A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Hydra vs. Nice for Food, Nightlife, Resorts, and Couples

Should you visit Hydra or Nice?

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

Should I visit Hydra or Nice? 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 charming, accessible, and quaint island. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and food.

Nice

Nice is a beautiful, opulent, and trendy seaside destination. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. With a quaint atmosphere, it also offers a unique feeling. It's also known for scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping.

Hydra and Nice: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hydra or Nice?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Hydra. Although Hydra and Nice are popular destinations, Hydra has more sights and attractions for tourists. Hydra is very popular for its museums, hiking, and small town charm, while Nice attracts visitors for its food, nightlife, resorts, beaches, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Nice is more touristy than Hydra and is known for its beachfront setting in the French Riviera as well as its popularity with A-list celebrities. Hydra is famous for its picturesque setting, car-free setting, and beautiful old town. It is also well known for The Monastery of the Assumption of Virgin Mary.

How is Hydra different from Nice?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Hydra is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Nice does not have 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.

Nice does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Nice 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, Nice is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The cuisine brings together fresh regional ingredients and mixes Provençal and Niçoise flavors. You'll find a lot of Italian influence as well. Fresh seafood is the thing to try while you're in town, but other local favorites include socca, Ratatouille, and Salade niçoise.

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 Nice Better for Nightlife?

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

People head to Nice just to party. The city has some of the best nightlife on the Cote d'Azur. You'll find a number of nightclubs along the seaside as well a bars and pubs in the Old Town. Some of the best clubs are along Promenade des Anglais.

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 Nice Better for Resorts?

Nice is a world-class destination for its resorts. Also, Hydra is still popular, but not quite as popular for its luxury resorts.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Nice is a great choice. The city has boutique hotels as well high end luxury resorts. Popular options include Hyatt Regency Nice Palais de la Méditerranée, Hôtel Suisse, and AC Hotel by Marriott.

With a selection of resorts, Hydra makes a nice vacation spot. It's a popular day trip destination, but if you stay for a night or two, you'll find boutique hotels and charming pensions.

Is Hydra or Nice Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

There's nice scuba diving or snorkeling available in both Hydra and Nice.

Hydra has a few good snorkeling spots. There are some snorkeling spots around the island - most notably Bisti Beach, which is pebbly and has some interesting sea life.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in Nice. There are some places where you can arrange a snorkeling or dive trip to explore the underwater setting.

Is Hydra or Nice Better for Beaches?

Nice is a great destination for its beaches. Also, Hydra is still popular, but not quite as popular for the beache.

Nice is considered a top beach destination. The city has about 4 miles of beach along its coastline and there are both public and private beaches available. La Réserve is a public beach with a laid back and fun vibe. Plage Beau Rivage is a private beach with many amenities, making it a favorite for visitors. Blue Beach is another private beach that is very family-friendly.

Many people head to Hydra to enjoy the beach. 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.

Is Hydra or Nice Better for its Old Town?

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

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 Nice. Wandering around the charming old town is a quintessential part of visiting this city. There are many historic churches and squares, as well as great restaurants and shops that you can pop in.

Is Hydra or Nice Better for Hiking?

Hydra is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Nice is not a hiking destination.

Hydra is a popular spot for hiking. 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.

Nice is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hydra or Nice?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Nice 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.

Nice is well-known for its shopping. The city has long been a favorite for the rich and famous, so you'll find plenty of shopping opportunities around town. The boutique shops are chic, trendy, and fashionable, but for those on a budget, you can sometimes find a unique local purchase in your budget.

Is Hydra or Nice Better for Families?

Hydra is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Nice is not as famous, but is still a good seaside destination to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Hydra is a very kid-friendly island. 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.

Nice is a family-friendly island. The town has many fun playgrounds, kid-friendly beaches, and unique cultural opportunities that kids can enjoy. It also makes a great base for exploring the French Riviera and everything that it has to offer.

Is Hydra or Nice Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Hydra and Nice make for a terrific place to visit.

Hydra makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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.

For those traveling as a couple, Nice has plenty to offer. The old town is filled with romance and charm. You can also take a walk along the Promenade Des Anglais or soak up the romantic countryside that surrounds the town.

Is Hydra or Nice Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Nice. Because it's one of the most popular tourist destinations in France, many backpackers make their way here. Nice is known for its high end vibe, so it can be challenging to find affordable options, but if you know where to look, they are around.

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 Nice Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Nice 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 Nice. There are both buses and trams.

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

Is Hydra or Nice a more walkable city?

Hydra and Nice 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.

Nice is a very easy island to get around on foot. You should definitely spend some time exploring the 7 kilometer long Promenade des Anglais.

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

Should I spend more time in Nice or Hydra?

How long in Hydra or Nice?

In either Hydra or Nice, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Nice than Hydra because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Hydra, and 3-5 days is enough time in Nice.

Families should spend more time in Hydra than Nice. 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 Nice than Hydra. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Nice that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Nice 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 Nice.

One day in Hydra or Nice?

Hydra is a small town where visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

In Nice, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping that this beautiful destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This seaside destination 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 Nice?

Hydra is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nice. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Hydra or Nice?

Hydra is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. This island offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Nice is a fun place to experience. In Nice, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this quaint destination offers. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Hydra or Nice?

Because Hydra is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the trendy destination of Nice. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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 10-Day Tours in France, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France.

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

Which is Bigger, Hydra or Nice?

Nice has a larger population, and is about 150 times larger than the population of Hydra. When comparing the sizes of Hydra and Nice, 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 Nice?

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 Nice in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Hydra and Nice. 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 Nice for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Hydra is a little warmer than Nice. Typically, the summer temperatures in Hydra in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Nice averages at about 23°C (73°F).

In July, Hydra usually receives less rain than Nice. Hydra gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Nice receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Hydra or Nice in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Hydra as well as Nice. 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 Nice because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Hydra is generally a little warmer than Nice. Daily temperatures in Hydra average around 19°C (67°F), and Nice fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

It's quite rainy in Nice. Hydra usually gets less rain in October than Nice. Hydra gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Nice receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hydra or Nice in the Winter?

Both Nice and Hydra are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Hydra because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Nice this time of year.

Hydra is a little warmer than Nice in the winter. The daily temperature in Hydra averages around 10°C (51°F) in January, and Nice fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In January, Hydra usually receives less rain than Nice. Hydra gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Nice receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Hydra or Nice in the Spring?

Both Nice and Hydra during the spring are popular places to visit. 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 Nice for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Hydra is a little warmer than Nice. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hydra in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Nice averages at about 13°C (56°F).

Hydra usually gets less rain in April than Nice. Hydra gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Nice receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Nice and Hydra