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

Should you visit Hydra or Kiel?

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

Should I visit Hydra or Kiel? 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 quaint, picturesque, and charming island. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and food.

Kiel

Kiel is a authentic, off-the-beaten-path, and waterfront city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for beaches, shopping, and museums.

Hydra and Kiel: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hydra or Kiel?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Hydra. Although Hydra and Kiel are popular destinations, Hydra has more sights and attractions for tourists. Hydra is very popular for its museums, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, historical sights, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Kiel attracts visitors for its nightlife and big city activities. Hydra is more touristy than Kiel and is known 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. Kiel is famous for its maritime history and its role as the host of the Schleswig-Holstein Music Festival.

How is Hydra different from Kiel?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Hydra is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Kiel is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Kiel. You'll find museums and landmarks that focus on the city's maritime past. These include Submarine U-995, the Naval Memorial, Schifffahrtsmuseum Kiel, and Leuchtturm Bülk.

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

Foodies will find both Hydra and Kiel 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.

Kiel has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. The local cuisine, Schleswig-Holstein cuisine, is similar to much of Germany in that the dishes are hearty and filling. There are many British and Scandenavian influences. Local dishes that you should try include Kieler Sprotte (herring-like fish), Schnüüsch (veggie stew), and Mehlbüdel (bread dumpling with pork belly)

Is Hydra or Kiel Better for Nightlife?

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

Kiel has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The nightlife scene is low key and relaxing. You can sip a cocktail at a trendy bar or enjoy a beer on a floating beach bar.

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 Kiel Better for Resorts?

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

Kiel is not a resort destination.

Is Hydra or Kiel Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

Kiel is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Hydra or Kiel Better for Beaches?

For a relaxing beach holiday, both Hydra and Kiel are nice choices.

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.

Many people head to Kiel to enjoy the beach. The city has several sandy beaches with coastal dunes and a family-friendly atmosphere.

Is Hydra or Kiel Better for its Old Town?

Hydra is well known for its old town. However, Kiel 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.

Kiel does not have a historic old town.

Is Hydra or Kiel Better for Hiking?

Hydra is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Kiel is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Hydra. 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.

Kiel is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hydra or Kiel?

Hydra is well known for its shopping opportunities. Also, Kiel is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

Hydra is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Charming shops fill the town and sell local items such as handmade jewelry and traditional embroideries.

Kiel has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There's a mix of retail shopping centers and pedestrian shopping streets like Holstenstrasse and Dänische Strasse.

Is Hydra or Kiel Better for Families?

Hydra is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Kiel is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Hydra is a very kid-friendly island. 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.

Kiel offers lots of family activities. The U-Boot U 995 is a museum on an actual submarine. Kids will love exploring this unique setting. The Kiel Botanical Gardens is another beautiful and fun place to explore. Also make sure you check out the city's aquarium, the Zoologisches Museum, and Computermuseum der Fachhochschule Kiel.

Is Hydra or Kiel Better for Couples?

Hydra is a must-visit destination for its romantic activities. Also, Kiel is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Kiel is a good island for couples to visit. The old port city sits along Germany’s Baltic Sea and couples can enjoy learning about the city's maritime past and shopping along the shopping streets of Holstenstrasse and Dänische Strasse.

Is Hydra or Kiel Better for Students?

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

Kiel is popular with students. Students can enjoy the city's beaches and lively nightlife scene.

Hydra is not popular with students.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Hydra and Kiel.

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

Public transit is mostly limited in Kiel. There is a bus system around town.

Is Hydra or Kiel a more walkable city?

Hydra is a must-visit destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Kiel is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

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

Kiel is a somewhat walkable island. Some parts of Kiel are more walkable than others.

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

Should I spend more time in Kiel or Hydra?

How long in Hydra or Kiel?

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

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

Hydra is a small town where visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

In Kiel, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this maritime destination offers. This city 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 Kiel?

Hydra is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

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

Hydra is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. This island offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

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

A week in Hydra or Kiel?

Because Hydra is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

You'll find food and shopping around the waterfront destination of Kiel. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Berlin, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Berlin.

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

Which is Bigger, Hydra or Kiel?

Kiel has a larger population, and is about 100 times larger than the population of Hydra. When comparing the sizes of Hydra and Kiel, 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 Kiel?

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 Kiel in the Summer?

Both Kiel and Hydra are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Hydra because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Kiel this time of year.

In the summer, Hydra is much warmer than Kiel. Typically, the summer temperatures in Hydra in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Kiel averages at about 16°C (61°F).

It's quite sunny in Kiel. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hydra. Hydra usually receives more sunshine than Kiel during summer. Hydra gets 357 hours of sunny skies, while Kiel receives 219 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Hydra usually receives less rain than Kiel. Hydra gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Kiel receives 88 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Hydra or Kiel in the Autumn?

Both Kiel and Hydra during the autumn are popular places to visit. 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 Kiel for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Hydra is generally much warmer than Kiel. Daily temperatures in Hydra average around 19°C (67°F), and Kiel fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

It's quite sunny in Hydra. In the autumn, Hydra often gets more sunshine than Kiel. Hydra gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kiel receives 102 hours of full sun.

Hydra usually gets less rain in October than Kiel. Hydra gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Kiel receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hydra or Kiel in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Hydra and Kiel. Many travelers come to Hydra for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Kiel in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Kiel can get quite cold in the winter. Hydra is much warmer than Kiel in the winter. The daily temperature in Hydra averages around 10°C (51°F) in January, and Kiel fluctuates around 0°C (33°F).

Hydra usually receives more sunshine than Kiel during winter. Hydra gets 143 hours of sunny skies, while Kiel receives 39 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Hydra usually receives less rain than Kiel. Hydra gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Kiel receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Hydra or Kiel in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Hydra as well as Kiel. Many visitors come to Hydra in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Additionally, most visitors come to Kiel for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months.

In the spring, Hydra is much warmer than Kiel. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hydra in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Kiel averages at about 7°C (44°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hydra this time of the year. In the spring, Hydra often gets more sunshine than Kiel. Hydra gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kiel receives 171 hours of full sun.

Hydra usually gets less rain in April than Kiel. Hydra gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Kiel receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Kiel and Hydra