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

Should you visit Hydra or Kitzbuhel?

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

Should I visit Hydra or Kitzbuhel? 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.

Kitzbuhel

Kitzbuhel is a world-class, breathtaking, and outdoorsy ski resort. This is also a fantastic small town with plenty of charm and local activities. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It's also known for food, hiking, and shopping.

Hydra and Kitzbuhel: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hydra or Kitzbuhel?

Both Kitzbuhel and Hydra have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Hydra is very popular for its museums, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Kitzbuhel attracts visitors for its skiing, food, nightlife, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Hydra is famous for its picturesque setting, car-free setting, and beautiful old town. Kitzbuhel is famous for its world renowned skiing, scenic natural beauty, and summer hiking opportunities.

How is Hydra different from Kitzbuhel?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Kitzbuhel and Hydra. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Hydra or Kitzbuhel Better for Skiing?

Kitzbuhel is a world-class destination for winter skiing. However, Hydra is not a skiing destination.

If you're an avid snow skiier, Kitzbuhel should be on your list. There are four ski resorts near the village and 145 miles of slopes. Hahnenkamm Streif racecourse is world famous, but there are also 57 lifts that offer access to skiing for everyone from beginners to professionals. This is a world class ski area that is considered to be one of the best in the world. It attracts international skiers who come for the well maintained slopes and world class skiing.

Hydra is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Hydra or Kitzbuhel?

Hydra is great for its historical sights. However, Kitzbuhel is not a good destination for its sights and museums.

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.

Kitzbuhel offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Visitors come for the skiing and outdoor adventures, not the museums and historical sights. But you can visit the St. Andreas Parish Church, Museum Kitzbühel, or the Liebfrauenkirche while you're in town.

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

Kitzbuhel 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, Kitzbuhel makes for a great culinary experience. There's a diverse food scene with everything from rustic inns to award-winning fine dining experiences. You'll find both local dishes and international flavors around town as well.

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 Kitzbuhel Better for Nightlife?

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

The people in Kitzbuhel know how to have a good time. The nightlife scene offers everything from wine bars to high end cocktail bars or local pubs with beer on tap. There are also dance clubs and other party areas where visitors dance until the early morning hours.

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 Kitzbuhel Better for Resorts?

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

Kitzbuhel is not a resort destination.

Is Hydra or Kitzbuhel Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

Kitzbuhel is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Hydra or Kitzbuhel Better for Beaches?

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

Kitzbuhel is not a beach destination.

Is Hydra or Kitzbuhel Better for its Old Town?

It's fun to wander around the high quality old towns in both Hydra and Kitzbuhel.

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.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Kitzbuhel. The town center is compact and charming with restaurants, churches, and shopping. It's the perfect place to unwind after a day on the slopes.

Is Hydra or Kitzbuhel Better for Hiking?

Kitzbuhel is a world-class destination for its hiking experiences. Also, Hydra is still popular, but not quite as popular for hiking.

People visit Kitzbuhel specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. During the summer months the area is filled with miles of stunning hikes. There's the famous Kitzbüheler Horn, as well as more relaxing mountain strolls. You'll enjoy breathtaking views and serene mountain pastures.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Hydra or Kitzbuhel?

Hydra is great for its shopping opportunities. Also, Kitzbuhel is not as popular, but is still a nice ski resort for its shopping areas.

Hydra is well-known for its shopping. Charming shops fill the town and sell local items such as handmade jewelry and traditional embroideries.

Many visitors go to Kitzbuhel to go shopping. The village offers a mix of international and local brands. There's everything from fashion and jewelry to sporting goods and local foods.

Is Hydra or Kitzbuhel Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Hydra or Kitzbuhel.

Hydra is 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.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Kitzbuhel is very family-friendly. This is a family-friendly ski area that has child care available in several places as well as kids slopes and other family friendly things to do. During the summer months there's hiking, biking, and other outdoor adventure activities.

Is Hydra or Kitzbuhel Better for Couples?

Hydra is an unbeatable place for its romantic activities. Also, Kitzbuhel is not as popular, but is still a nice ski resort 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.

Kitzbuhel is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples who enjoy skiing, winter sports, and other outdoor adventures will truly appreciate a visit. It makes for an adrenaline filled holiday that is both romantic and fun.

Is Hydra or Kitzbuhel Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kitzbuhel 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 Kitzbuhel. There are several hostels near town that cater to the budget crowd. There's also a large number of skiing and sport enthusiasts so its not hard to meet other likeminded travelers.

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

Kitzbuhel 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 Kitzbuhel, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are trains and buses that connect the town to other nearby villages. During the winter months are are ski buses that take skiers to the ski areas.

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

Is Hydra or Kitzbuhel a more walkable city?

Hydra is an unbeatable place for its high level of walkability. Also, Kitzbuhel is not as popular, but is still a nice ski resort 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.

Kitzbuhel is a very walkable destination. The town is small and compact enough to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Kitzbuhel or Hydra?

How long in Hydra or Kitzbuhel?

Both Hydra and Kitzbuhel have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Kitzbuhel than in Hydra. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Hydra, and 4-7 days is enough time in Kitzbuhel.

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

One day in Hydra or Kitzbuhel?

Even though Hydra is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Visiting the old town is also a must. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Hydra has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In Kitzbuhel, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this breathtaking small town offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This ski resort offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Hydra or Kitzbuhel?

Hydra is a small town where visitors enjoy the museums and food. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this island has to offer. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kitzbuhel. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Hydra or Kitzbuhel?

Hydra is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Kitzbuhel is a fun place to experience. In Kitzbuhel, many people enjoy the skiing and nightlife that this small town destination offers. Visiting the old town is also a must. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Hydra or Kitzbuhel?

Hydra is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Kitzbuhel, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this outdoorsy small town offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in Greece, The Best 10-Day Tours in Greece, The Best Budget Tours to Austria, and The Best Luxury Tours to Austria.

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

Which is Bigger, Hydra or Kitzbuhel?

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