A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Hydra vs. La Rochelle for Food, Old Town, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Hydra or La Rochelle?

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

Should I visit Hydra or La Rochelle? 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.

La Rochelle

La Rochelle is a laid-back, quaint, and charming coastal town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches.

Hydra and La Rochelle: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hydra or La Rochelle?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Hydra. Although Hydra and La Rochelle are popular destinations, Hydra has more sights and attractions for tourists. Hydra is very popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while La Rochelle attracts visitors for its food, nightlife, and historical sights. Hydra is more touristy than La Rochelle and is popular 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. La Rochelle is famous for its medieval towers, maritime history, and beautiful setting.

How is Hydra different from La Rochelle?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Both Hydra and La Rochelle have high quality landmarks and museums for visitors.

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.

Many visitors head to La Rochelle specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Filled with history, the town itself is like a living museum. Within town there are many sights such as the Vieux Port, La Rochelle Aquarium, Musée d'Histoire Naturelle, and Musée du Nouveau Monde de La Rochelle.

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

La Rochelle is a world-class destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Hydra is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

For foodies, La Rochelle is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. It may be small, but its filled with delicious cafes, bistros, and local restaurants. Seafood is the obvious choice in this coastal town and many visitors head to Vieux Port to eat, as many restaurants there offer waterfront views. If you want something a little less touristy, head to the St. Nicolas District, which was the town's former fishing district. Rue de la Fourche is also a charming road with many places to grab a bite or a drink. Or head to Rue St Jean-du-Perot, which is just off the old port.

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 La Rochelle Better for Nightlife?

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

La Rochelle has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. While it's known as a peaceful, seaside town, you'll still find wine bars, pubs, and even a club or two around town.

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 La Rochelle Better for Resorts?

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

La Rochelle is not a resort destination.

Is Hydra or La Rochelle Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

La Rochelle is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Hydra or La Rochelle Better for Beaches?

For a relaxing beach holiday, both Hydra and La Rochelle 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 La Rochelle to enjoy the beach. There are three main beaches in town that each attract a crowd on warm summer days. Plage de la Concurrence, Plage Chef de Baie, and Plage des Minimes are the closest beaches to La Rochelle, and they are popular for sunbathing and water sports. They have a mix of sand, pebbles, and cliffside views that attract locals and tourists alike.

Is Hydra or La Rochelle Better for its Old Town?

La Rochelle 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 La Rochelle is revered around the world. The old town is filled with wandering cobblestone streets, charming squares, and cafes that spill into the street.

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 La Rochelle Better for Hiking?

Hydra is great for hiking. Also, La Rochelle is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for the nearby hiking options.

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.

Many people include a hike when visiting La Rochelle. There are many coastal walks just outside of town that take you along the scenic coastline. It's beautiful to stroll through the countryside and pass through many quaint villages.

Is the Shopping Better in Hydra or La Rochelle?

Hydra is great for its shopping opportunities. Also, La Rochelle is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town 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 La Rochelle to go shopping. The old town is filled with boutique shops as well as some name brands. Another fun place to visit is Les Halles, which is an indoor market with fresh produce, seafood, and many local cheeses.

Is Hydra or La Rochelle Better for Families?

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

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Hydra is very family-friendly. 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.

La Rochelle is a family-friendly place to visit. It's a coastal town with a port that you can explore. There's also an aquarium and many great seafood restaurants. A nice day trip is to go to l'Ile de Ré, which has nice beaches, some with playgrounds.

Is Hydra or La Rochelle Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Hydra and La Rochelle make for a first-rate place to visit.

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.

For those traveling as a couple, La Rochelle has plenty to offer. This beautiful coastal town is seeped in history. There are beautiful squares, romantic parks, and cobblestone streets that you can wander down. It's also nice to take a coastal walk before grabbing dinner at a local seafood restaurant.

Is Hydra or La Rochelle Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit La Rochelle. There aren't a ton of hostels in the area, but there are just enough that you should be able to find a place to stay.

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 La Rochelle Better for Students?

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

La Rochelle is popular with students. It's a touristy city with a lot for students to see and do, but the atmosphere is generally quiet and peaceful.

Hydra is not popular with students.

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

La Rochelle 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 La Rochelle, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Public transit around town is operated by Yeló, and mostly consists of buses.

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

Is Hydra or La Rochelle a more walkable city?

Hydra is very popular for its high level of walkability. Also, La Rochelle is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town 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.

La Rochelle is a very walkable destination. It's filled with meandering cobblestone streets that are best explored on foot. Most places around town can be explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in La Rochelle or Hydra?

How long in Hydra or La Rochelle?

It's fun to spend time in either Hydra or La Rochelle. Generally, people tend to spend more time in La Rochelle due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Hydra, and 2-4 days is enough time in La Rochelle.

Families should spend more time in Hydra than La Rochelle. 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 La Rochelle. 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 La Rochelle 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 La Rochelle.

One day in Hydra or La Rochelle?

Hydra is a small town with plenty to do. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this island has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

In La Rochelle, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this relaxing small town offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the food. This coastal town 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 La Rochelle?

Hydra might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This island offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

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

Because Hydra is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

La Rochelle is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the small town destination of La Rochelle. Lots of people come for the food. 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 La Rochelle?

Since Hydra is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

You'll find food and shopping around the laid-back small town of La Rochelle. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the food. 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 Paris, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris.

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

Which is Bigger, Hydra or La Rochelle?

La Rochelle has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Hydra. When comparing the sizes of Hydra and La Rochelle, 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 La Rochelle?

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 La Rochelle in the Summer?

Both La Rochelle and Hydra during the summer are popular places to visit. 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 beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to La Rochelle this time of year.

In the summer, Hydra is a little warmer than La Rochelle. Typically, the summer temperatures in Hydra in July average around 27°C (81°F), and La Rochelle averages at about 20°C (67°F).

In La Rochelle, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Hydra. In the summer, Hydra often gets more sunshine than La Rochelle. Hydra gets 357 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while La Rochelle receives 267 hours of full sun.

Hydra usually gets less rain in July than La Rochelle. Hydra gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while La Rochelle receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hydra or La Rochelle in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Hydra and La Rochelle. 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 La Rochelle for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the small town atmosphere.

In October, Hydra is generally a little warmer than La Rochelle. Daily temperatures in Hydra average around 19°C (67°F), and La Rochelle fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

In Hydra, it's very sunny this time of the year. Hydra usually receives more sunshine than La Rochelle during autumn. Hydra gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while La Rochelle receives 141 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Hydra usually receives less rain than La Rochelle. Hydra gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while La Rochelle receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Hydra or La Rochelle in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Hydra as well as La Rochelle. Many travelers come to Hydra for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, many visitors come to La Rochelle in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Hydra is much warmer than La Rochelle in the winter. The daily temperature in Hydra averages around 10°C (51°F) in January, and La Rochelle fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

In the winter, Hydra often gets more sunshine than La Rochelle. Hydra gets 143 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while La Rochelle receives 72 hours of full sun.

Hydra usually gets less rain in January than La Rochelle. Hydra gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while La Rochelle receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hydra or La Rochelle in the Spring?

Both La Rochelle and Hydra are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Hydra in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to La Rochelle for the beaches and the small town charm during these months.

In the spring, Hydra is a little warmer than La Rochelle. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hydra in April average around 16°C (60°F), and La Rochelle averages at about 11°C (52°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hydra. Hydra usually receives more sunshine than La Rochelle during spring. Hydra gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while La Rochelle receives 187 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Hydra usually receives less rain than La Rochelle. Hydra gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while La Rochelle receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for La Rochelle and Hydra