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

Should you visit Hydra or Messina?

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

Should I visit Hydra or Messina? 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 quaint, picturesque, and charming island. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Messina

Messina is a historic, bustling, and local port city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Hydra and Messina: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hydra or Messina?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Hydra. Although Hydra and Messina are both popular with visitors, Hydra has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Hydra is more popular for its museums, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Messina is known for its nightlife and big city activities. Hydra is more touristy than Messina and is known for its picturesque setting, car-free setting, and beautiful old town. It is also home to The Monastery of the Assumption of Virgin Mary. Messina is popular for being the entry and departure point to Sicily for those traveling by ferry.

How is Hydra different from Messina?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Hydra is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Messina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

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.

Messina offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are a number of historic sights around town including the Cathedral and the Piazza del Duomo, the Bell Tower and Astronomical Clock, Santissima Annunziata dei Catalani, and the Regional Museum. There are also many ornate fountains around town.

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

Foodies will find both Hydra and Messina both to be good 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.

Messina has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. The city's cuisine is a mix of the cultures that have influenced Sicily over the centuries. The city has a longstanding fishing industry and one of the most popular dishes are swordfish rolls. Also try the pidone (similar to calzones with different fillings), and the focaccia (a local bread).

Is Hydra or Messina Better for Nightlife?

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

The people in Messina know how to have a good time. The nightlife scene is mostly centered around the old town and you'll find a mix of locals and tourists hanging out in pubs and bars. During the summer months there are often free outdoor concerts to 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 Messina Better for Resorts?

Hydra is a island with good options for its resorts. However, Messina 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.

Messina is not a resort destination.

Is Hydra or Messina Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Hydra is a island with good options for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Messina 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.

Messina is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Hydra or Messina Better for Beaches?

Hydra is a island with good options for its beaches. However, Messina is not particularly known for the beache.

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.

You can check out the beach in Messina. There are pebbly beaches in the area that are becoming more popular with tourists.

Is Hydra or Messina Better for its Old Town?

Hydra is well known for its historic old town. However, Messina does not have a historic old town.

Hydra is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. 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.

Messina does not have a historic old town.

Is Hydra or Messina Better for Hiking?

Hydra is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Messina is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around 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.

Messina is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hydra or Messina?

Hydra is well known for shopping. Also, Messina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Hydra is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Charming shops fill the town and sell local items such as handmade jewelry and traditional embroideries.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Messina. The best shopping is around Piazza Cairoli with the main shopping streets being Viale Europa and Viale San Martino. There are many small boutiques that have cheaper prices than some of the more upscale Sicilian towns.

Is Hydra or Messina Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Hydra or Messina.

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, Messina is very family-friendly. There are a number outdoor activities that kids will enjoy including Parco Avventura Dei Peloritani, which has ropes and obstacle courses. There's also the Karting Center, which is fun for the whole family, or a small aquarium in town. If you're looking for an excursion outside of town, head to Cascata Cataolo waterfall, which is very kid-friendly.

Is Hydra or Messina Better for Couples?

Hydra is renowned for romance. Also, Messina is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Messina makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Most visitors see the city as an arrival or departure point for Sicily, but those couples who linger will appreciate a number of historical sights and a nice atmosphere.

Is Hydra or Messina Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Messina. If you're traveling by train or ferry, you'll likely arrive or depart from this city. There are a number of hostels and cheap guesthouses around town that offer affordable accommodation.

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 Messina Better for Students?

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

Messina is popular with students. There are a few study abroad opportunities that bring international students to town. The city also have good transportation connections and a friendly atmosphere that is welcoming to students.

Hydra is not popular with students.

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

Messina 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 Messina, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. If your legs are tired then there's an efficient bus system that you can use.

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

Is Hydra or Messina a more walkable city?

Hydra is renowned for its walkability. Also, Messina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

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.

Messina is a very walkable island. Most of the city's attractions can be reached on foot and the port is a ten to fifteen minute walk from Piazza del Duomo.

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

Should I spend more time in Messina or Hydra?

How long in Hydra or Messina?

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

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

One day in Hydra or Messina?

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 Messina, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this bustling destination offers. This port city 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 Messina?

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 Messina. 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 Messina?

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.

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

A week in Hydra or Messina?

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 food and shopping around the historic destination of Messina. 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 Food and Culinary Tours in Italy, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Hydra or Messina?

Messina has a larger population, and is about 110 times larger than the population of Hydra. When comparing the sizes of Hydra and Messina, 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 Messina?

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 Messina in the Summer?

Both Messina and Hydra are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. 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 Messina for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Hydra is around the same temperature as Messina in the summer. The daily temperature in Hydra averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Messina fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).

It's quite sunny in Messina. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hydra. Hydra usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Messina during summer. Hydra gets 357 hours of sunny skies, while Messina receives 332 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Hydra usually receives less rain than Messina. Hydra gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Messina receives 19 mm (0.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Hydra or Messina in the Autumn?

Both Messina and Hydra during the autumn are popular places to visit. 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. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Messina because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Hydra is around the same temperature as Messina. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Hydra in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Messina averages at about 21°C (69°F).

It's quite sunny in Hydra. In the autumn, Hydra often gets more sunshine than Messina. Hydra gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Messina receives 189 hours of full sun.

Messina gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Hydra usually gets less rain in October than Messina. Hydra gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Messina receives 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hydra or Messina in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Hydra and Messina. 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 Messina this time of year.

In January, Hydra is generally cooler than Messina. Daily temperatures in Hydra average around 10°C (51°F), and Messina fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Hydra usually receives more sunshine than Messina during winter. Hydra gets 143 hours of sunny skies, while Messina receives 115 hours of full sun in the winter.

Messina receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Hydra usually receives less rain than Messina. Hydra gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Messina receives 113 mm (4.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Hydra or Messina in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Hydra as well as Messina. The beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Hydra this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Messina for the beaches and the activities around the city.

Hydra is around the same temperature as Messina in the spring. The daily temperature in Hydra averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Messina fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Messina. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hydra this time of the year. In the spring, Hydra often gets more sunshine than Messina. Hydra gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Messina receives 207 hours of full sun.

Hydra usually gets less rain in April than Messina. Hydra gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Messina receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Messina and Hydra