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

Should you visit Hydra or Catania?

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

Should I visit Hydra or Catania? 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 charming, accessible, and quaint island. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and food.

Catania

Catania is a youthful, fun, and historic port city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches.

Hydra and Catania: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hydra or Catania?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Catania. Although Hydra and Catania are popular destinations, Catania has more sights and attractions for tourists. Catania is very popular for its food, nightlife, and big city activities, while Hydra attracts visitors for its museums, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, historical sights, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Hydra is famous for its picturesque setting, car-free setting, and beautiful old town. Catania is famous for its fun nightlife scene, many beaches, and easy access to Mt. Etna. It is also well known for Mount Etna.

How is Hydra different from Catania?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Hydra is notable for its sights and museums. Also, Catania is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its museums and history.

Many visitors head to Hydra specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Catania. There are many examples of beautiful architecture around town including Basilica Cattedrale Sant'Agata and Monastero dei Benedettini. You can also visit Castello Ursino. The main square in town is Piazza del Duomo.

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

Catania is a world-class destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Hydra is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

For foodies, Catania is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The city's food scene is excellent. Dishes are influenced by both the sea and the land, and you'll find a large and popular street food setting. If you're sampling the street food, make sure you try the arancino (rice balls). Pasta dishes are also popular and many use a variety of cheeses. You'll also find plenty of fresh vegetables incorporated into many 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 Catania Better for Nightlife?

Catania is a great destination for nightlife. However, Hydra is a island with minimal options for nightlife and partying.

The people in Catania know how to have a good time. The city has a reputation for its great nightlife scene that spreads beyond Sicily. The large student population and popularity with tourists mean you can find a party most nights of the week. There are many bars and clubs to check out, many of which are found in the old town center.

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 Catania Better for Resorts?

Hydra is very good for its resorts. However, Catania is not a resort destination.

With a selection of resorts, Hydra makes a nice vacation spot. It's a popular day trip destination, but if you stay for a night or two, you'll find boutique hotels and charming pensions.

Catania is not a resort destination.

Is Hydra or Catania Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Hydra is very good for its diving and snorkeling. However, Catania is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in Hydra. There are some snorkeling spots around the island - most notably Bisti Beach, which is pebbly and has some interesting sea life.

Catania is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Hydra or Catania Better for Beaches?

For a relaxing beach holiday, both Hydra and Catania are nice 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 Catania to enjoy the beach. The best time to visit the beach is between April and October. There are sandy beaches to the south of town that span a few kilometers and beaches to the north tend to be rocky. Many beaches are also accessible by public transit.

Is Hydra or Catania Better for its Old Town?

Hydra is notable for its old town. Also, Catania is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its historic old town charm.

There is a nice variety of sights 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.

Catania has an old town worth visiting. The old town is a bit small. At its center is Piazza Duomo and you'll find many activities and attractions in the area.

Is Hydra or Catania Better for Hiking?

If you're looking to go hiking, Hydra and Catania both have great 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 Catania for the hiking trails. Many people visit Mt. Etna as a day trip. You can take the bus to Sapienza Refuge to begin your climb. While it's a doable hike for many people, it can be steep and requires some determination. Unless you're a very experienced hiker, a guide is a must as the trail disappears for large sections. There are also buses and cable cars that take people up sections of the mountain.

Is the Shopping Better in Hydra or Catania?

Hydra is notable for its shopping opportunities. Also, Catania is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its shopping areas.

Hydra is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Charming shops fill the town and sell local items such as handmade jewelry and traditional embroideries.

Catania has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The city has a number of shopping malls where you can pick up anything you may need or might have forgotten. Check out Catania Shopping Center or Etnapolis.

Is Hydra or Catania Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Hydra or Catania.

Hydra is 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.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Catania is very family-friendly. There's a toy museum as well as the Polo Tactile Multimedia Museum which kids and adults alike will enjoy. A highlight of a visit to the city is a trip up Mt. Etna, which can be done either by hiking, bus, or cable car. The city also has many plazas, gardens, and parks that kids will enjoy exploring. Another fun activity is to spend the day at the beach.

Is Hydra or Catania Better for Couples?

Hydra is very popular for its romantic activities. Also, Catania is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for couples.

For those traveling as a couple, Hydra 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.

Catania is a good island for couples to visit. With interesting architecture, a pleasant urban beach, and plenty of outdoor space, this is a nice couples destination.

Is Hydra or Catania Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Catania is a great destination for backpackers. However, Hydra is a island with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Catania. There's a large number of hostels around town and the city is generally affordable, so backpackers often enjoy spending some time here. There's also a great social scene.

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 Catania Better for Students?

Catania is a great destination for students. However, Hydra is not popular with students.

Catania is a very popular port city for students and younger travelers. This is a university town with a very social atmosphere. Students love the wide variety of activities around town as well as the frequent night time parties.

Hydra is not popular with students.

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

Catania 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 Catania. There are many buses around town that offer access to most places. If you drove you can park and take Line 504M to the historic center. You can also take a bus from Piazza Giovanni XXIII to Rifugio Sapienza if you're going to Mt. Etna. It leaves every morning at 8:15 and returns at 4:30 in the afternoon. The city also has a metro, which has one line and ten stops.

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

Is Hydra or Catania a more walkable city?

Hydra is very popular for its high level of walkability. Also, Catania is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its ease of walking around.

It is easy to get around Hydra on foot. The entire island is car-free and everything that you want to visit is close together and easy to explore on foot.

Catania is a very walkable destination. Many of the city's main sights are close together in the center of town, making them easy to access on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Catania or Hydra?

How long in Hydra or Catania?

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

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

One day in Hydra or Catania?

Hydra is a small town with plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This island offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

In Catania, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this lively destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Lots of people come for the food. This port 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 Catania?

Hydra might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Hydra has to offer.

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

Hydra is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Catania is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Catania. Lots of people come for the food. 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.

A week in Hydra or Catania?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hydra. Since Hydra is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

You'll find food and shopping around the historic destination of Catania. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the food. 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 Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy, and The Best Walking Tours in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Hydra or Catania?

Catania has a larger population, and is about 140 times larger than the population of Hydra. When comparing the sizes of Hydra and Catania, 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 Catania?

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 Catania in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Hydra and Catania. The beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Hydra this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Catania for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Hydra is around the same temperature as Catania. Typically, the summer temperatures in Hydra in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Catania averages at about 26°C (79°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Catania this time of the year. In Hydra, it's very sunny this time of the year. Hydra usually receives more sunshine than Catania during summer. Hydra gets 357 hours of sunny skies, while Catania receives 325 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Hydra usually receives around the same amount of rain as Catania. Hydra gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Catania receives 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Hydra or Catania in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Hydra as well as Catania. Many travelers come to Hydra for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, many visitors come to Catania in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene.

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hydra this time of the year. In the autumn, Hydra often gets more sunshine than Catania. Hydra gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Catania receives 189 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Catania. Hydra usually gets less rain in October than Catania. Hydra gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Catania receives 128 mm (5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hydra or Catania in the Winter?

Both Catania and Hydra are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Hydra in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Catania for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

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

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

In January, Hydra usually receives less rain than Catania. Hydra gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Catania receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Hydra or Catania in the Spring?

Both Catania and Hydra during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Hydra for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Catania because of the beaches and the activities around the city.

In the spring, Hydra is around the same temperature as Catania. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hydra in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Catania averages at about 15°C (58°F).

In Catania, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Hydra. In the spring, Hydra often gets more sunshine than Catania. Hydra gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Catania receives 204 hours of full sun.

Hydra usually gets less rain in April than Catania. Hydra gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Catania receives 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Catania and Hydra