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

Should you visit Hydra or Pisa?

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

Should I visit Hydra or Pisa? 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. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

Pisa

Pisa is a iconic, world-famous, and classic city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for beaches, shopping, and museums.

Hydra and Pisa: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hydra or Pisa?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Hydra. Although Hydra and Pisa are popular destinations, Hydra has more sights and attractions for tourists. Hydra is very popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, hiking, and small town charm, while Pisa attracts visitors for its food and nightlife. 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. Pisa is famous for its iconic Leaning Tower, its beautiful squares, and its lively atmosphere.

How is Hydra different from Pisa?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Both Hydra and Pisa have high quality 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 Pisa specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city is more than a one hit wonder. In addition to the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa, you'll find many beautiful buildings and museums. Popular places to visit include the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, Campo Santo (Sacred Field), and Museo dell'Opera del Duomo.

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

Pisa 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, Pisa makes for a great culinary experience. The local cuisine is heavily influenced by the city's maritime roots. You'll find many seafood dishes as well as local classic recipes that have been passed down through the generations. A quintessential local dish is Bordatino alla Pisana, which is made with beans, cabbage, and cornflour. Also popular are Pasta e Ceci (chickpea pasta), Palette (a local polenta), and Trippa alla Pisana.

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 Pisa Better for Nightlife?

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

The people in Pisa know how to have a good time. Head out to an aperitivo bar for an early drink, then head to one of the area's best nightlife neighborhoods. For the biggest party scene, go about 10 kilometers out of town to the Versilian coast. This area has the most popular clubs. If you decide to stay in town, there are still plenty of places to catch live music and dance.

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 Pisa Better for Resorts?

Hydra is a popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Pisa 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.

Pisa is not a resort destination.

Is Hydra or Pisa Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Hydra is a popular place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Pisa is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

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.

Pisa is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Hydra or Pisa Better for Beaches?

For a relaxing beach holiday, both Hydra and Pisa are nice choices.

Hydra is a good option for a beach vacation. 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.

Many people head to Pisa to enjoy the beach. Many people forget that there are beaches near Pisa, but the city is close to the sea. Some of the closest beaches include Marina di Vecchiano and Marina di Pisa.

Is Hydra or Pisa Better for its Old Town?

It's fun to wander around the high quality old towns in both Hydra and Pisa.

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 Pisa. The old town is where you'll find the city's classic charm and many of the best sights.

Is Hydra or Pisa Better for Hiking?

Hydra is a great island for hiking. However, Pisa 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.

Pisa is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hydra or Pisa?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Pisa 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.

Pisa is well-known for its shopping. There's a great mix of traditional markets, high end stores, and indoor shopping malls where you can find anything that you might need. Corso Italia is one of the most popular shopping areas, but also worth checking out are Centro Commerciale Pisanova, Borgo Stretto and Borgo Largo.

Is Hydra or Pisa Better for Families?

Hydra is a great island for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Pisa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Hydra is very family-friendly. 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.

Pisa is a family-friendly place to visit. It's a lively city with beautiful squares and the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa. Kids will enjoy hanging out in the city center, visiting Parco Don Bosco, Giardino Scotto Park, or Marina di Pisa. If you have a car and are willing to venture a bit further away, there's the Piccolo Mondo Amusement Park and Parco Preistorico Peccioli.

Is Hydra or Pisa Better for Couples?

Hydra is terrific for its romantic activities. Also, Pisa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for couples.

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.

Pisa is a good island for couples to visit. It's an iconic Italian destination that offers so much more than its most famous landmark. The city is filled with charming squares, beautiful architecture, and plenty of fun activities that couples can enjoy.

Is Hydra or Pisa Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Pisa 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 Pisa. Most backpackers pass through on their way to other towns, but for those that linger, there are plenty of hostels and a lively social scene.

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 Pisa Better for Students?

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

Many students frequent Pisa. Many study abroad students flock to Italy for its beautiful culture, art, and architecture. Pisa makes a nice base for international students, and it offers easy access to other parts of Italy. It's also home to an internationally acclaimed university, Scuola Normale Superiore, which was founded in 1810.

Hydra is not popular with students.

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

Pisa 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 Pisa, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are public buses through town with the most popular lines being the Red and Green Lines.

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

Is Hydra or Pisa a more walkable city?

Hydra is terrific for its high level of walkability. Also, Pisa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its ease of walking around.

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

Pisa is a very walkable destination. The city is a great place to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Pisa or Hydra?

How long in Hydra or Pisa?

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

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

One day in Hydra or Pisa?

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 Pisa, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this iconic destination offers. 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 Pisa?

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 Pisa. 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 Pisa?

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.

Pisa is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Pisa. 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 Pisa?

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 shopping around the charming destination of Pisa. 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 2-Week Tours in Italy, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Hydra or Pisa?

Pisa has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Hydra. When comparing the sizes of Hydra and Pisa, 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 Pisa?

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 Pisa in the Summer?

Both Pisa and Hydra during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Hydra because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Pisa this time of year.

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

In Pisa, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Hydra. In the summer, Hydra often gets more sunshine than Pisa. Hydra gets 357 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pisa receives 316 hours of full sun.

Hydra usually gets less rain in July than Pisa. Hydra gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Pisa receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hydra or Pisa in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Hydra and Pisa. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Hydra this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Pisa for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

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

In Hydra, it's very sunny this time of the year. Hydra usually receives more sunshine than Pisa during autumn. Hydra gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Pisa receives 177 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Pisa receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Hydra usually receives less rain than Pisa. Hydra gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Pisa receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Hydra or Pisa in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Hydra as well as Pisa. Many travelers come to Hydra for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Pisa in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Hydra is a little warmer than Pisa in the winter. The daily temperature in Hydra averages around 10°C (51°F) in January, and Pisa fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

In the winter, Hydra often gets more sunshine than Pisa. Hydra gets 143 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pisa receives 105 hours of full sun.

Hydra usually gets less rain in January than Pisa. Hydra gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Pisa receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hydra or Pisa in the Spring?

Both Pisa and Hydra are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Hydra in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Pisa for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Hydra is a little warmer than Pisa. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hydra in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Pisa averages at about 13°C (55°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hydra. Hydra usually receives more sunshine than Pisa during spring. Hydra gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Pisa receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Pisa. In April, Hydra usually receives less rain than Pisa. Hydra gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Pisa receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Pisa and Hydra