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

Should you visit Hydra or Chartres?

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

Should I visit Hydra or Chartres? 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 picturesque, charming, and accessible island. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. 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.

Chartres

Chartres is a historic, grand, and spectacular town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. It's also known for food and museums.

Hydra and Chartres: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hydra or Chartres?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Hydra. Although Hydra and Chartres are popular destinations, Hydra has more sights and attractions for tourists. Hydra is more touristy than Chartres and is popular 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. Chartres is famous for its beautiful cathedral and long running history.

How is Hydra different from Chartres?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Hydra is great for its historical sights. Also, Chartres is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its sights and museums.

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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Chartres. Most visitors make the trip to see the spectacular Gothic cathedral, Cathédrale Notre-Dame. It was completed in 1220 and is famous for its beautiful stained glass windows.

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

Foodies will find both Hydra and Chartres both to be nice 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.

Chartres has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are a number of restaurants around town so it's easy to grab lunch during a day trip.

Is Hydra or Chartres Better for Nightlife?

Hydra is adequate for nightlife and partying. However, Chartres is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

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.

Chartres is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Hydra or Chartres Better for Resorts?

Hydra is a popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Chartres 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.

Chartres is not a resort destination.

Is Hydra or Chartres Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Hydra is a popular place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Chartres 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.

Chartres is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Hydra or Chartres Better for Beaches?

Hydra is a popular place for the beache. However, Chartres is not a beach destination.

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.

Chartres is not a beach destination.

Is Hydra or Chartres Better for its Old Town?

Hydra is great for its old town. However, Chartres 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.

Chartres does not have a historic old town.

Is Hydra or Chartres Better for Hiking?

Hydra is great for hiking. However, Chartres is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Hydra for the hiking trails. 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.

Chartres is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hydra or Chartres?

Hydra is great for its shopping opportunities. However, Chartres is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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

Chartres is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Hydra or Chartres Better for Families?

Hydra is great for its kid-friendly activities. However, Chartres is not a good destination 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.

Chartres is not the most family-friendly destination. The main attraction in town is the cathedral, but the surrounding area is also filled with history. This may not keep your kids entertained for long, so you can also check out the Stained Glass Museum, La Tanière (a zoo), or one of the parks around town.

Is Hydra or Chartres Better for Couples?

Hydra is a must-visit destination for its romantic activities. Also, Chartres is not as popular, but is still a nice town for couples.

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.

Chartres is a good island for couples to visit. With its cathedral and rich history, many couples enjoy exploring the town. It is filled with history and interesting sights.

Is Hydra or Chartres Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Chartres. It's easy enough to visit as a day trip from Paris, so backpackers and other tourists typically allow themselves a few hours to explore.

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

Chartres 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 Chartres. There are trains that leave Paris Montparnasse 1 Et 2 every half hour and travel to Chartres. The trip takes about 1 hour 15 minutes.

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

Is Hydra or Chartres a more walkable city?

Hydra is a must-visit destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Chartres is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its ease of walking around.

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

Chartres is a very walkable destination. It's easy to see the sights around town on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Chartres or Hydra?

How long in Hydra or Chartres?

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

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

Hydra is a small town where visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Chartres, many people enjoy the food and museums that this spectacular destination offers. This town 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 Chartres?

Hydra is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this island makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Hydra, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

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

Hydra is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

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

A week in Hydra or Chartres?

Hydra is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This island offers something for everyone.

You'll find museums and food around the historic destination of Chartres. 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 Vineyard & Wine Tours in France, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in France.

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

Which is Bigger, Hydra or Chartres?

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

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 Chartres in the Summer?

Both Chartres and Hydra during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Hydra because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Chartres this time of year.

In the summer, Hydra is a little warmer than Chartres. Typically, the summer temperatures in Hydra in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Chartres averages at about 20°C (68°F).

In Chartres, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Hydra. In the summer, Hydra often gets more sunshine than Chartres. Hydra gets 357 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chartres receives 239 hours of full sun.

Hydra usually gets less rain in July than Chartres. Hydra gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hydra or Chartres in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Hydra and Chartres. 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 Chartres for the small town atmosphere.

In October, Hydra is generally a little warmer than Chartres. Daily temperatures in Hydra average around 19°C (67°F), and Chartres fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In Hydra, it's very sunny this time of the year. Hydra usually receives more sunshine than Chartres during autumn. Hydra gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Chartres receives 126 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Hydra usually receives more rain than Chartres. Hydra gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Hydra or Chartres in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Hydra as well as Chartres. Many travelers come to Hydra for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, many visitors come to Chartres in the winter for the museums and the cuisine.

Chartres can get quite cold in the winter. Hydra is much warmer than Chartres in the winter. The daily temperature in Hydra averages around 10°C (51°F) in January, and Chartres fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).

In the winter, Hydra often gets more sunshine than Chartres. Hydra gets 143 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Chartres receives 56 hours of full sun.

Hydra usually gets less rain in January than Chartres. Hydra gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hydra or Chartres in the Spring?

Both Chartres and Hydra are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Hydra in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Chartres for the small town charm during these months.

In the spring, Hydra is a little warmer than Chartres. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hydra in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Chartres averages at about 11°C (52°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hydra. Hydra usually receives more sunshine than Chartres during spring. Hydra gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Chartres receives 173 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Hydra usually receives less rain than Chartres. Hydra gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Chartres receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Chartres and Hydra