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

Should you visit Hydra or Cefalu?

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

Should I visit Hydra or Cefalu? 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. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

Cefalu

Cefalu is a historic, touristy, and charming fishing village. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It's also known for food, beaches, and hiking.

Hydra and Cefalu: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hydra or Cefalu?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Hydra. Although Hydra and Cefalu are popular destinations, Hydra has more sights and attractions for tourists. Hydra is very popular for its museums, scuba diving & snorkeling, hiking, and shopping, while Cefalu attracts visitors for its food, resorts, beaches, and impressive beauty. Hydra is famous for its picturesque setting, car-free setting, and beautiful old town. It is also well known for The Monastery of the Assumption of Virgin Mary. Cefalu is famous for its beautiful blue waters, relaxing atmosphere, and great local food.

How is Hydra different from Cefalu?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Hydra is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Cefalu is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around 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.

Cefalu offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Most visitors spend their time on the beach or getting lost in the town's charm, but if you're looking for specific sights and museums you can check out the Cathedral, Museo Mandralisca, or Tempio di Diana.

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

Cefalu 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, Cefalu makes for a great culinary experience. Despite being a popular tourist hot spot, there are still charming restaurants around town that serve up local dishes made with local ingredients. Many seaside restaurants have a charming atmosphere and a unique Sicilian flare.

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 Cefalu Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Hydra or Cefalu 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.

Cefalu doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. The town is small and mellow without a huge party scene. There are some beach resorts with bars and clubs attached where you can enjoy a drink by the water.

Is Hydra or Cefalu Better for Resorts?

Cefalu is a great destination for its resorts. Also, Hydra is still popular, but not quite as popular for its luxury resorts.

Cefalu is known as a popular and fun resort destination. There's a wide range of resorts to choose from including Club Med and even a nature hotel.

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.

Is Hydra or Cefalu Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Hydra is a good destination for its diving and snorkeling. However, Cefalu 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.

Cefalu is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Hydra or Cefalu Better for Beaches?

Cefalu is a great destination for its beaches. Also, Hydra is still popular, but not quite as popular for the beache.

Cefalu is considered a top beach destination. The town has nice beaches with good swimming and kayaking opportunities. Some of the beaches can get quite crowded but the water is blue and the views are nice. Some of the best beaches near town include Cefalu Beach, Kalura Beach, and Lido Angeli Del Mare.

Many people head to Hydra to enjoy the beach. 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.

Is Hydra or Cefalu Better for its Old Town?

It's fun to wander around the superb old towns in both Hydra and Cefalu.

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 Cefalu. The town is charming and small, making it a nice place to explore.

Is Hydra or Cefalu Better for Hiking?

Hydra is a very popular place for its hiking trails. Also, Cefalu is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

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.

Cefalu is a good destination for hiking. There are a few walking trails outside of town but the most popular is hiking to the top of La Rocca. It's at least an hours walk to the top but from there you can enjoy one of the best views of the harbor.

Is the Shopping Better in Hydra or Cefalu?

Hydra is a very popular place for its shopping opportunities. However, Cefalu is lacking in good options for its shopping areas.

Hydra is well-known for its shopping. Charming shops fill the town and sell local items such as handmade jewelry and traditional embroideries.

Cefalu has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. It's a small, touristy town, so shopping isn't the main attraction. There are some interesting shops that are fun to pop into though.

Is Hydra or Cefalu Better for Families?

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

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Hydra is very family-friendly. 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 Cefalu. Kids will enjoy beach time or wandering down the promenade, Lungomare. You can swim or simply relax by the water. Another fun activity is to climb the nearby mountain of La Rocca. The kids might even spot a local animal.

Is Hydra or Cefalu Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Hydra and Cefalu make for a amazing place to visit.

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.

For those traveling as a couple, Cefalu has plenty to offer. It's natural beauty and Italian atmosphere make this a perfect couples destination. There are water activities for the adventurous as well as beautiful beaches and great restaurants.

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

Hydra is a decent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Cefalu is lacking in good options for its public transit.

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

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Cefalu. Public transit is limited but taxis are a good alternative for getting out of town and into the surrounding areas.

Is Hydra or Cefalu a more walkable city?

Hydra is a world-class destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Cefalu is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

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.

Cefalu is a very walkable destination. The town is small enough to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Cefalu or Hydra?

How long in Hydra or Cefalu?

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

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

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 Cefalu, many people enjoy the food that this charming small town offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This fishing village 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 Cefalu?

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 Cefalu. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town 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 Cefalu?

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.

Cefalu is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the food when visiting the small town destination of Cefalu. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Hydra or Cefalu?

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 around the historic small town of Cefalu. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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 Adventure Tours to Italy, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Hydra or Cefalu?

Cefalu has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Hydra. When comparing the sizes of Hydra and Cefalu, 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 Cefalu?

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 Cefalu in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Hydra as well as Cefalu. 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 Cefalu because of the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cefalu. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hydra this time of the year. In the summer, Hydra often gets more sunshine than Cefalu. Hydra gets 357 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cefalu receives 325 hours of full sun.

Hydra usually gets more rain in July than Cefalu. Hydra gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Cefalu receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hydra or Cefalu in the Autumn?

Both Cefalu 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 hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Cefalu this time of year.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hydra. Hydra usually receives more sunshine than Cefalu during autumn. Hydra gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Cefalu receives 189 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Hydra usually receives less rain than Cefalu. Hydra gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Cefalu receives 75 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Hydra or Cefalu in the Winter?

Both Cefalu 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 Cefalu for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

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

In the winter, Hydra often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Cefalu. Hydra gets 143 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cefalu receives 153 hours of full sun.

Hydra usually gets less rain in January than Cefalu. Hydra gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Cefalu receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hydra or Cefalu in the Spring?

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

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cefalu this time of the year. In Hydra, it's very sunny this time of the year. Hydra usually receives more sunshine than Cefalu during spring. Hydra gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Cefalu receives 204 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Hydra usually receives less rain than Cefalu. Hydra gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Cefalu receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Cefalu and Hydra