A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Hydra vs. Piazza Armerina for Couples, Attractions, Old Town, and Families

Should you visit Hydra or Piazza Armerina?

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

Should I visit Hydra or Piazza Armerina? 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.

Piazza Armerina

Piazza Armerina is a authentic, historic, and charming town. It's also known for food and museums.

Hydra and Piazza Armerina: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hydra or Piazza Armerina?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Hydra. Although Hydra and Piazza Armerina are popular destinations, Hydra has more sights and attractions for tourists. Hydra is more touristy than Piazza Armerina and is known 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. Piazza Armerina is famous for it's local atmosphere and its premiere historic sight - the Villa Romana del Casale.

How is Hydra different from Piazza Armerina?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Both Hydra and Piazza Armerina have superb 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 Piazza Armerina specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Most people head to town specifically to visit Villa Romana del Casale, which is a few kilometers away. It's a beautiful Roman villa that can be explored in a few hours. Also in town is an Aragonese Castle and an 18th century Duomo.

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

Foodies will find both Hydra and Piazza Armerina both to be nice 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.

Piazza Armerina has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. Most visitors pass through town, stopping to visit Villa Romana del Casale. There are some pizzerias and other casual restaurants where you can grab a bite to eat.

Is Hydra or Piazza Armerina Better for Nightlife?

Hydra is a moderate island for nightlife and partying. However, Piazza Armerina is a mediocre town for its evening party scene.

Most people don't head to Hydra specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. 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.

Piazza Armerina doesn't offer many options. While many tourists pass through town with the intent of visiting the Villa Romana del Casale, most don't linger long enough appreciate the town at night.

Is Hydra or Piazza Armerina Better for Resorts?

Hydra is a good destination for its resorts. However, Piazza Armerina is not a resort destination.

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.

Piazza Armerina is not a resort destination.

Is Hydra or Piazza Armerina Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Hydra is a good destination for its diving and snorkeling. However, Piazza Armerina is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in Hydra. There are some snorkeling spots around the island - most notably Bisti Beach, which is pebbly and has some interesting sea life.

Piazza Armerina is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Hydra or Piazza Armerina Better for Beaches?

Hydra is a good destination for the beache. However, Piazza Armerina is not a beach destination.

Hydra offers a nice beach destination. 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.

Piazza Armerina is not a beach destination.

Is Hydra or Piazza Armerina Better for its Old Town?

It's fun to wander around the superb old towns in both Hydra and Piazza Armerina.

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 Piazza Armerina. The old town has a bit of authenticity that is missing from some of the more popular Sicilian cities. While it may feel a little worn to some people, those who like to get away from the souvenir shops will appreciate a visit.

Is Hydra or Piazza Armerina Better for Hiking?

Hydra is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Piazza Armerina 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.

Piazza Armerina is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hydra or Piazza Armerina?

Hydra is notable for its shopping opportunities. However, Piazza Armerina is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Hydra is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Charming shops fill the town and sell local items such as handmade jewelry and traditional embroideries.

Piazza Armerina is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Hydra or Piazza Armerina Better for Families?

Hydra is notable for its family-friendly activities. However, Piazza Armerina is a mediocre town 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.

Piazza Armerina is not always a place people visit with their families. Most people head to the town to explore the Villa Romana del Casale. The beauty and history may not thrill all kids, but if your kids enjoy a bit of history they will likely appreciate a visit. The town also has an Aragonese Castle that you can visit.

Is Hydra or Piazza Armerina Better for Couples?

Hydra is an unbeatable place for its romantic activities. Also, Piazza Armerina is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for couples.

Hydra is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. 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.

Piazza Armerina is a good island for couples to visit. For history enthusiasts, this is a popular place to visit. Like most visitors, couples will appreciate a visit to the town's main attraction Villa Romana del Casale.

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

Piazza Armerina 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 Piazza Armerina, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. You can reach the town by bus and once there it's possible to explore on foot.

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

Is Hydra or Piazza Armerina a more walkable city?

Hydra is an unbeatable place for its high level of walkability. Also, Piazza Armerina is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its ease of walking around.

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.

Piazza Armerina is a very walkable destination. You can explore most of the old and new towns on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Piazza Armerina or Hydra?

How long in Hydra or Piazza Armerina?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Hydra or Piazza Armerina to fill your time. In our opinion, Hydra has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Hydra than Piazza Armerina. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Hydra than Piazza Armerina. 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 Piazza Armerina. 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 Piazza Armerina 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 Piazza Armerina?

Hydra is a small town with plenty to do. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

In Piazza Armerina, many people enjoy the food and museums that this historic destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This town 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 Piazza Armerina?

Hydra might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

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

Hydra is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. This island offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Piazza Armerina is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the destination of Piazza Armerina. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Hydra or Piazza Armerina?

Since Hydra is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

You'll find museums and food around the charming destination of Piazza Armerina. 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 Bicycle Tours in Italy, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Italy.

When comparing the travel costs between Hydra and Piazza Armerina, 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 Piazza Armerina Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Hydra or Piazza Armerina?

Piazza Armerina has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Hydra. When comparing the sizes of Hydra and Piazza Armerina, 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 Piazza Armerina?

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 Piazza Armerina in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Hydra and Piazza Armerina. Most visitors come to Hydra for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Piazza Armerina because of the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Hydra is around the same temperature as Piazza Armerina. Typically, the summer temperatures in Hydra in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Piazza Armerina averages at about 26°C (79°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Piazza Armerina this time of the year. In Hydra, it's very sunny this time of the year. Hydra usually receives more sunshine than Piazza Armerina during summer. Hydra gets 357 hours of sunny skies, while Piazza Armerina receives 325 hours of full sun in the summer.

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

Should I visit Hydra or Piazza Armerina in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Hydra as well as Piazza Armerina. The autumn months attract visitors to Hydra because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Hydra is generally around the same temperature as Piazza Armerina. Daily temperatures in Hydra average around 19°C (67°F), and Piazza Armerina fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hydra this time of the year. In the autumn, Hydra often gets more sunshine than Piazza Armerina. Hydra gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Piazza Armerina receives 189 hours of full sun.

Hydra usually gets less rain in October than Piazza Armerina. Hydra gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Piazza Armerina receives 75 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hydra or Piazza Armerina in the Winter?

Both Piazza Armerina and Hydra are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Hydra this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Piazza Armerina for the museums and the cuisine.

Hydra is around the same temperature as Piazza Armerina in the winter. The daily temperature in Hydra averages around 10°C (51°F) in January, and Piazza Armerina fluctuates around 10°C (51°F).

Hydra usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Piazza Armerina during winter. Hydra gets 143 hours of sunny skies, while Piazza Armerina receives 153 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Hydra usually receives less rain than Piazza Armerina. Hydra gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Piazza Armerina receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Hydra or Piazza Armerina in the Spring?

Both Piazza Armerina and Hydra during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Hydra for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Hydra is around the same temperature as Piazza Armerina. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hydra in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Piazza Armerina averages at about 15°C (58°F).

In Piazza Armerina, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Hydra. In the spring, Hydra often gets more sunshine than Piazza Armerina. Hydra gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Piazza Armerina receives 204 hours of full sun.

Hydra usually gets less rain in April than Piazza Armerina. Hydra gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Piazza Armerina receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Piazza Armerina and Hydra