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

Should you visit Hydra or Florence?

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

Should I visit Hydra or Florence? 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.

Florence

Florence is a artistic, iconic, and alluring city. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Hydra and Florence: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hydra or Florence?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Florence. Although Hydra and Florence are popular destinations, Florence has more sights and attractions for tourists. Florence is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, and impressive beauty, while Hydra attracts visitors for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and small town charm. Florence is more touristy than Hydra and is popular for its iconic beauty, world-renowned Renaissance art and architecture, and beautifully maintained gardens. It is also well known for The Duomo (Santa Maria del Fiore). Hydra is famous for its picturesque setting, car-free setting, and beautiful old town.

How is Hydra different from Florence?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Florence is a world-class destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Hydra is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Florence that are not to be missed. Because of it's important role in the Renaissance, the city has many world-renowned museums that you can visit. Famous sights and landmarks include the Uffizi Gallery, the Duomo, and the Academy Gallery.

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.

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

Florence 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, Florence is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Once you've worked up an appetite exploring museums and churches, you'll find many amazing local restaurants around town. Local dishes incorporate a lot of hearty vegetables and meats. Famous dishes include a Florentine steak dish, rabbit, and a bean bed and cabbage soup.

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 Florence Better for Nightlife?

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

Florence has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. You'll find the most active nightlife in the Santa Croce neighborhood. The area attracts study abroad students as well as tourists who party late into the night.

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 Florence Better for Resorts?

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

Florence is not a resort destination.

Is Hydra or Florence Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Hydra is a nice place to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, Florence 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.

Florence is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Hydra or Florence Better for Beaches?

Hydra is a nice place to visit for the beache. However, Florence is not a beach destination.

Hydra has a beach worth visiting. 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.

Florence is not a beach destination.

Is Hydra or Florence Better for its Old Town?

Florence is a world-class destination for its historic old town. Also, Hydra is still popular, but not quite as popular for its old town.

The historic old town of Florence is revered around the world. The historic center of the city is where you'll find many of the most beautiful buildings, art works, and quaint streets. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it was at the heart of the Renaissance period.

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.

Is Hydra or Florence Better for Hiking?

Hydra is a great island for hiking. However, Florence 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.

Florence is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hydra or Florence?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Florence 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.

Florence is well-known for its shopping. There are many shops in the tourist heart of the city. Most are geared specifically to tourists so you may have to search to find a more authentic shopping experience. Famous items available in the city include gold jewelry, ceramics, leather, and perfume.

Is Hydra or Florence Better for Families?

Hydra is a great island for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Florence is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Florence is a family-friendly place to visit. Most famous for its art and history, the city also has a number of activities that kids will enjoy. There's a carousel and a park that are perfect to let the little ones run around. There are a few kid-friendly museums, as well as a historic city center that will mesmerize the old and young alike.

Is Hydra or Florence Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Hydra and Florence 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, Florence has plenty to offer. Art and history lovers will enjoy a visit to this truly beautiful city. Couples who enjoy museums, historic buildings, and world-renowned art, will find plenty to do in this city.

Is Hydra or Florence Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Florence is a world-class destination for backpackers. However, Hydra is a island with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Florence is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. The city is part of a popular route through Italy, and you'll find many backpackers and students in town. There are also many hostels, so you should have no trouble meeting other young travelers.

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 Florence Better for Students?

Florence is a world-class destination for students. However, Hydra is not popular with students.

Many students frequent Florence. Many students visit this city as part of a short term study abroad program, or for the entire length of their studies. The city is beautiful, and whether your focus is art, history, or culture, this city will not disappoint.

Hydra is not popular with students.

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

Florence 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 Florence, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a comprehensive bus system.

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

Is Hydra or Florence a more walkable city?

Hydra and Florence both are fantastic when exploring on foot.

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.

Florence is a very easy island to get around on foot. Most people explore the city on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Florence or Hydra?

How long in Hydra or Florence?

Both Hydra and Florence have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Florence than in Hydra. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Hydra, and 2-7 days is enough time in Florence.

Families should spend more time in Hydra than Florence. 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 Florence than Hydra. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Florence that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Florence 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 Florence.

One day in Hydra or Florence?

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 Florence, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this historical destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city 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 Florence?

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 Florence. 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 Florence?

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.

Florence is a fun place to experience. In Florence, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this destination offers. Visiting the old town is also a must. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Hydra or Florence?

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.

In Florence, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this artistic destination offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in Greece, The Best 10-Day Tours in Greece, The Best Luxury Tours to Italy, and The Best Budget Tours to Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Hydra or Florence?

Florence has a larger population, and is about 160 times larger than the population of Hydra. When comparing the sizes of Hydra and Florence, 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 Florence?

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 Florence in the Summer?

Both Florence and Hydra during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Hydra for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Florence in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Hydra is around the same temperature as Florence. Typically, the summer temperatures in Hydra in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Florence averages at about 25°C (77°F).

In Florence, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Hydra. In the summer, Hydra often gets more sunshine than Florence. Hydra gets 357 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Florence receives 316 hours of full sun.

Hydra usually gets less rain in July than Florence. Hydra gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Florence receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hydra or Florence in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Hydra and Florence. 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 Florence for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Hydra is generally a little warmer than Florence. Daily temperatures in Hydra average around 19°C (67°F), and Florence fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

In Hydra, it's very sunny this time of the year. Hydra usually receives more sunshine than Florence during autumn. Hydra gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Florence receives 177 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Hydra usually receives less rain than Florence. Hydra gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Florence receives 96 mm (3.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Hydra or Florence in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Hydra as well as Florence. Most visitors come to Hydra for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Florence because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Hydra is a little warmer than Florence in the winter. The daily temperature in Hydra averages around 10°C (51°F) in January, and Florence fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

In the winter, Hydra often gets more sunshine than Florence. Hydra gets 143 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Florence receives 105 hours of full sun.

Hydra usually gets less rain in January than Florence. Hydra gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Florence receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hydra or Florence in the Spring?

Both Florence and Hydra are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Hydra because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Florence this time of year.

In the spring, Hydra is a little warmer than Florence. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hydra in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Florence averages at about 14°C (57°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hydra. Hydra usually receives more sunshine than Florence during spring. Hydra gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Florence receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Hydra usually receives less rain than Florence. Hydra gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Florence receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Florence and Hydra