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

Should you visit Hydra or Giverny?

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

Should I visit Hydra or Giverny? 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.

Giverny

Giverny is a inspiring, picturesque, and peaceful town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It's also known for food and museums.

Hydra and Giverny: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hydra or Giverny?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Hydra. Although Hydra and Giverny are popular destinations, Hydra has more sights and attractions for tourists. Hydra is very popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, shopping, and small town charm, while Giverny attracts visitors for its impressive beauty. Giverny is more touristy than Hydra and is popular for being the home and inspiration for Claude Monet. 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.

How is Hydra different from Giverny?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Both Hydra and Giverny have high quality 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 Giverny specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The town is most notable as the home of Claude Monet between 1883 and 1926. Highlights of a visit include visiting Jardin d'Eau (The Water Garden), The Normandy Garden, and Monet's House.

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

Foodies will find both Hydra and Giverny 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.

Giverny has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are cozy cafes and charming restaurants in the town. If you visit as part of a tour, a restaurant stop may be included.

Is Hydra or Giverny Better for Nightlife?

Hydra is adequate for nightlife and partying. However, Giverny 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.

Giverny is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Hydra or Giverny Better for Resorts?

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

Giverny is not a resort destination.

Is Hydra or Giverny Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

Giverny is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Hydra or Giverny Better for Beaches?

Hydra is a popular place for the beache. However, Giverny 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.

Giverny is not a beach destination.

Is Hydra or Giverny Better for its Old Town?

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

Giverny does not have a historic old town.

Is Hydra or Giverny Better for Hiking?

Hydra is great for hiking. However, Giverny 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.

Giverny is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hydra or Giverny?

Hydra is great for its shopping opportunities. However, Giverny 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.

Giverny is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Hydra or Giverny Better for Families?

Hydra is great for its kid-friendly activities. However, Giverny 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.

Giverny is not the most family-friendly destination. The gardens are stunning and the house is impressive, but it's best to prepare younger kids with some activities beforehand. Even the most art-minded children will appreciate a hands-on activity that helps bring the experience to life.

Is Hydra or Giverny Better for Couples?

Hydra is an amazing island to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Giverny 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.

Giverny is a very popular place to visit for couples. The setting seeped in romance and the gardens bring art to life. On occasion you may even see a young couple get engaged during their visit.

Is Hydra or Giverny Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Giverny. Many people, backpackers included, visit the town as a day trip from Paris. It's possible to visit by train and shuttle bus.

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

Giverny 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 Giverny, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. You can reach Giverny by train from Paris. You'll leave from the Gare Saint-Lazare train station in Paris and arrive in the town of Vernon. The trip is about 45 minutes. From there you can take a bus or taxi on to Giverny.

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

Is Hydra or Giverny a more walkable city?

Hydra is an amazing island to visit for its high level of walkability. Also, Giverny 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.

Giverny is a somewhat walkable island. Many people choose to walk between the town of Vernon and Giverny, both of which are worth visiting. They're separated by about 6 kilometers (3.5 miles).

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

Should I spend more time in Giverny or Hydra?

How long in Hydra or Giverny?

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

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

Hydra is a small town with plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This island offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

In Giverny, many people enjoy the food and museums that this serene 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 Giverny?

Hydra might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Hydra has to offer.

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

Hydra is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

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

A week in Hydra or Giverny?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hydra. Since Hydra is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

You'll find museums and food around the serene destination of Giverny. 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 Coach Bus Tours in France, and The Best Adventure Tours to France.

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

Which is Bigger, Hydra or Giverny?

Hydra has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Giverny. When comparing the sizes of Hydra and Giverny, 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 Giverny?

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 Giverny in the Summer?

Both Giverny 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 Giverny this time of year.

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

In Giverny, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Hydra. In the summer, Hydra often gets more sunshine than Giverny. Hydra gets 357 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Giverny receives 241 hours of full sun.

Hydra usually gets less rain in July than Giverny. Hydra gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Giverny receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hydra or Giverny in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Hydra and Giverny. 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 Giverny for the small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area.

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

In Hydra, it's very sunny this time of the year. Hydra usually receives more sunshine than Giverny during autumn. Hydra gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Giverny receives 127 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Hydra usually receives less rain than Giverny. Hydra gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Giverny receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Hydra or Giverny in the Winter?

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

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

In the winter, Hydra often gets more sunshine than Giverny. Hydra gets 143 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Giverny receives 62 hours of full sun.

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

Should I visit Hydra or Giverny in the Spring?

Both Giverny 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 Giverny for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Hydra is a little warmer than Giverny. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hydra in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Giverny 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 Giverny during spring. Hydra gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Giverny receives 172 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Hydra usually receives less rain than Giverny. Hydra gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Giverny receives 50 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Giverny and Hydra