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

Should you visit Hydra or Genoa?

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

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

Genoa

Genoa is a colorful, energetic, and historic port city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Hydra and Genoa: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hydra or Genoa?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Hydra than Genoa, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Hydra is better known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Genoa is more popular for its food and nightlife. 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. Genoa is well known for its maritime history, its vibrant cultural scene, and being the birthplace of Christopher Columbus.

How is Hydra different from Genoa?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Both Hydra and Genoa have very good landmarks and museums for visitors.

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.

Many visitors head to Genoa specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city has a long history and it is filled with monuments, palaces, and museums. Popular places to visit include the Via Garibaldi Palaces, the aquarium (one of the largest in Europe), the Cathedral of San Lorenzo, and Santi Ambrogio.

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

Genoa 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, Genoa makes for a great culinary experience. The city's maritime roots have influenced its cuisine and you'll find seafood in many local dishes. Other classic Genoese flavors include pesto, anchovies, fried squid, and focaccia and cheese.

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 Genoa Better for Nightlife?

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

Genoa has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The city lights up at night and it's fun to experience the activity and energy. There's a nice evening atmosphere with many people out and about. You can grab drinks in Piazza Lavagna or see live music in Porto Antico. There are also many bars and clubs around town.

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 Genoa Better for Resorts?

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

Genoa is not a resort destination.

Is Hydra or Genoa Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Hydra is a nice place to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Genoa 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.

Genoa is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Hydra or Genoa Better for Beaches?

Hydra is a nice place to visit for the beach. However, Genoa is not a good destination for its beaches.

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.

Genoa is a good spot to see the beach. While many people head to other nearby towns to enjoy the beach, you will also find a beach just ten minutes from the old town by bus. Boccadasse is one of the closest beaches to town. It's also possible to do a day trip to other more famous beaches in the area, but you need to be prepared to travel a bit farther.

Is Hydra or Genoa Better for its Old Town?

Hydra is great for its historic old town charm. Also, Genoa is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its 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.

Many visitors go to Genoa to see the historical old town. The old town is large and complex, with many different time periods represented in the architecture and development style.

Is Hydra or Genoa Better for Hiking?

Hydra is great for hiking. However, Genoa 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.

Genoa is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hydra or Genoa?

Hydra is great for its shopping areas. Also, Genoa is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Hydra. Charming shops fill the town and sell local items such as handmade jewelry and traditional embroideries.

Genoa is a great destination for shopping. You can pick up a number of different souvenirs around town including baskets, t-shirts, and local pesto. Popular shopping areas include Galleria Mazzini, Via Roma, and Via XX Settembr.

Is Hydra or Genoa Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Hydra or Genoa.

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, Genoa is very family-friendly. The city is home to the second biggest aquarium in Europe as well as the Galata Maritime Museum and the Nazario Sauro Submarine. In the port there's also Vascello Nettuno, which was a pirate ship that was used in the filming of the movie 'Pirates' by Roman Polanski. Other fun kid-friendly attractions include La Biosfera, The Children's Museum, and the Bigo Lift.

Is Hydra or Genoa Better for Couples?

Hydra is terrific for couples. Also, Genoa is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for romance.

Hydra has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. 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.

Genoa is a very popular place to visit for couples. It's a beautiful port city with charming neighborhoods and some great restaurants. Couples will enjoy exploring this beautiful city and visiting its palaces and cathedrals.

Is Hydra or Genoa Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Genoa 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 Genoa. There are a number of affordable hostels in the area, and while this isn't the top backpacker destination in Italy, it is a nice place to spend some time.

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 Genoa Better for Students?

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

Genoa is a very popular port city for students and younger travelers. It's a popular study abroad destination so you'll find a number of international students in the area. The city is also well connected for exploring the region.

Hydra is not popular with students.

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

Genoa 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 Genoa. There's a wide range of different public transit options that are all operated by AMT. The system includes buses, an underground (one line), funiculars (two), lifts (ten), a boat, cogwheel and narrow gauge railways.

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

Is Hydra or Genoa a more walkable city?

Hydra is terrific for its ease of walking around. Also, Genoa is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its walkability.

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.

Genoa is very walkable. The old town, where most tourists spend the majority of their time, is easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Genoa or Hydra?

How long in Hydra or Genoa?

It's fun to spend time in either Hydra or Genoa. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Genoa 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 Genoa.

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

One day in Hydra or Genoa?

Even though Hydra is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

In Genoa, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this historic destination offers. This port 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 Genoa?

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

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

Hydra is a fun place to experience. Hydra is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

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

A week in Hydra or Genoa?

Hydra is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

You'll find food and shopping around the vibrant destination of Genoa. 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 Italy, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Hydra or Genoa?

Genoa has a larger population, and is about 260 times larger than the population of Hydra. When comparing the sizes of Hydra and Genoa, 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 Genoa?

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 Genoa in the Summer?

Both Genoa 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. Furthermore, many visitors come to Genoa in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Hydra is generally a little warmer than Genoa. Daily temperatures in Hydra average around 27°C (81°F), and Genoa fluctuates around 25°C (76°F).

In Genoa, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Hydra. In the summer, Hydra often gets more sunshine than Genoa. Hydra gets 357 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Genoa receives 295 hours of full sun.

Hydra usually gets less rain in July than Genoa. Hydra gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Genoa receives 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hydra or Genoa in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Hydra and Genoa. 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. Furthermore, most visitors come to Genoa for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Hydra is around the same temperature as Genoa in the autumn. The daily temperature in Hydra averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Genoa fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

In Hydra, it's very sunny this time of the year. Hydra usually receives more sunshine than Genoa during autumn. Hydra gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Genoa receives 183 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Hydra usually receives less rain than Genoa. Hydra gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Genoa receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Hydra or Genoa in the Winter?

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

In the winter, Hydra is around the same temperature as Genoa. Typically, the winter temperatures in Hydra in January average around 10°C (51°F), and Genoa averages at about 11°C (51°F).

In the winter, Hydra often gets more sunshine than Genoa. Hydra gets 143 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Genoa receives 127 hours of full sun.

Hydra usually gets less rain in January than Genoa. Hydra gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Genoa receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hydra or Genoa in the Spring?

Both Genoa 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 beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Genoa this time of year.

In April, Hydra is generally around the same temperature as Genoa. Daily temperatures in Hydra average around 16°C (60°F), and Genoa 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 Genoa during spring. Hydra gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Genoa receives 198 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Hydra usually receives less rain than Genoa. Hydra gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Genoa receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Genoa and Hydra