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

Should you visit Hydra or Caen?

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

Should I visit Hydra or Caen? 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. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Caen

Caen is a historic, park-filled, and important city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for nightlife, food, and museums.

Hydra and Caen: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hydra or Caen?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Hydra. Although Hydra and Caen are both popular with visitors, Hydra has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Hydra is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Caen is known for its food, nightlife, and big city activities. Hydra is more touristy than Caen and is popular for its picturesque setting, car-free setting, and beautiful old town. It is also home to The Monastery of the Assumption of Virgin Mary. Caen is popular for its role in World War II and its memorials and historical buildings.

How is Hydra different from Caen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Both Hydra and Caen 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 Caen specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. There are many monuments around town commemorating the city's long history. You'll want to see Château de Caen, Pegasus Bridge, Mémorial de Caen, Musée de Normandie, and Musée des beaux-arts de Caen.

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

Caen 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, Caen makes for a great culinary experience. There's a market that's at its best on Sundays where you'll find fresh produce and other local ingredients. There are also Michelin starred restaurants, seafood restaurants, and other traditional dishes. Head to the Vaugueux Quarter for traditional dishes.

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 Caen Better for Nightlife?

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

Caen has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The nightlife scene stays active thanks to the 30,000 students living in town. Head to the Rue Ecuyère for a pub crawl or hit up any of the other bars around 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 Caen Better for Resorts?

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

Hydra has a handful of resorts to choose from. It's a popular day trip destination, but if you stay for a night or two, you'll find boutique hotels and charming pensions.

Caen is not a resort destination.

Is Hydra or Caen Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Hydra is a good destination for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Caen 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.

Caen is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Hydra or Caen Better for Beaches?

Hydra is a good destination for its beaches. However, Caen 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.

Caen is not a beach destination.

Is Hydra or Caen Better for its Old Town?

Hydra is a very popular place for its historic old town. However, Caen does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see 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.

Caen does not have a historic old town.

Is Hydra or Caen Better for Hiking?

Hydra is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Caen 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.

Caen is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hydra or Caen?

Hydra is a very popular place for shopping. However, Caen is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Hydra. Charming shops fill the town and sell local items such as handmade jewelry and traditional embroideries.

Caen is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Hydra or Caen Better for Families?

Hydra is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Caen is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Hydra is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Caen. There are museums, parks, monasteries, and castles that kids and adults alike with enjoy visiting.

Is Hydra or Caen Better for Couples?

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

Hydra is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. 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.

Caen makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples that are fascinated by history will enjoy a visit to this town in Normandy. There are also abbeys, castles and parks.

Is Hydra or Caen Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Caen. You'll find more apartments and bed and breakfasts than hostels in town, but backpackers still make their way here.

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

Caen is a great destination for its public transit. However, Hydra is a island with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Caen. There are buses and trams that travel throughout the city.

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

Is Hydra or Caen a more walkable city?

Hydra is renowned for its walkability. Also, Caen is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

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.

Caen is a somewhat walkable place. The city center is best explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Caen or Hydra?

How long in Hydra or Caen?

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

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

One day in Hydra or Caen?

Hydra is a small town where visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

In Caen, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this important 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 Caen?

Hydra is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

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

Hydra is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. This island offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

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

A week in Hydra or Caen?

Because Hydra is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week 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.

You'll find nightlife and food around the important destination of Caen. 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 10-Day Tours in France, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France.

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

Which is Bigger, Hydra or Caen?

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

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 Caen in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Hydra as well as Caen. 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 Caen because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Hydra is much warmer than Caen in the summer. The daily temperature in Hydra averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Caen fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Caen. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hydra this time of the year. In the summer, Hydra often gets more sunshine than Caen. Hydra gets 357 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Caen receives 227 hours of full sun.

Hydra usually gets less rain in July than Caen. Hydra gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Caen receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hydra or Caen in the Autumn?

Both Caen and Hydra are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. 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 city's sights and attractions are the main draw to Caen this time of year.

In the autumn, Hydra is much warmer than Caen. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Hydra in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Caen averages at about 12°C (54°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hydra. Hydra usually receives more sunshine than Caen during autumn. Hydra gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Caen receives 128 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Hydra usually receives less rain than Caen. Hydra gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Caen receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Hydra or Caen in the Winter?

Both Caen and Hydra during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Hydra this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Caen for the museums and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Caen. In January, Hydra is generally much warmer than Caen. Daily temperatures in Hydra average around 10°C (51°F), and Caen fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Hydra often gets more sunshine than Caen. Hydra gets 143 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Caen receives 70 hours of full sun.

Hydra usually gets less rain in January than Caen. Hydra gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Caen receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hydra or Caen in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Hydra and Caen. Many travelers come to Hydra for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Caen in the spring for the activities around the city.

Hydra is much warmer than Caen in the spring. The daily temperature in Hydra averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Caen fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).

In Hydra, it's very sunny this time of the year. Hydra usually receives more sunshine than Caen during spring. Hydra gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Caen receives 171 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Hydra usually receives less rain than Caen. Hydra gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Caen receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Caen and Hydra