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

Should you visit Hydra or Livorno?

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

Should I visit Hydra or Livorno? 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. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Livorno

Livorno is a down-to-earth, waterfront, and friendly port city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Hydra and Livorno: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hydra or Livorno?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Hydra than Livorno, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Hydra is better known for its museums, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Livorno is more popular for its nightlife and big city activities. Hydra is more touristy than Livorno and is popular for its picturesque setting, car-free setting, and beautiful old town. Also, Hydra is famous for The Monastery of the Assumption of Virgin Mary. Livorno is well known for its large port and its great seafood.

How is Hydra different from Livorno?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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.

Livorno offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. The waterfront promenade and New Venice are nice to explore. There's an aquarium in town as well as a fun central market.

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

Foodies will find both Hydra and Livorno both to be notable 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.

Livorno has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. As a port city, this is the place to try seafood. Many dishes include calamari, shrimp, or freshly caught fish. The city is less touristy than most in Italy, so even the food has an authentic and down-to-earth vibe.

Is Hydra or Livorno Better for Nightlife?

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

Livorno has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Most visitors arrive by cruise ship, and depart in the evening, but the city is large and for those that stay the night, there are a number of bars and clubs 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 Livorno Better for Resorts?

Hydra is a nice place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Livorno is not a resort destination.

Hydra has a few great resort options. It's a popular day trip destination, but if you stay for a night or two, you'll find boutique hotels and charming pensions.

Livorno is not a resort destination.

Is Hydra or Livorno Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Hydra is a nice place to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Livorno 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.

Livorno is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Hydra or Livorno Better for Beaches?

Hydra is a nice place to visit for the beach. However, Livorno is not a good destination for its beaches.

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.

Livorno is a good spot to see the beach. The beaches are pebbly or rocky, so you won't really find a long stretch of sandy beach where you can relax. They can also stay very crowded.

Is Hydra or Livorno Better for its Old Town?

Hydra is great for its historic old town charm. However, Livorno does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Hydra to see the historical old town. 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.

Livorno does not have a historic old town.

Is Hydra or Livorno Better for Hiking?

Hydra is great for hiking. However, Livorno is not a hiking destination.

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.

Livorno is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hydra or Livorno?

Hydra is great for its shopping areas. Also, Livorno is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Hydra. Charming shops fill the town and sell local items such as handmade jewelry and traditional embroideries.

Livorno is a great destination for shopping. The main shopping street in town is Via Grande. It's generally filled with major chain stores and familiar brands.

Is Hydra or Livorno Better for Families?

Hydra is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Livorno is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Hydra. 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.

Livorno is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has a nice aquarium as well as outdoor recreational activities like cycling and boating. There's a beach and parks where kids can stretch their legs and run around as well.

Is Hydra or Livorno Better for Couples?

Hydra is renowned for couples. Also, Livorno is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for romance.

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.

Livorno is a nice destination for couples. There are some nice museums as well as parks and boat rides that couples can enjoy. There's also an aquarium and a beach.

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

Livorno 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 Livorno, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses around town including lines that run from the central train station to the port.

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

Is Hydra or Livorno a more walkable city?

Hydra is renowned for its ease of walking around. Also, Livorno is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its walkability.

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.

Livorno is somewhat walkable. Parts of the city are walkable, but if you're arriving by cruise ship, you'll want to take a shuttle bus from the port.

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

Should I spend more time in Livorno or Hydra?

How long in Hydra or Livorno?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Hydra or Livorno to fill your time. In our opinion, Hydra has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Hydra than Livorno. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Hydra is a small town with plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This island offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

In Livorno, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this down-to-earth destination offers. This port 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 Livorno?

Hydra might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Hydra has to offer.

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

Hydra is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

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

A week in Hydra or Livorno?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hydra. Since Hydra is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

You'll find nightlife and food around the friendly destination of Livorno. 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 Luxury Tours to Italy, and The Best Budget Tours to Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Hydra or Livorno?

Livorno has a larger population, and is about 70 times larger than the population of Hydra. When comparing the sizes of Hydra and Livorno, 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 Livorno?

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 Livorno in the Summer?

Both Livorno and Hydra during the summer are popular places to visit. 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 Livorno in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Hydra is generally a little warmer than Livorno. Daily temperatures in Hydra average around 27°C (81°F), and Livorno fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

In Livorno, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Hydra. In the summer, Hydra often gets more sunshine than Livorno. Hydra gets 357 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Livorno receives 316 hours of full sun.

Hydra usually gets less rain in July than Livorno. Hydra gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Livorno receives 24 mm (0.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hydra or Livorno in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Hydra and Livorno. 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. Furthermore, most visitors come to Livorno for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

Hydra is a little warmer than Livorno in the autumn. The daily temperature in Hydra averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Livorno fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

In Hydra, it's very sunny this time of the year. Hydra usually receives more sunshine than Livorno during autumn. Hydra gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Livorno receives 177 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Livorno receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Hydra usually receives less rain than Livorno. Hydra gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Livorno receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Hydra or Livorno in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Hydra as well as Livorno. Most visitors come to Hydra for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Livorno because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Hydra is a little warmer than Livorno. Typically, the winter temperatures in Hydra in January average around 10°C (51°F), and Livorno averages at about 7°C (45°F).

In the winter, Hydra often gets more sunshine than Livorno. Hydra gets 143 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Livorno receives 105 hours of full sun.

Hydra usually gets less rain in January than Livorno. Hydra gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Livorno receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hydra or Livorno in the Spring?

Both Livorno and Hydra are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Hydra because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Also, the beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Livorno this time of year.

In April, Hydra is generally a little warmer than Livorno. Daily temperatures in Hydra average around 16°C (60°F), and Livorno fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hydra. Hydra usually receives more sunshine than Livorno during spring. Hydra gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Livorno receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Hydra usually receives less rain than Livorno. Hydra gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Livorno receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Livorno and Hydra