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

Should you visit Hydra or Heidelberg?

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

Should I visit Hydra or Heidelberg? 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.

Heidelberg

Heidelberg is a scenic, character-filled, and historic town. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. With a quaint atmosphere, it also offers a unique feeling. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Hydra and Heidelberg: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hydra or Heidelberg?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Hydra than Heidelberg, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Hydra is better known for its museums, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, and small town charm, while Heidelberg is more popular for its food, nightlife, historical sights, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. 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. Heidelberg is well known for its picturesque beauty, romantic atmosphere, and its classic old town.

How is Hydra different from Heidelberg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Hydra is a great island for its historical sights. However, Heidelberg does not have museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Hydra. 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.

Heidelberg does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Heidelberg 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, Heidelberg makes for a great culinary experience. The old town is filled with local restaurants that offer an assortment of traditional dishes. The restaurants offer a mix of outdoor and indoor seating and classic dishes include saumagen, lewwerkneedl, and dampfnudeln.

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 Heidelberg Better for Nightlife?

Heidelberg is a great destination for nightlife. However, Hydra is a island with minimal options for nightlife and partying.

The people in Heidelberg know how to have a good time. As a university town, you'll find a very young population and many bars, pubs, and nightclubs where you can hang 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 Heidelberg Better for Resorts?

Hydra is a good destination for its luxury resorts. However, Heidelberg 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.

Heidelberg is not a resort destination.

Is Hydra or Heidelberg Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Hydra is a good destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Heidelberg is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in Hydra. There are some snorkeling spots around the island - most notably Bisti Beach, which is pebbly and has some interesting sea life.

Heidelberg is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Hydra or Heidelberg Better for Beaches?

Hydra is a good destination for the beach. However, Heidelberg is not a beach destination.

Hydra offers a nice beach destination. 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.

Heidelberg is not a beach destination.

Is Hydra or Heidelberg Better for its Old Town?

Heidelberg 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 Heidelberg is revered around the world. The charming old town, or Altstadt, is lined with cafes that spill out onto the street and churches with bells that chime hourly. The area is filled with activity and there are many shops, ice cream vendors, and restaurants to choose from.

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 Heidelberg Better for Hiking?

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

Heidelberg is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hydra or Heidelberg?

Hydra is a great island for its shopping areas. Also, Heidelberg is not as popular, but is still a nice town 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.

Heidelberg is a great destination for shopping. The pedestrian area is the best place to pass your time shopping. There are name brand stores mixed in with local independent shops which you'll mostly find on the side streets. Popular items to buy include wooden toys, Christmas decorations, and candy.

Is Hydra or Heidelberg Better for Families?

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

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Hydra. 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.

Heidelberg is a family-friendly place to visit. With its many ice cream shops, playgrounds, and impressive castle, this city makes a nice stop for families with kids. The restaurants usually have a kid's menu and there are a number of kid-friendly museums and activities.

Is Hydra or Heidelberg Better for Couples?

Hydra is an amazing island to visit for couples. Also, Heidelberg is not as popular, but is still a nice town for romance.

Hydra is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. 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.

Heidelberg is a very popular place to visit for couples. This beautiful city offers an impressive backdrop for a couple's getaway. The view from the castle looks out beautifully over the city and the old town has many excellent restaurants and activities that are great for couples.

Is Hydra or Heidelberg Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Heidelberg 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 Heidelberg. Prices are reasonable and there are a handful of hostels around town. As a university town, you can be assured there are plenty of fun activities and cheap places to eat.

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 Heidelberg Better for Students?

Heidelberg is a popular place for students. However, Hydra is not popular with students.

Heidelberg is popular with students. It is a beautiful student town with a lot of activities for young visitors. This is not the most popular study abroad destination, but it does have a lot to offer for those who visit.

Hydra is not popular with students.

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

Heidelberg 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 Heidelberg. There are trams and buses that connect the old town to the train station.

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

Is Hydra or Heidelberg a more walkable city?

Hydra is an amazing island to visit for its ease of walking around. Also, Heidelberg is not as popular, but is still a nice town 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.

Heidelberg is very walkable. The old town is particularly walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Heidelberg or Hydra?

How long in Hydra or Heidelberg?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Hydra and Heidelberg. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Heidelberg than in Hydra. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Hydra, and 1-3 days is enough time in Heidelberg.

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

One day in Hydra or Heidelberg?

Hydra might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Hydra, one day is sufficent for most.

In Heidelberg, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this lively destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Heidelberg?

Even though Hydra is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this island.

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

Hydra, a popular island, is full of activities for travelers. 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. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Heidelberg is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the quaint destination of Heidelberg. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Hydra or Heidelberg?

Hydra is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

You'll find nightlife and food around the quaint destination of Heidelberg. 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.

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 Germany, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Germany.

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

Which is Bigger, Hydra or Heidelberg?

Heidelberg has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Hydra. When comparing the sizes of Hydra and Heidelberg, 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 Heidelberg?

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 Heidelberg in the Summer?

Both Heidelberg and Hydra during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Hydra for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Heidelberg because of the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Hydra is generally a little warmer than Heidelberg. Daily temperatures in Hydra average around 27°C (81°F), and Heidelberg fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

In Heidelberg, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Hydra. In the summer, Hydra often gets more sunshine than Heidelberg. Hydra gets 357 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Heidelberg receives 224 hours of full sun.

Hydra usually gets less rain in July than Heidelberg. Hydra gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Heidelberg receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hydra or Heidelberg in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Hydra and Heidelberg. The autumn months attract visitors to Hydra because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Heidelberg this time of year.

Hydra is much warmer than Heidelberg in the autumn. The daily temperature in Hydra averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Heidelberg fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In Hydra, it's very sunny this time of the year. Hydra usually receives more sunshine than Heidelberg during autumn. Hydra gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Heidelberg receives 102 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Hydra usually receives less rain than Heidelberg. Hydra gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Heidelberg receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Hydra or Heidelberg in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Hydra as well as Heidelberg. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Hydra this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Heidelberg for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Heidelberg. In the winter, Hydra is much warmer than Heidelberg. Typically, the winter temperatures in Hydra in January average around 10°C (51°F), and Heidelberg averages at about 3°C (37°F).

In the winter, Hydra often gets more sunshine than Heidelberg. Hydra gets 143 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Heidelberg receives 38 hours of full sun.

Hydra usually gets less rain in January than Heidelberg. Hydra gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Heidelberg receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hydra or Heidelberg in the Spring?

Both Heidelberg and Hydra are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Hydra for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Heidelberg in the spring for the natural beauty.

In April, Hydra is generally a little warmer than Heidelberg. Daily temperatures in Hydra average around 16°C (60°F), and Heidelberg fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hydra. Hydra usually receives more sunshine than Heidelberg during spring. Hydra gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Heidelberg receives 155 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Hydra usually receives less rain than Heidelberg. Hydra gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Heidelberg receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Heidelberg and Hydra