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

Should you visit Hydra or Como?

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

Should I visit Hydra or Como? 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. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Como

Como is a fun, vibrant, and scenic lake area. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It's also known for beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Hydra and Como: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hydra or Como?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Hydra than Como, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Hydra is better known for its museums, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, historical sights, and small town charm, while Como is more popular for its food, nightlife, shopping, and impressive beauty. Como is more touristy than Hydra and is popular for its long-running history as a resort retreat for upscale travelers. Hydra is well 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.

How is Hydra different from Como?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Hydra is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Como is lacking in options for its museums and landmarks.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Hydra can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

Como offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Most people visit for the lakeside setting, but there's history throughout, with notable buildings including the Duomo, Museo Civico, and Basilica di Sant'Abbondio.

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

Como 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, Como is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The area has its own style of Italian food. Polenta is one of the most popular dishes and it's usually served with meat, fish, or cheese. You can also enjoy several different types of fish such as misultitt (dried fish), salmon trout, pike, bleak, lavarello, and perch.

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 Como Better for Nightlife?

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

Como has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. It is more known for its glamour and sophistication than its raging party scene. There are fine dining restaurants where you can sip wine and enjoy the view. There are also theaters and jazz clubs that offer a relaxing vibe and a nice night out.

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 Como Better for Resorts?

Hydra is a nice place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Como 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.

Como is not a resort destination.

Is Hydra or Como Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Hydra is a nice place to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Como is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Hydra has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. There are some snorkeling spots around the island - most notably Bisti Beach, which is pebbly and has some interesting sea life.

Como is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Hydra or Como Better for Beaches?

For a relaxing beach holiday, both Hydra and Como 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 Como to enjoy the beach. You'll find lakeside beaches where you can relax, sunbath, or swim. Many are affiliated with clubs and the atmosphere is often trendy and upscale. Don't expect a secluded and natural setting, but there are often nice restaurants nearby.

Is Hydra or Como Better for its Old Town?

Hydra is an excellent place to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Como does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Hydra to see the historical old town. 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.

Como does not have a historic old town.

Is Hydra or Como Better for Hiking?

If you're looking to go hiking, Hydra and Como both have very good 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 Como for the hiking trails. There's a wide variety of hiking trails in the area that take you through the mountains or along the water's edge. One of the most popular trails is the Greenway del Lago di Como.

Is the Shopping Better in Hydra or Como?

Como is a world-class destination for shopping. Also, Hydra is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Como is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. The shopping is comparable to major cities, with everything from high end boutiques to outlets and local markets. There are clothing shops, jewelry stores, and places to pick up local souvenirs. Shopping is a favorite activity for many visitors to Lake Como.

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

Is Hydra or Como Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Hydra or Como.

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, Como is very family-friendly. It has parks and gardens to explore, as well as Vezio Castle and many nice walking trails. A highlight for many kids is a visit to Lake Como Adventure Park.

Is Hydra or Como Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Hydra and Como make for a fantastic 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, Como has plenty to offer. Its beautiful walks, charming towns, and surrounding natural setting make this a great honeymoon and couple's getaway destination. Dine on Italian cuisine as you sip wine and look out on the pristine waters of Lake Como.

Is Hydra or Como Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Como 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 Como. It's a popular destination with all types of travelers, so you'll find a decent selection of hostels to choose from, and a number of other backpackers around to hang out with.

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

Como 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 Como, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses, ferries, and a funicular that travel to different towns around the lake.

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

Is Hydra or Como a more walkable city?

Hydra is renowned for its ease of walking around. Also, Como is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

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.

Como is very walkable. The entire area is very walkable and you'll enjoy many great views during your stroll.

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

Should I spend more time in Como or Hydra?

How long in Hydra or Como?

It's fun to spend time in either Hydra or Como. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Como due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Hydra, and 2-4 days is enough time in Como.

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

One day in Hydra or Como?

Hydra is a small town where visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

In Como, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this trendy destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. This lake area offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Hydra or Como?

Hydra is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

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

Hydra is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. This island offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Como is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Como. 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 Como?

Because Hydra is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week 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.

You'll find nightlife and food around the scenic destination of Como. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 from Rome, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Rome.

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

Which is Bigger, Hydra or Como?

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

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 Como in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Hydra as well as Como. Many travelers come to Hydra for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Como in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Hydra is generally a little warmer than Como. Daily temperatures in Hydra average around 27°C (81°F), and Como fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Como. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hydra this time of the year. In the summer, Hydra often gets more sunshine than Como. Hydra gets 357 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Como receives 250 hours of full sun.

Hydra usually gets less rain in July than Como. Hydra gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Como receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hydra or Como in the Autumn?

Both Como and Hydra are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Hydra in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Como for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Hydra is a little warmer than Como in the autumn. The daily temperature in Hydra averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Como fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hydra. Hydra usually receives more sunshine than Como during autumn. Hydra gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Como receives 152 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Como. In October, Hydra usually receives less rain than Como. Hydra gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Como receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Hydra or Como in the Winter?

Both Como and Hydra during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Hydra for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Como because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Como can be very cold. In the winter, Hydra is much warmer than Como. Typically, the winter temperatures in Hydra in January average around 10°C (51°F), and Como averages at about 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Hydra often gets more sunshine than Como. Hydra gets 143 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Como receives 119 hours of full sun.

Hydra usually gets less rain in January than Como. Hydra gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Como receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hydra or Como in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Hydra and Como. The spring months attract visitors to Hydra because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Como this time of year.

In April, Hydra is generally a little warmer than Como. Daily temperatures in Hydra average around 16°C (60°F), and Como fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In Hydra, it's very sunny this time of the year. Hydra usually receives more sunshine than Como during spring. Hydra gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Como receives 176 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Hydra usually receives less rain than Como. Hydra gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Como receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Como and Hydra