67°F) 
    Bodrum 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Hydra or Bodrum in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Hydra as well as Bodrum. The winter months attract visitors to Hydra because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Hydra is around the same temperature as Bodrum in the winter. The daily temperature in Hydra averages around 10°C (51°F) in January, and Bodrum fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

It's quite rainy in Bodrum. Hydra usually gets less rain in January than Bodrum. Hydra gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Bodrum receives 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Hydra 10°C (51°F) 
    Bodrum 10°C (50°F)

Should I visit Hydra or Bodrum in the Spring?

Both Bodrum and Hydra are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Hydra this time of year.

In the spring, Hydra is around the same temperature as Bodrum. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hydra in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Bodrum averages at about 15°C (59°F).

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


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Hydra 16°C (60°F) 
    Bodrum 15°C (59°F)

Typical Weather for Bodrum and Hydra

Hydra Bodrum
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (51°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 10°C (50°F) 149 mm (5.9 in)
Feb 11°C (51°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 10°C (50°F) 103 mm (4.1 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 12°C (53°F) 86 mm (3.4 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 25 mm (1 in) 15°C (59°F) 32 mm (1.3 in)
May 20°C (68°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 19°C (67°F) 16 mm (0.6 in)
Jun 24°C (76°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 24°C (75°F) 3 mm (0.1 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 27°C (81°F) 1 mm (0 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 27°C (81°F) 1 mm (0 in)
Sep 24°C (76°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 24°C (75°F) 23 mm (0.9 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 19°C (66°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Nov 16°C (60°F) 51 mm (2 in) 14°C (58°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 12°C (53°F) 164 mm (6.5 in)