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

Should you visit Hydra or Lille?

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

Should I visit Hydra or Lille? 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. 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.

Lille

Lille is a historic, under-rated, and fascinating city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Hydra and Lille: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hydra or Lille?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Hydra. Although Hydra and Lille are popular destinations, Hydra has more sights and attractions for tourists. Hydra is very popular for its museums, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and small town charm, while Lille attracts visitors for its food, nightlife, and shopping. Hydra is more touristy than Lille 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. Lille is famous for its beautiful architecture, excellent shopping, and world class food scene.

How is Hydra different from Lille?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Hydra is notable for its sights and museums. However, Lille is a mediocre city for its museums and history.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Hydra can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

While most people don't head to Lille specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. The city offers an amazing atmosphere, with many of the most beautiful buildings near Place du Général de Gaulle (the main square). Top rated attractions in town include Palais des Beaux-Arts, Musée du Louvre-Lens, and Eglise Saint-Maurice.

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

Lille 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, Lille is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The city has a cuisine all its own. There are many local dishes that are recommended with some of the most popular being les moules (mussels), the Welsh (a beer and cheddar cheese dish), and la carbonade flamande (beef stew). Most dishes are served with a hearty side of fries. The mussels are a favorite and are served with various toppings including local cheese. You can expect your very own pot of mussels with each order. Many of the restaurants around the main square (General de Gaulle Square) offer these local specialties. Outside the old town you'll also find plenty of international restaurants including Asian street food.

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 Lille Better for Nightlife?

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

The people in Lille know how to have a good time. With its young population and countless places to hang out, there's rarely a dull night around town. The most popular nightlife areas are Rue Masséna and Rue Solférino. The city also offers plenty of theaters and shows that you can enjoy.

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 Lille Better for Resorts?

Hydra is a nice place to visit for its resorts. However, Lille 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.

Lille is not a resort destination.

Is Hydra or Lille Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Hydra is a nice place to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, Lille is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Hydra has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. There are some snorkeling spots around the island - most notably Bisti Beach, which is pebbly and has some interesting sea life.

Lille is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Hydra or Lille Better for Beaches?

Hydra is a nice place to visit for the beache. However, Lille is not a beach destination.

Hydra has a beach worth visiting. 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.

Lille is not a beach destination.

Is Hydra or Lille Better for its Old Town?

It's fun to wander around the very good old towns in both Hydra and Lille.

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 Lille. The old town (Le Vieux Lille) is charming to explore. Many of the buildings are from the 16th or 17th centuries and feature very ornate architecture. The area is filled with shops and restaurants and it stays active throughout the day. This is an area where locals and tourists alike live and play.

Is Hydra or Lille Better for Hiking?

Hydra is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Lille 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.

Lille is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hydra or Lille?

Lille is a world-class destination for shopping. Also, Hydra is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Lille is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city is filled with shopping opportunities. Almost any store you could want is in or around the old town and the two main shopping centers in town are McArthur Glen and A l'Usine. Also by the train station is a shopping mall.

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

Is Hydra or Lille Better for Families?

Hydra is notable for its family-friendly activities. However, Lille is a mediocre city 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.

Lille is not always a place people visit with their families. There are a handful of kid-focused activities like a small zoo, a small amusement park, several museums and even a puppet theater. Many of the restaurants also have kid's menus that are reasonably priced.

Is Hydra or Lille Better for Couples?

Hydra is very popular for its romantic activities. Also, Lille is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

Hydra has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. 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.

Lille is a good island for couples to visit. Couples who enjoy shopping, dining out, and exploring beautiful cities will enjoy a visit. There are many great restaurants worth experiencing, as well as beautiful architecture and fun shops.

Is Hydra or Lille Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Lille. This small city flies under the radar for most backpackers, but there are a handful of hostels and a great experience for those who venture here. It feels more off the beaten path than some French cities, but you'll find great food and a nice atmosphere.

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 Lille Better for Students?

Lille is a great destination for students. However, Hydra is not popular with students.

Lille is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. The city is home to a number of students, both local and international. It has a lower cost of living than many places in France as well as a youthful vibe with fun activities and plenty of shopping.

Hydra is not popular with students.

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

Lille is a great destination for its public transit. However, Hydra is a island with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Lille. There is a metro as well as trams and buses throughout the city.

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

Is Hydra or Lille a more walkable city?

Hydra and Lille both are fantastic when exploring on foot.

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.

Lille is a very easy island to get around on foot. The old town in particular is compact and best explored on foot, but even outside of the old town, many areas are easily explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Lille or Hydra?

How long in Hydra or Lille?

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

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

One day in Hydra or Lille?

Even though Hydra is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

In Lille, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this under-rated destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Lille?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hydra. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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.

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

Hydra is a fun place to experience. Hydra is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Lille is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Lille. 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 Lille?

Hydra is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

You'll find nightlife and food around the cultural destination of Lille. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 10-Day Tours from Paris, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Paris.

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

Which is Bigger, Hydra or Lille?

Lille has a larger population, and is about 130 times larger than the population of Hydra. When comparing the sizes of Hydra and Lille, 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 Lille?

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 Lille in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Hydra and Lille. Many travelers come to Hydra for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Lille in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Hydra is much warmer than Lille. Typically, the summer temperatures in Hydra in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Lille averages at about 17°C (63°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Lille this time of the year. In Hydra, it's very sunny this time of the year. Hydra usually receives more sunshine than Lille during summer. Hydra gets 357 hours of sunny skies, while Lille receives 202 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Hydra usually receives less rain than Lille. Hydra gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Lille receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Hydra or Lille in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Hydra as well as Lille. Many visitors come to Hydra in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, most visitors come to Lille for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Hydra is generally much warmer than Lille. Daily temperatures in Hydra average around 19°C (67°F), and Lille fluctuates around 12°C (54°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 Lille. Hydra gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lille receives 105 hours of full sun.

Hydra usually gets less rain in October than Lille. Hydra gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Lille receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hydra or Lille in the Winter?

Both Lille and Hydra are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Hydra for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Lille because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Lille can be very cold. Hydra is much warmer than Lille in the winter. The daily temperature in Hydra averages around 10°C (51°F) in January, and Lille fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Hydra usually receives more sunshine than Lille during winter. Hydra gets 143 hours of sunny skies, while Lille receives 47 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Hydra usually receives less rain than Lille. Hydra gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Lille receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Hydra or Lille in the Spring?

Both Lille and Hydra during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Hydra because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Lille this time of year.

In the spring, Hydra is much warmer than Lille. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hydra in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Lille averages at about 8°C (47°F).

It's quite sunny in Hydra. In the spring, Hydra often gets more sunshine than Lille. Hydra gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Lille receives 158 hours of full sun.

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

Typical Weather for Lille and Hydra