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

Should you visit Hydra or Caltagirone?

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

Should I visit Hydra or Caltagirone? 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.

Caltagirone

Caltagirone is a charming, quaint, and friendly city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for food, shopping, and museums.

Hydra and Caltagirone: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hydra or Caltagirone?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Hydra than Caltagirone, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Hydra is more touristy than Caltagirone 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. Caltagirone is well known for its pottery and ceramic industry as well as the Scalinata di Santa Maria del Monte staircase.

How is Hydra different from Caltagirone?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Hydra is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Caltagirone 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.

Caltagirone is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Many visitors come to see the famed Scalinata di Santa Maria del Monte, which is a 142 step staircase that connects the upper and lower parts of the city. The staircase highlights the city's ceramic and pottery industry, as every step is decorated with tiles.

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

Foodies will find both Hydra and Caltagirone 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.

Caltagirone has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are some great local restaurants that serve seafood and other local specialties.

Is Hydra or Caltagirone Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Hydra or Caltagirone 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.

Caltagirone doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. Many people visit as a day trip and the town isn't known for its nightlife scene.

Is Hydra or Caltagirone Better for Resorts?

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

Caltagirone is not a resort destination.

Is Hydra or Caltagirone Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Hydra is a island with good options for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Caltagirone 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.

Caltagirone is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Hydra or Caltagirone Better for Beaches?

Hydra is a island with good options for the beach. However, Caltagirone 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.

Caltagirone is not a beach destination.

Is Hydra or Caltagirone Better for its Old Town?

Hydra is well known for its historic old town charm. Also, Caltagirone is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town.

Hydra is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. 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.

Caltagirone is a good destination for visiting its old town. It is known for its pottery and ceramics, which have been incorporated into many of the architectural elements around town.

Is Hydra or Caltagirone Better for Hiking?

Hydra is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Caltagirone 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.

Caltagirone is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hydra or Caltagirone?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Caltagirone 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.

Caltagirone is well-known for its shopping. Pottery and ceramic shopping is a highlight of a visit to town.

Is Hydra or Caltagirone Better for Families?

Hydra is well known for its family-friendly activities. However, Caltagirone is not particularly known 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, Caltagirone is not always the best place to visit. Kids may enjoy running up and down the famous Scalinata di Santa Maria del Monte staircase. The town also hosts some fun festivals throughout the year, and if you're traveling with kids, these would be the times to visit.

Is Hydra or Caltagirone Better for Couples?

Hydra is terrific for couples. Also, Caltagirone 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.

Caltagirone is a nice destination for couples. Pottery shopping and exploring the town make this a nice option for a day trip or overnight visit.

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

Caltagirone 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 Caltagirone, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Buses travel in and out of town.

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

Is Hydra or Caltagirone a more walkable city?

Hydra is terrific for its ease of walking around. Also, Caltagirone 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.

Caltagirone is somewhat walkable. Parts of the town are steep, but many people choose to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Caltagirone or Hydra?

How long in Hydra or Caltagirone?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Hydra or Caltagirone 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 Caltagirone. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Hydra than Caltagirone. 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 Caltagirone. 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 Caltagirone 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 Caltagirone?

Hydra is a small town with plenty to do. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this island has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

In Caltagirone, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this charming 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 Caltagirone?

Hydra might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This island offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

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

Because Hydra is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

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

A week in Hydra or Caltagirone?

Since Hydra is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most visitors spend time around the old town 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 charming destination of Caltagirone. 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in Italy, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Italy.

When comparing the travel costs between Hydra and Caltagirone, 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 Caltagirone Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Hydra or Caltagirone?

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

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 Caltagirone in the Summer?

Both Caltagirone and Hydra are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Hydra in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Caltagirone for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Hydra is generally around the same temperature as Caltagirone. Daily temperatures in Hydra average around 27°C (81°F), and Caltagirone fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

It's quite sunny in Caltagirone. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hydra. Hydra usually receives more sunshine than Caltagirone during summer. Hydra gets 357 hours of sunny skies, while Caltagirone receives 325 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Hydra usually receives more rain than Caltagirone. Hydra gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Caltagirone receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Hydra or Caltagirone in the Autumn?

Both Caltagirone and Hydra during the autumn are popular places to visit. 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. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Caltagirone because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Hydra is around the same temperature as Caltagirone in the autumn. The daily temperature in Hydra averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Caltagirone fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).

It's quite sunny in Hydra. In the autumn, Hydra often gets more sunshine than Caltagirone. Hydra gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Caltagirone receives 189 hours of full sun.

Hydra usually gets less rain in October than Caltagirone. Hydra gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Caltagirone receives 75 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hydra or Caltagirone in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Hydra and Caltagirone. The winter months attract visitors to Hydra because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Caltagirone this time of year.

In the winter, Hydra is around the same temperature as Caltagirone. Typically, the winter temperatures in Hydra in January average around 10°C (51°F), and Caltagirone averages at about 10°C (51°F).

Hydra usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Caltagirone during winter. Hydra gets 143 hours of sunny skies, while Caltagirone receives 153 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Hydra usually receives less rain than Caltagirone. Hydra gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Caltagirone receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Hydra or Caltagirone in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Hydra as well as Caltagirone. The beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Hydra this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Caltagirone for the natural beauty.

In April, Hydra is generally around the same temperature as Caltagirone. Daily temperatures in Hydra average around 16°C (60°F), and Caltagirone fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Caltagirone. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hydra this time of the year. In the spring, Hydra often gets more sunshine than Caltagirone. Hydra gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Caltagirone receives 204 hours of full sun.

Hydra usually gets less rain in April than Caltagirone. Hydra gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Caltagirone receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Caltagirone and Hydra