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

Should you visit Hydra or Imperia?

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

Should I visit Hydra or Imperia? 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 charming, accessible, and quaint island. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Imperia

Imperia is a authentic, charming, and undiscovered town. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Hydra and Imperia: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hydra or Imperia?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Hydra than Imperia, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Hydra is better known for its museums, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Imperia is more popular for its nightlife. Hydra is more touristy than Imperia and is 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. Imperia is well known for its access to the Ligurian coastline.

How is Hydra different from Imperia?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Hydra is notable for its sights and museums. Also, Imperia is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

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.

Imperia is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are several interesting buildings of importance around town.

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

Foodies will find both Hydra and Imperia both to be notable 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.

Imperia has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. Food ranges from typical Italian dishes to local recipes that use local ingredients. Unique ingredients in the area include trumpet zucchini, flat breads, and anchovies.

Is Hydra or Imperia Better for Nightlife?

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

Imperia has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There are some bars and lively restaurants around town where you can spend an enjoyable evening.

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 Imperia Better for Resorts?

Hydra is a popular place for its resorts. However, Imperia 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.

Imperia is not a resort destination.

Is Hydra or Imperia Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Hydra is a popular place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Imperia 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.

Imperia is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Hydra or Imperia Better for Beaches?

Hydra is a popular place for the beach. However, Imperia 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.

Imperia is not a beach destination.

Is Hydra or Imperia Better for its Old Town?

Hydra is notable for its historic old town charm. However, Imperia 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.

Imperia does not have a historic old town.

Is Hydra or Imperia Better for Hiking?

Hydra is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Imperia is not a hiking destination.

Hydra is a popular spot for hiking. 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.

Imperia is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hydra or Imperia?

Hydra is notable for its shopping areas. Also, Imperia is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Hydra. Charming shops fill the town and sell local items such as handmade jewelry and traditional embroideries.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Imperia. There are some shopping streets in town that have a mix of local brands and standard clothing shops.

Is Hydra or Imperia Better for Families?

Hydra is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Imperia is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Hydra is known to be 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.

Imperia is a family-friendly island. There's some nice walking trails in the countryside that the kids will enjoy.

Is Hydra or Imperia Better for Couples?

Hydra is a must-visit destination for couples. Also, Imperia is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for romance.

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.

Imperia is a nice destination for couples. It's a beautiful town with a nice atmosphere that offers a nice break from the tourist crowds.

Is Hydra or Imperia Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Imperia. Accommodation tends to be affordable and there's an off-the-beaten-path vibe that some backpackers will appreciate.

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

Imperia 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 Imperia, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses that connect the city to different areas.

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

Is Hydra or Imperia a more walkable city?

Hydra is a must-visit destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Imperia is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its walkability.

It is easy to get around Hydra on foot. The entire island is car-free and everything that you want to visit is close together and easy to explore on foot.

Imperia is somewhat walkable. Parts of the town are convenient to walk around.

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

Should I spend more time in Imperia or Hydra?

How long in Hydra or Imperia?

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

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

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 Imperia, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this undiscovered 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 Imperia?

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 Imperia. 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 Imperia?

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.

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

A week in Hydra or Imperia?

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 food and shopping around the authentic destination of Imperia. 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 Walking Tours in Italy, and The Best Luxury Tours to Italy.

When comparing the travel costs between Hydra and Imperia, we can see that Imperia is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Hydra Expensive? and Is Imperia Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Hydra or Imperia?

Imperia has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Hydra. When comparing the sizes of Hydra and Imperia, 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 Imperia?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Hydra or Imperia in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Hydra and Imperia. 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 family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Imperia this time of year.

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Imperia this time of the year. In Hydra, it's very sunny this time of the year. Hydra usually receives more sunshine than Imperia during summer. Hydra gets 357 hours of sunny skies, while Imperia receives 295 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Hydra usually receives less rain than Imperia. Hydra gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Imperia receives 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Hydra or Imperia in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Hydra as well as Imperia. 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. Additionally, many travelers come to Imperia for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hydra this time of the year. In the autumn, Hydra often gets more sunshine than Imperia. Hydra gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Imperia receives 183 hours of full sun.

Hydra usually gets less rain in October than Imperia. Hydra gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Imperia receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hydra or Imperia in the Winter?

Both Imperia and Hydra are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Hydra for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Imperia in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

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

Hydra usually receives more sunshine than Imperia during winter. Hydra gets 143 hours of sunny skies, while Imperia receives 127 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Hydra usually receives less rain than Imperia. Hydra gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Imperia receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Hydra or Imperia in the Spring?

Both Imperia and Hydra during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Hydra in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Imperia for the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Hydra is generally around the same temperature as Imperia. Daily temperatures in Hydra average around 16°C (60°F), and Imperia fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

It's quite sunny in Hydra. In the spring, Hydra often gets more sunshine than Imperia. Hydra gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Imperia receives 198 hours of full sun.

Hydra usually gets less rain in April than Imperia. Hydra gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Imperia receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Imperia and Hydra