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

Should you visit Hydra or Bressanone?

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

Should I visit Hydra or Bressanone? 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. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Bressanone

Bressanone is a picturesque, idyllic, and charming town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for shopping, museums, and food.

Hydra and Bressanone: 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 nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for hiking
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less family-friendly


Is there more to do in Hydra or Bressanone?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Hydra than Bressanone, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Hydra is better known for its museums, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Bressanone is more popular for its food. Hydra is more touristy than Bressanone and is known for its picturesque setting, car-free setting, and beautiful old town. Also, Hydra is famous for The Monastery of the Assumption of Virgin Mary. Bressanone is well known for its charming old town and its idyllic setting.

How is Hydra different from Bressanone?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Hydra
Bressanone

Hydra is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Bressanone is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Hydra. 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.

Bressanone is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Most visitors simply enjoy soaking up the town's atmosphere, but sights around town include The Royal Palace, the cathedral, and Franzenfeste Fortress.


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

Hydra
Bressanone

Bressanone 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, Bressanone makes for a great culinary experience. Despite its small size, there are many family run restaurants that make use of ingredients from local farms. The town also hosts a few culinary festivals throughout the year.

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 Bressanone Better for Nightlife?

Hydra
Bressanone

It's hard to distinguish whether Hydra or Bressanone has a better nightlife scene.

Hydra is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. 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.

Bressanone doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. It's a small town with some quaint bars and pubs where you can enjoy a beer and chat with other visitors.

Is Hydra or Bressanone Better for Resorts?

Hydra
Bressanone

Hydra is a island with good options for its resorts. However, Bressanone 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.

Bressanone is not a resort destination.


Is Hydra or Bressanone Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Hydra
Bressanone

Hydra is a island with good options for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Bressanone is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life in Hydra. There are some snorkeling spots around the island - most notably Bisti Beach, which is pebbly and has some interesting sea life.

Bressanone is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Hydra or Bressanone Better for Beaches?

Hydra
Bressanone

Hydra is a island with good options for the beach. However, Bressanone is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Hydra. 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.

Bressanone is not a beach destination.

Is Hydra or Bressanone Better for its Old Town?

Hydra
Bressanone

It's fun to wander around the excellent old towns in both Hydra and Bressanone.

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 Bressanone. The cathedral and beautiful old buildings make this a charming place to explore.


Is Hydra or Bressanone Better for Hiking?

Hydra
Bressanone

If you're looking to go hiking, Hydra and Bressanone both have excellent trails.

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.

Many visitors go to Bressanone for the hiking trails. There's a huge variety of hikes in the surrounding countryside. You can walk alongside the river, head into the foothills, or explore the nearby vineyards.

Is the Shopping Better in Hydra or Bressanone?

Hydra
Bressanone

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

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Hydra. Charming shops fill the town and sell local items such as handmade jewelry and traditional embroideries.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Bressanone. The medieval streets are lined with family-owned shops, boutique clothing stores, and other unique local shopping opportunities.

Is Hydra or Bressanone Better for Families?

Hydra
Bressanone

Hydra is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. However, Bressanone is a town with minimal options for its kid-friendly activities.

Hydra is known to be 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.

For families, Bressanone is not always the best place to visit. It's a great town to take a lunch break. The kids will enjoy wandering the alley-like streets. There's a river through town and great views of the Alps.


Is Hydra or Bressanone Better for Couples?

Hydra
Bressanone

Hydra is a world-class destination for couples. Also, Bressanone is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Hydra is a great island for couples, as it has plenty to offer. 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.

Bressanone is a great island if you're traveling as a couple. This charming town is seeped in romance. The quaint streets and surrounding mountain setting make this an idyllic place to take a romantic trip.

Is Hydra or Bressanone Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hydra
Bressanone

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Bressanone. There's a couple of hostels and cheaper guesthouses in town, so backpackers can enjoy a few days in this picturesque alpine town.

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

Hydra
Bressanone

Bressanone 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 Bressanone, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are trains and buses throughout the region.

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


Is Hydra or Bressanone a more walkable city?

Hydra
Bressanone

Hydra is a world-class destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Bressanone is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

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.

Bressanone is very walkable. The town is compact and small enough to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Bressanone or Hydra?

How long in Hydra or Bressanone?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Hydra or Bressanone to fill your time. In our opinion, Hydra has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Hydra than Bressanone. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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


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

One day in Hydra or Bressanone?

Hydra might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Hydra, one day is sufficent for most.

In Bressanone, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this charming small town offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This town 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 Bressanone?

Even though Hydra is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this island.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bressanone. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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 Bressanone?

Hydra, a popular island, is full of activities for travelers. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Bressanone is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the museums and food when visiting the small town destination of Bressanone. 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 Bressanone?

Hydra is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

You'll find food and shopping around the idyllic small town of Bressanone. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Bicycle Tours in Italy, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Bressanone 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 Bressanone is €138. 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 Bressanone in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Hydra 51
    Bressanone 72
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Hydra 102
    Bressanone 144
Compare Hotels in Hydra and Bressanone

Looking for a hotel in Hydra or Bressanone? 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 Bressanone


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: Bressanone Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Hydra 26
    Bressanone 23

Is it cheaper to fly into Hydra or Bressanone?

Prices for flights to both Bressanone 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
    Bressanone 47

Typical Food Prices in Bressanone

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


  • Gelato
    2.20

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Hydra 11
    Bressanone 20

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Hydra 11
    Bressanone 26

Typical Alcohol Prices in Bressanone

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Bressanone:


  • 1/2 Litre of wine
    9.00
  • 2 Glasses of Wine
    7.00


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


Which is Bigger, Hydra or Bressanone?

Bressanone has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Hydra. When comparing the sizes of Hydra and Bressanone, 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.