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

Should you visit Hydra or Palermo?

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

Should I visit Hydra or Palermo? 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. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Palermo

Palermo is a dynamic, fun, and colorful city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Hydra and Palermo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hydra or Palermo?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Palermo than Hydra, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Palermo is better known for its food, nightlife, beaches, and big city activities, while Hydra is more popular for its museums, resorts, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Hydra is more touristy than Palermo and is known for its picturesque setting, car-free setting, and beautiful old town. Palermo is well known for its mild climate, beautiful architecture, fun atmosphere, and fascinating culture. Also, Palermo is famous for The Cathedral.

How is Hydra different from Palermo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Hydra is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Palermo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

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.

Palermo is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are a number of grand buildings and impressive architectural buildings that you should visit. The cathedral, the Norman Palace, and Cappella Palatina are among the best.

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

Palermo 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, Palermo makes for a great culinary experience. The islands long history and occupation by a range of different groups means that the cuisine is heavily influenced by many different cultures. You'll see influences from Phonecians, Greeks, Arabs and Normans. Local dishes include Pasta alla Norma (pasta and vegetables), Arancine (rice balls), and Cannoli.

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 Palermo Better for Nightlife?

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

The people in Palermo know how to have a good time. The nightlife scene is surprisingly varied with everything from wine bars by the ocean to dance parties that flood into the street. Some of the most popular areas for nightlife include the old town, Politeama, and Mondello.

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 Palermo Better for Resorts?

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

Palermo is not a resort destination.

Is Hydra or Palermo Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

There's notable scuba diving or snorkeling available in both Hydra and Palermo.

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 Palermo. The dive season lasts most of the year and there are many beautiful dive spots that are accessible from the city. The water is clear and there is a variety of flora and fauna to see.

Is Hydra or Palermo Better for Beaches?

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

Palermo is considered a top beach destination. The city has a number of beautiful beaches, some of which are accessible by public transit. Mondello is a popular option with beautiful views. Capo Gallo is a relaxing option on a nature reserve that is good for divers and nature lovers. Addaura is a lively beach with a number of clubs.

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 Palermo Better for its Old Town?

Hydra is a well-known place for its historic old town charm. However, Palermo 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.

Palermo does not have a historic old town.

Is Hydra or Palermo Better for Hiking?

Hydra is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Palermo 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.

Palermo is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hydra or Palermo?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Palermo 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.

Palermo is well-known for its shopping. The city offers a mix of high end shopping streets as well as colorful markets that have the feel of a traditional bazaar. Whether you're looking for European brands or local merchandise, this city has an eclectic mix with something for everyone.

Is Hydra or Palermo Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Hydra or Palermo.

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, Palermo is very family-friendly. The city has beaches where everyone can cool off and play in the relaxing waves. There's also a botanical garden and the fascinating Catacombs of the Capuchins. Kids will also enjoy exploring the many diverse markets throughout the city.

Is Hydra or Palermo Better for Couples?

Hydra is very popular for couples. Also, Palermo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

Palermo is a nice destination for couples. The city is filled with fun adventures, unique markets, and relaxing beaches. It makes a great city escape for couples who enjoy spending time outdoors but also having access to an urban setting.

Is Hydra or Palermo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Palermo. There are a decent number of affordable hostels around town as well as plenty of backpackers that keep the scene fun and social.

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 Palermo Better for Students?

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

Palermo is popular with students. It's an affordable student destination with a relaxing and laid back vibe. There's enough activity to keep it interesting without a high pressure setting.

Hydra is not popular with students.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Hydra and Palermo.

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

Public transit is mostly limited in Palermo. If you stick to the main city center then you can get around by city bus, but if you're headed anywhere else, you'll likely want to take a taxi or Uber.

Is Hydra or Palermo a more walkable city?

Hydra is very popular for its ease of walking around. Also, Palermo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its walkability.

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

Palermo is very walkable. The city is walkable with a number of streets closed to cars and pedestrian only.

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

Should I spend more time in Palermo or Hydra?

How long in Hydra or Palermo?

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

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

One day in Hydra or Palermo?

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 Palermo, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this fun destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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 Palermo?

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 Palermo. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 Palermo?

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.

Palermo is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Palermo. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Hydra or Palermo?

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 museums and nightlife around the diverse destination of Palermo. Most people come for the beaches. 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 Luxury Tours to Italy, and The Best Budget Tours to Italy.

When comparing the travel costs between Hydra and Palermo, we can see that Hydra 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 Palermo Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Hydra or Palermo?

Palermo has a larger population, and is about 290 times larger than the population of Hydra. When comparing the sizes of Hydra and Palermo, 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 Palermo?

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 Palermo in the Summer?

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

In July, Hydra is generally a little warmer than Palermo. Daily temperatures in Hydra average around 27°C (81°F), and Palermo fluctuates around 25°C (76°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Palermo this time of the year. In Hydra, it's very sunny this time of the year. Hydra usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Palermo during summer. Hydra gets 357 hours of sunny skies, while Palermo receives 347 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Hydra usually receives more rain than Palermo. Hydra gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Palermo receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Hydra or Palermo in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Hydra as well as Palermo. 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 Palermo because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Hydra is around the same temperature as Palermo in the autumn. The daily temperature in Hydra averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Palermo fluctuates around 20°C (67°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Palermo. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hydra this time of the year. In the autumn, Hydra often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Palermo. Hydra gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Palermo receives 204 hours of full sun.

Hydra usually gets less rain in October than Palermo. Hydra gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Palermo receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hydra or Palermo in the Winter?

Both Palermo 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 museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Palermo this time of year.

In the winter, Hydra is cooler than Palermo. Typically, the winter temperatures in Hydra in January average around 10°C (51°F), and Palermo averages at about 12°C (53°F).

Hydra usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Palermo during winter. Hydra gets 143 hours of sunny skies, while Palermo receives 133 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Hydra usually receives less rain than Palermo. Hydra gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Palermo receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Hydra or Palermo in the Spring?

Both Palermo 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 Palermo for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In April, Hydra is generally around the same temperature as Palermo. Daily temperatures in Hydra average around 16°C (60°F), and Palermo fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

In Palermo, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Hydra. In the spring, Hydra often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Palermo. Hydra gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Palermo receives 219 hours of full sun.

Hydra usually gets less rain in April than Palermo. Hydra gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Palermo receives 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Palermo and Hydra