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

Should you visit Hydra or Nantes?

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

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

Nantes

Nantes is a vibrant, welcoming, and friendly city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Hydra and Nantes: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hydra or Nantes?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Hydra than Nantes, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Hydra is better known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, and small town charm, while Nantes is more popular for its food and nightlife. Hydra is more touristy than Nantes 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. Nantes is well known for its castles and historical landmarks, local wine, and beautiful parks and gardens.

How is Hydra different from Nantes?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Both Hydra and Nantes have very good 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 Nantes specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city is filled with historical monuments, particularly in the Bouffay District. Highlights include Cathédrale Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul, Château des Ducs de Bretagne, and the Musée d'Arts de Nantes.

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

Nantes 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, Nantes is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The region lends itself to unique flavors with a great mix of seafood from the Atlantic, freshwater fish from the Loire, and dairy from the surrounding countryside. The region is also famous for its wine. Local dishes that you should try include Filet de Sandre au Beurre Blanc (fresh fish in butter sauce), Crepes Bretonnes (breakfast crepes), and Le Canard Nantais (duck with Muscadet wine).

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 Nantes Better for Nightlife?

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

The people in Nantes know how to have a good time. The large student population heavily influences the nightlife scene. You'll find a young vibe with a lot of bars and clubs to choose from, particularly around Île de Nantes.

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 Nantes Better for Resorts?

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

Nantes is not a resort destination.

Is Hydra or Nantes Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

Nantes is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Hydra or Nantes Better for Beaches?

Hydra is a nice place to visit for the beach. However, Nantes 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.

Nantes is not a beach destination.

Is Hydra or Nantes Better for its Old Town?

Hydra is a very popular place for its historic old town charm. Also, Nantes is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its 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.

Many visitors go to Nantes to see the historical old town. The city's old town is in the Bouffay District and it is filled with half-timbered houses and a maze of streets and shops.

Is Hydra or Nantes Better for Hiking?

Hydra is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Nantes 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.

Nantes is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hydra or Nantes?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Nantes and Hydra.

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

Nantes is well-known for its shopping. There are impressive shopping streets, boutique stores, and grand shopping malls. Make sure you check out Rue Crébillon, Passage Pommeraye, and the shops around the Bouffay District. Talensac Market is also a historical covered market that you can explore.

Is Hydra or Nantes Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Hydra or Nantes.

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, Nantes is very family-friendly. It's filled with gardens, museums, and theme parks, making it a great combination of fascinating activities for adults and kids alike. Some of the top kid-friendly activities include a visit to Machine of the Isle of Nantes (both a theme park and a museum), seeing a show at Le Lieu Unique, or experiencing Naudières Park (a smaller theme park). Kids will also enjoy seeing Goulaine Castle or wandering around Jardin Extraordinaire or the Botanical Gardens.

Is Hydra or Nantes Better for Couples?

Hydra is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Nantes is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Couples visit Nantes frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There is a mix of both natural and historical beauty. Couples can enjoy a nice meal, stroll through one of the many parks and gardens, or even spend the day at the spa.

Is Hydra or Nantes Better for Students?

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

Nantes is popular with students. There's a decent sized student population and the city has a welcoming atmosphere. It's also easy to get around with public transportation.

Hydra is not popular with students.

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

Nantes 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 Nantes. There are both trams and buses throughout the city that are operated by TAN (Transport de l'Agglomeration Nantaise).

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

Is Hydra or Nantes a more walkable city?

Hydra is an unbeatable place for its ease of walking around. Also, Nantes is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Hydra. The entire island is car-free and everything that you want to visit is close together and easy to explore on foot.

Nantes is very walkable. The city is very walkable. Both locals and tourists alike choose to walk in Nantes.

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

Should I spend more time in Nantes or Hydra?

How long in Hydra or Nantes?

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

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

Hydra might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

In Nantes, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this historical destination offers. Lots of people come for the food. This 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 Nantes?

Hydra is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hydra. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

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

A week in Hydra or Nantes?

Hydra is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

You'll find food and shopping around the welcoming destination of Nantes. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the food. 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 in France, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France.

When comparing the travel costs between Hydra and Nantes, we can see that Nantes is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Hydra Expensive? and Is Nantes Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Hydra or Nantes?

Nantes has a larger population, and is about 120 times larger than the population of Hydra. When comparing the sizes of Hydra and Nantes, 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 Nantes?

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 Nantes in the Summer?

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

In July, Hydra is generally a little warmer than Nantes. Daily temperatures in Hydra average around 27°C (81°F), and Nantes fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nantes. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hydra this time of the year. In the summer, Hydra often gets more sunshine than Nantes. Hydra gets 357 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nantes receives 267 hours of full sun.

Hydra usually gets less rain in July than Nantes. Hydra gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hydra or Nantes in the Autumn?

Both Nantes and Hydra are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. 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. Also, most visitors come to Nantes for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Hydra is a little warmer than Nantes in the autumn. The daily temperature in Hydra averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Nantes fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hydra. Hydra usually receives more sunshine than Nantes during autumn. Hydra gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Nantes receives 141 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Hydra usually receives less rain than Nantes. Hydra gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Hydra or Nantes in the Winter?

Both Nantes and Hydra during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Hydra for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Nantes because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Hydra is much warmer than Nantes. Typically, the winter temperatures in Hydra in January average around 10°C (51°F), and Nantes averages at about 6°C (42°F).

In the winter, Hydra often gets more sunshine than Nantes. Hydra gets 143 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nantes receives 72 hours of full sun.

Hydra usually gets less rain in January than Nantes. Hydra gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hydra or Nantes in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Hydra and Nantes. The spring months attract visitors to Hydra because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Furthermore, the natural beauty are the main draw to Nantes this time of year.

In April, Hydra is generally a little warmer than Nantes. Daily temperatures in Hydra average around 16°C (60°F), and Nantes fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In Hydra, it's very sunny this time of the year. Hydra usually receives more sunshine than Nantes during spring. Hydra gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Nantes receives 187 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Hydra usually receives less rain than Nantes. Hydra gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Nantes and Hydra