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

Should you visit Hydra or Calais?

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

Should I visit Hydra or Calais? 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.

Calais

Calais is a authentic, undiscovered, and coastal city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for beaches, shopping, and museums.

Hydra and Calais: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hydra or Calais?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Hydra than Calais, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Hydra is better known for its museums, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, historical sights, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Calais is more popular for its nightlife and big city activities. Hydra is more touristy than Calais 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. Calais is well known for being a gateway for travelers to France.

How is Hydra different from Calais?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Hydra is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

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.

Calais is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. It's a port city with a few good museums and landmarks to see. Check out the Town Hall, Burghers of Calais, La Cité de la Dentelle et de la Mode, and Musée de la Guerre de Calais, as well as the Calais Lighthouse.

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

Foodies will find both Hydra and Calais both to be notable destinations.

Hydra offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. 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.

Calais has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. The region is known for its mackerel, andouillette sausage, and endive and ham gratin. If you're passing through, this is also a good place to stock up on wine and cheese.

Is Hydra or Calais Better for Nightlife?

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

Calais has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. You'll find bars and pubs around town as well as a few clubs. Places range from trendy and high end to local dive bars.

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 Calais Better for Resorts?

Hydra is a popular place for its resorts. However, Calais 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.

Calais is not a resort destination.

Is Hydra or Calais Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Hydra is a popular place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Calais 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.

Calais is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Hydra or Calais Better for Beaches?

For a relaxing beach holiday, both Hydra and Calais are notable choices.

Hydra is a good option for a beach vacation. 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.

Many people head to Calais to enjoy the beach. There are some sandy beaches near town that have nice stretches of sand and plenty of sand dunes. Many locals enjoy sunbathing at the beaches.

Is Hydra or Calais Better for its Old Town?

Hydra is well known for its historic old town charm. However, Calais 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.

Calais does not have a historic old town.

Is Hydra or Calais Better for Hiking?

Hydra is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Calais is not a hiking destination.

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.

Calais is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hydra or Calais?

Hydra is well known for its shopping areas. Also, Calais 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 Calais. Many visitors stock up on wine and cheese when they're passing through. It's common to head straight to Auchan or Carrefour to stock up on some items.

Is Hydra or Calais Better for Families?

Hydra is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Calais offers lots of family activities. There's the Nausicaa Aquarium, the Museum of the Atlantic Wall, and the Second World War Museum. There are also beaches and parks to explore as well as some nice playgrounds.

Is Hydra or Calais Better for Couples?

Hydra is a must-visit destination for couples. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

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.

Calais is a nice destination for couples. Couples can picnic with wine and cheese or eat their way through the town's great restaurants. There are also some nice beaches where people enjoy sunbathing or relaxing.

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

Calais 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 Calais, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The city has 13 bus lines that run through town and into the surrounding areas. If you're arriving by ferry from the UK, there are shuttle buses that connect the ferry terminal to the train station.

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

Is Hydra or Calais a more walkable city?

Hydra is a must-visit destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Calais 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.

Calais is somewhat walkable. Parts of the town are more walkable than others.

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

Should I spend more time in Calais or Hydra?

How long in Hydra or Calais?

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

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

One day in Hydra or Calais?

Hydra might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

In Calais, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this authentic destination offers. This city 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 Calais?

Hydra is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hydra. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

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

A week in Hydra or Calais?

Hydra is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

You'll find food and shopping around the coastal destination of Calais. 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 Budget Tours to France, and The Best Tours for Seniors to France.

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

Which is Bigger, Hydra or Calais?

Calais has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Hydra. When comparing the sizes of Hydra and Calais, 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 Calais?

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 Calais in the Summer?

Both Calais and Hydra are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Hydra because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Calais this time of year.

In July, Hydra is generally much warmer than Calais. Daily temperatures in Hydra average around 27°C (81°F), and Calais fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

It's quite sunny in Calais. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hydra. Hydra usually receives more sunshine than Calais during summer. Hydra gets 357 hours of sunny skies, while Calais receives 212 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Hydra usually receives less rain than Calais. Hydra gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Calais receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Hydra or Calais in the Autumn?

Both Calais and Hydra during the autumn are popular places to visit. 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. Furthermore, many travelers come to Calais for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Hydra is much warmer than Calais in the autumn. The daily temperature in Hydra averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Calais fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

It's quite sunny in Hydra. In the autumn, Hydra often gets more sunshine than Calais. Hydra gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Calais receives 119 hours of full sun.

Hydra usually gets less rain in October than Calais. Hydra gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Calais receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hydra or Calais in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Hydra and Calais. Many travelers come to Hydra for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Calais in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Calais can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Hydra is much warmer than Calais. Typically, the winter temperatures in Hydra in January average around 10°C (51°F), and Calais averages at about 4°C (40°F).

Hydra usually receives more sunshine than Calais during winter. Hydra gets 143 hours of sunny skies, while Calais receives 57 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Hydra usually receives around the same amount of rain as Calais. Hydra gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Calais receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Hydra or Calais in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Hydra as well as Calais. Many visitors come to Hydra in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Additionally, most visitors come to Calais for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months.

In April, Hydra is generally much warmer than Calais. Daily temperatures in Hydra average around 16°C (60°F), and Calais fluctuates around 9°C (47°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hydra this time of the year. In the spring, Hydra often gets more sunshine than Calais. Hydra gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Calais receives 162 hours of full sun.

Hydra usually gets less rain in April than Calais. Hydra gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Calais receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Calais and Hydra