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

Should you visit Hydra or Mainz?

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

Should I visit Hydra or Mainz? 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 accessible, quaint, and picturesque island. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Mainz

Mainz is a quaint, charming, and beautiful town. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for food, shopping, and museums.

Hydra and Mainz: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hydra or Mainz?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Hydra. Although Hydra and Mainz are both popular with visitors, Hydra has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Hydra is more popular for its museums, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, and small town charm, while Mainz is known for its food. Hydra is popular for its picturesque setting, car-free setting, and beautiful old town. It is also home to The Monastery of the Assumption of Virgin Mary. Mainz is popular for its quaint old town, Roman heritage, and beautiful town squares.

How is Hydra different from Mainz?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Hydra is a very popular place for its museums and history. Also, Mainz is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Hydra. 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.

Mainz offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. It's an old university town with a number of historical sights. Check out the Church of St. Stephan, Mainz Cathedral, the Gutenberg Museum, and the Museum of Ancient Seafaring.

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

Mainz 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, Mainz makes for a great culinary experience. There are plenty of restaurants and cafes that serve local food. There are also wine taverns where you can sample the local wines and dine of regional specialties.

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 Mainz Better for Nightlife?

Hydra is a decent place to visit for nightlife. However, Mainz is lacking in good options for nightlife and partying.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Hydra. 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.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Mainz. It's a sleepy little town, so even locals often head to bigger cities for better nightlife.

Is Hydra or Mainz Better for Resorts?

Hydra is a island with good options for its luxury resorts. However, Mainz is not a resort destination.

Hydra has a handful of resorts to choose from. It's a popular day trip destination, but if you stay for a night or two, you'll find boutique hotels and charming pensions.

Mainz is not a resort destination.

Is Hydra or Mainz Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Hydra is a island with good options for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Mainz is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life in Hydra. There are some snorkeling spots around the island - most notably Bisti Beach, which is pebbly and has some interesting sea life.

Mainz is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Hydra or Mainz Better for Beaches?

Hydra is a island with good options for its beaches. However, Mainz is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Hydra. 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.

Mainz is not a beach destination.

Is Hydra or Mainz Better for its Old Town?

It's fun to wander around the excellent old towns in both Hydra and Mainz.

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 Mainz. Filled with beautiful squares and cobblestone streets, this is a nice old town in a pleasant city.

Is Hydra or Mainz Better for Hiking?

Hydra is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Mainz is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting 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.

Mainz is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hydra or Mainz?

Hydra is a very popular place for shopping. Also, Mainz is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Hydra. Charming shops fill the town and sell local items such as handmade jewelry and traditional embroideries.

Mainz offers some nice shopping areas. Head to the boulevard of Am Brand near the cathedral for some of the town's best shopping. There are shops that line the street and it's a nice area to walk around.

Is Hydra or Mainz Better for Families?

Hydra is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. However, Mainz is lacking in good options for its family-friendly activities.

Hydra is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Mainz doesn't usually come to mind when thinking about kid-friendly destinations. Kids will enjoy the Gutenburg Museum and the outdoor spaces where they can run around. There's also a nice old town that everyone will have fun exploring.

Is Hydra or Mainz Better for Couples?

Hydra is terrific for romance. Also, Mainz is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Hydra is a great island for couples, as it has plenty to offer. 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.

Couples visit Mainz frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Located on the Rhine River, this scenic setting is popular for river cruises. The town is nice to explore on its own, or you can hop around and take in several of the German river towns. You can also sit at outdoor cafes and sip local wine.

Is Hydra or Mainz Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Mainz. The town is popular with river cruises but you'll also find a hostel or two where budget travelers can save some money and meet other backpackers.

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 Mainz Better for Students?

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

Mainz is a very popular town for students and younger travelers. It's a university town with a pleasant atmosphere and a beautiful setting.

Hydra is not popular with students.

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

Mainz 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 Mainz. There are regional trains that make it easy to use Mainz as a base to explore the area, or you could visit Mainz as a day trip from another nearby town.

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

Is Hydra or Mainz a more walkable city?

Hydra and Mainz both are terrific 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.

Mainz is a very easy island to get around on foot. The town is easily explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Mainz or Hydra?

How long in Hydra or Mainz?

It's fun to spend time in either Hydra or Mainz. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Mainz 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 Mainz.

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

One day in Hydra or Mainz?

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 Mainz, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this beautiful destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This 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 Mainz?

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 Mainz. 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 Mainz?

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.

Mainz is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Mainz. 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 Mainz?

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 food and shopping around the peaceful destination of Mainz. 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Germany, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Germany.

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

Which is Bigger, Hydra or Mainz?

Mainz has a larger population, and is about 80 times larger than the population of Hydra. When comparing the sizes of Hydra and Mainz, 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 Mainz?

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 Mainz in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Hydra as well as Mainz. Many visitors come to Hydra in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Mainz for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Hydra is a little warmer than Mainz in the summer. The daily temperature in Hydra averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Mainz fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mainz. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hydra this time of the year. In the summer, Hydra often gets more sunshine than Mainz. Hydra gets 357 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mainz receives 225 hours of full sun.

Hydra usually gets less rain in July than Mainz. Hydra gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Mainz receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hydra or Mainz in the Autumn?

Both Mainz and Hydra are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Hydra for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Mainz because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Hydra is much warmer than Mainz. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Hydra in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Mainz averages at about 11°C (51°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hydra. Hydra usually receives more sunshine than Mainz during autumn. Hydra gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Mainz receives 103 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Hydra usually receives around the same amount of rain as Mainz. Hydra gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Mainz receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Hydra or Mainz in the Winter?

Both Mainz and Hydra during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Hydra because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Mainz this time of year.

It's quite cold in Mainz in the winter. In January, Hydra is generally much warmer than Mainz. Daily temperatures in Hydra average around 10°C (51°F), and Mainz fluctuates around 2°C (35°F).

In the winter, Hydra often gets more sunshine than Mainz. Hydra gets 143 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mainz receives 41 hours of full sun.

Hydra usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Mainz. Hydra gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Mainz receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hydra or Mainz in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Hydra and Mainz. The beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Hydra this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Mainz for the natural beauty.

Hydra is a little warmer than Mainz in the spring. The daily temperature in Hydra averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Mainz fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In Hydra, it's very sunny this time of the year. Hydra usually receives more sunshine than Mainz during spring. Hydra gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Mainz receives 163 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Hydra usually receives less rain than Mainz. Hydra gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Mainz receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Mainz and Hydra