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

Should you visit Hydra or Milan?

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

Should I visit Hydra or Milan? 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.

Milan

Milan is a cultural, trendy, and chic city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It's also known for food, shopping, and museums.

Hydra and Milan: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hydra or Milan?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Milan than Hydra, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Milan is better known for its food, nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Hydra is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and small town charm. Hydra is more touristy than Milan and is popular for its picturesque setting, car-free setting, and beautiful old town. Milan is well known for its grand squares, dramatic architecture, and its leadership in the fashion world. Also, Milan is famous for Piazza del Duomo.

How is Hydra different from Milan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Both Hydra and Milan have excellent 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 Milan specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The Milan Cathedral is the most famous landmark in the city, but other sights include Castello Sforzesco, Pinacoteca di Brera, and Sant'Ambrogio.

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

Milan 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, Milan is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The city has a mix of traditional dishes combined with modernized, trendy restaurants. You can try a new dish by a groundbreaking chef, or sample a long running favorite like risotto alla Milanese.

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 Milan Better for Nightlife?

Milan is a world-class destination for nightlife. However, Hydra is a island with minimal options for nightlife and partying.

People head to Milan just to party. The city has a huge number of students and young professionals, which make it a fun place with an active nightlife. There are cocktail bars, trendy clubs, and relaxed pubs that you can chose from.

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 Milan Better for Music?

Milan is a world-class destination for live music. However, Hydra is not a live music destination.

Milan is a world class music destination. The diversity of music ranges from classical concerts to techno raves. Popular venues include Blue Note Milan, Santeria Social Club, and Spirit de Milan.

Hydra is not a live music destination.

Is Hydra or Milan Better for Resorts?

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

Milan is not a resort destination.

Is Hydra or Milan Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Hydra is a island with good options for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Milan 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.

Milan is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Hydra or Milan Better for Beaches?

Hydra is a island with good options for the beach. However, Milan 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.

Milan is not a beach destination.

Is Hydra or Milan Better for its Old Town?

Milan 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 Milan is revered around the world. Known as the Centro Storic, this area is the most popular with tourists. It's where you'll find the most historic buildings and beautiful sights in the city.

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 Milan Better for Hiking?

Hydra is great for hiking. However, Milan 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.

Milan is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hydra or Milan?

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

Milan is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. Famous as the fashion capital of Italy, shopping is the thing to do here. There are many streets that are lined with the biggest designers in fashion. Make sure you check out Via Monte Napoleone, Via Della Spiga, and Corso Buenos Aires.

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 Milan Better for Families?

Hydra is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Milan is not as popular, but is still a nice 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.

Milan is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has a science museum and a children's museum, MuBa, that is great for the kids. There are also a number of parks to explore as well as playgrounds where the kids and get out their energy.

Is Hydra or Milan Better for Couples?

Hydra is an amazing island to visit for couples. Also, Milan is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

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.

Milan is a very popular place to visit for couples. There are many beautiful buildings, excellent shopping, and romantic restaurants that make for a wonderful couple's getaway.

Is Hydra or Milan Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Milan is a great destination for backpackers. However, Hydra is a island with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Milan. While not as popular with backpackers as some Italian city's, there are a number of hostels and great activities that are fun for visitors.

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 Milan Better for Students?

Milan is a world-class destination for students. However, Hydra is not popular with students.

Many students frequent Milan. It is one of the more popular city's for international students in Italy. It is very livable with a lot of culture and a fun nightlife, so you're sure to have the experience of a lifetime.

Hydra is not popular with students.

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

Milan is a world-class destination for its public transit. However, Hydra is a island with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

With a huge network, the transit system in Milan can get you around easily. Options include metro, bus, tram, and train lines.

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

Is Hydra or Milan a more walkable city?

Hydra and Milan 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.

Milan is a very easy island to get around on foot. In particular, the city center is walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Milan or Hydra?

How long in Hydra or Milan?

In either Hydra or Milan, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Milan than Hydra because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Hydra, and 1-5 days is enough time in Milan.

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

One day in Hydra or Milan?

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.

Each neighborhood in Milan has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. 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 Milan?

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 Milan. 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 Milan?

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.

Milan is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Milan has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Hydra or Milan?

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 museums and nightlife around the cultural big city of Milan. 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 Sightseeing Tours in Italy, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Hydra or Milan?

Milan has a larger population, and is about 570 times larger than the population of Hydra. When comparing the sizes of Hydra and Milan, 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 Milan?

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 Milan in the Summer?

Both Milan and Hydra during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Hydra in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Milan for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

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

In Milan, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Hydra. In the summer, Hydra often gets more sunshine than Milan. Hydra gets 357 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milan receives 250 hours of full sun.

Hydra usually gets less rain in July than Milan. Hydra gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Milan receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hydra or Milan in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Hydra and Milan. 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 Milan because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Hydra is a little warmer than Milan in the autumn. The daily temperature in Hydra averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Milan fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

In Hydra, it's very sunny this time of the year. Hydra usually receives more sunshine than Milan during autumn. Hydra gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Milan receives 152 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Milan receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Hydra usually receives less rain than Milan. Hydra gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Milan receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Hydra or Milan in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Hydra as well as Milan. The winter months attract visitors to Hydra because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Milan this time of year.

It's quite cold in Milan in the winter. In the winter, Hydra is much warmer than Milan. Typically, the winter temperatures in Hydra in January average around 10°C (51°F), and Milan averages at about 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Hydra often gets more sunshine than Milan. Hydra gets 143 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milan receives 119 hours of full sun.

Hydra usually gets less rain in January than Milan. Hydra gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Milan receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hydra or Milan in the Spring?

Both Milan and Hydra are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Hydra this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Milan for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In April, Hydra is generally a little warmer than Milan. Daily temperatures in Hydra average around 16°C (60°F), and Milan 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 Milan during spring. Hydra gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Milan receives 176 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Hydra usually receives less rain than Milan. Hydra gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Milan receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Milan and Hydra