A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Hydra vs. Izmir for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Hydra or Izmir?

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

Should I visit Hydra or Izmir? 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.

Where Should I go: Hydra or Izmir?

Hydra

The island of Hydra is located in the Aegean Sea between the Saronic and Argolic Gulfs. Named for its natural springs, the island now has most of its freshwater imported from the mainland. The real gem of the place is the absence of motorized vehicles. Car and scooters are nowhere to be seen by the narrow marble-cobbled lanes, rocks, and sea. Such vehicles have been outlawed and so the way to navigate the island is by donkey, water taxi, or on foot.

Izmir

Izmir is a metropolitan city of Turkey and the second most populous city on the Aegean Sea after Athens, Greece. Known as Smyrna in antiquity, it was founded by the Greeks, taken over by the Romans, and rebuilt by Alexander the Great before becoming part of the Ottoman Empire in the 15th century. Most remnants of this past are gone; however, there are a few archaeological sites in addition to beaches, bustling city streets, and colorful markets.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in Greece, The Best 10-Day Tours in Greece, The Best G Adventures Tours to Turkey, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Istanbul.


Which place is cheaper, Izmir or Hydra?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Hydra is €97, while the average daily cost in Izmir is €98. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Hydra and Izmir in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Hydra 51
    Izmir 57
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Hydra 102
    Izmir 114
Compare Hotels in Hydra and Izmir

Looking for a hotel in Hydra or Izmir? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Hydra


Hotels in Izmir


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Izmir Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Hydra 26
    Izmir 28

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Izmir

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Izmir:

  • Izmir Airport - Kusadasi Private Transfer: $100
  • Arrival Transfer Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport ADB to Izmir by Van: $41
  • Arrival Transfer Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport to Izmir by Minibus: $46
  • Balikesir Airport Transfers to Balikesir Ayvalik Hotels: $93
  • Bodrum Airport Luxury Private Minivan By Meet Transfer : $42
  • Bodrum Akyaka Hotels to Bodrum Airport BJV Transfers: $147
  • Canakkale Airport Transfers to Lapseki Hotels: $87
  • Dalaman Airport Transfer Vip & Private : $57
  • Ephesus Guided Tour From Izmir With Lunch & Hotel Transfer: $130
  • From Izmir Airport: One-way Private Transfer to Alacati: $96
  • From Izmir Airport: One-way Private Transfer to Kusadasi: $88
  • From Ephesus Guided Day Trip with Transfer & Lunch: $106

Is it cheaper to fly into Hydra or Izmir?

Prices for flights to both Izmir and Hydra change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Hydra 30
    Izmir 23

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Hydra 11
    Izmir 19

Tours and Activities in Izmir

Here are a few actual costs in Izmir for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Olive Oil Tasting Experience in Turkey : $3.16
  • Quick Tour, Essentials of Izmir With Audio Guide: $6.00
  • Mini Group Ephesus & House of Virgin Mary Tour (Max. 10 guests): $25
  • Skip Line Private Ephesus- Temple Of Artemis-Virgin Mary Tour: $32
  • PRIVATE PHOTO TOUR IN IZMIR - Photo & Video Experience in iZMiR: $49
  • Half-Day Izmir City Tour: $55
  • Ephesus Tour: $56
  • "Ephesus tours" the "house of virgin mary tours" Tours from KUSADASI CRUİSE PORT: $67
  • Deluxe Ephesus with Terrace Houses tour from Izmir Hotel , Cruise Ports, Airport: $69
  • Ephesus and Virgin Mary's House from Izmir Hotels , Airport ,Cruise Port: $69
  • Izmir City Tour: $70
  • Best Seller Private Ephesus Tour for Cruisers : $70

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Hydra 11
    Izmir 8.31

Sample the Local Flavors in Izmir

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Izmir:

  • Wine Tasting Tour at Two Wineries in Urla Turkey: $98
  • Wine Tour with Metropolis Ancient City: $114
  • Ancient Ephesus tour with Mother's Mary House and visit to old village Sirince with wine tasting: $152


When comparing the travel costs between Hydra and Izmir, we can see that Izmir 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 Izmir Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Hydra or Izmir?

Izmir has a larger population, and is about 1100 times larger than the population of Hydra. When comparing the sizes of Hydra and Izmir, 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 Izmir?

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 Izmir in the Summer?

Both Izmir and Hydra are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Hydra for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Hydra is around the same temperature as Izmir in the summer. The daily temperature in Hydra averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Izmir fluctuates around 28°C (82°F).

It's quite sunny in Izmir. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hydra. Hydra usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Izmir during summer. Hydra gets 357 hours of sunny skies, while Izmir receives 378 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Hydra usually receives more rain than Izmir. Hydra gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Izmir receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Hydra 27°C (81°F) 
    Izmir 28°C (82°F)

Should I visit Hydra or Izmir in the Autumn?

Both Izmir and Hydra during the autumn are popular places to visit. 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.

In the autumn, Hydra is around the same temperature as Izmir. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Hydra in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Izmir averages at about 19°C (67°F).

In Izmir, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Hydra. In the autumn, Hydra often gets less sunshine than Izmir. Hydra gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Izmir receives 232 hours of full sun.

Hydra usually gets more rain in October than Izmir. Hydra gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Izmir receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Hydra 19°C (67°F) 
    Izmir 19°C (67°F)

Should I visit Hydra or Izmir in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Hydra and Izmir. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Hydra this time of year.

In January, Hydra is generally a little warmer than Izmir. Daily temperatures in Hydra average around 10°C (51°F), and Izmir fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Hydra usually receives more sunshine than Izmir during winter. Hydra gets 143 hours of sunny skies, while Izmir receives 131 hours of full sun in the winter.

Izmir receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Hydra usually receives less rain than Izmir. Hydra gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Izmir receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Hydra 10°C (51°F) 
    Izmir 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Hydra or Izmir in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Hydra as well as Izmir. Many travelers come to Hydra for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

Hydra is around the same temperature as Izmir in the spring. The daily temperature in Hydra averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Izmir fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Izmir. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hydra this time of the year. In the spring, Hydra often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Izmir. Hydra gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Izmir receives 231 hours of full sun.

Hydra usually gets less rain in April than Izmir. Hydra gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Izmir receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Hydra 16°C (60°F) 
    Izmir 16°C (61°F)

Typical Weather for Izmir and Hydra

Hydra Izmir
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (51°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 9°C (48°F) 132 mm (5.2 in)
Feb 11°C (51°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 10°C (50°F) 99 mm (3.9 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 12°C (54°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 25 mm (1 in) 16°C (61°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
May 20°C (68°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 21°C (69°F) 24 mm (0.9 in)
Jun 24°C (76°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 25°C (77°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 28°C (82°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 27°C (81°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)
Sep 24°C (76°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 24°C (75°F) 11 mm (0.4 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 19°C (67°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Nov 16°C (60°F) 51 mm (2 in) 15°C (58°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 11°C (52°F) 153 mm (6 in)