A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Hydra vs. Plitvice Lakes National Park for Couples, Hiking, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit Hydra or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

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

Should I visit Hydra or Plitvice Lakes National Park? 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. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Plitvice Lakes National Park

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a spectacular, scenic, and world-famous national park. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It's also known for hiking.

Hydra and Plitvice Lakes National Park: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hydra or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Hydra. Although Hydra and Plitvice Lakes National Park are both popular with visitors, Hydra has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Hydra is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, shopping, and small town charm, while Plitvice Lakes National Park is known for its impressive beauty. Plitvice Lakes National Park is more touristy than Hydra and is popular for its stunning natural scenery which includes 16 beautiful terraced lakes. Hydra is popular for its picturesque setting, car-free setting, and beautiful old town. It is also home to The Monastery of the Assumption of Virgin Mary.

How is Hydra different from Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Plitvice Lakes National Park 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Hydra is great for its historical sights. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

Many visitors head to Hydra specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

Plitvice Lakes National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Hydra or Plitvice Lakes National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Hydra is very good for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Hydra. 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Plitvice Lakes National Park. You'll find a few tourist cafes near the lakes that serve grilled meats and other simple dishes. You can also grab a snack from the food stalls that are near the entrance to the park.

Is Hydra or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Nightlife?

Hydra is adequate for nightlife. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

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.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Hydra or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Resorts?

Hydra is very good for its luxury resorts. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a resort destination.

Hydra has a handful of resorts to choose from. It's a popular day trip destination, but if you stay for a night or two, you'll find boutique hotels and charming pensions.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a resort destination.

Is Hydra or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Hydra is very good for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in Hydra. There are some snorkeling spots around the island - most notably Bisti Beach, which is pebbly and has some interesting sea life.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Hydra or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Beaches?

Hydra is very good for its beaches. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a beach destination.

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.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a beach destination.

Is Hydra or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for its Old Town?

Hydra is great for its historic old town. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of 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.

Plitvice Lakes National Park does not have a historic old town.

Is Hydra or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Hiking?

If you're looking to go hiking, Hydra and Plitvice Lakes National Park both have great trails.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around 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.

Many visitors go to Plitvice Lakes National Park for the hiking trails. There are eight different walking routes that range in length from 3 kilometers to 18 kilometers. They take between 3 and 8 hours and are well marked.

Is the Shopping Better in Hydra or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Hydra is great for shopping. However, Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Hydra. Charming shops fill the town and sell local items such as handmade jewelry and traditional embroideries.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Hydra or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Hydra or Plitvice Lakes National Park.

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, Plitvice Lakes National Park is very family-friendly. It's a fun place to explore with kids, but if you're traveling with young ones, keep a close eye on them. Also take note that it's not stroller-friendly and make sure that you arrive early to avoid the crowds.

Is Hydra or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Couples?

Hydra is an unbeatable place for romance. Also, Plitvice Lakes National Park is not as popular, but is still a nice national park for its romantic activities.

For those traveling as a couple, Hydra 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.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a very popular place to visit for couples. It's a natural wonder that is beautiful and romantic to explore as a couple. It can get crowded, as it's a top tourist destination is Croatia, so make sure you arrive early to avoid the peak times.

Is Hydra or Plitvice Lakes National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Plitvice Lakes National Park 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park. There are three hotels within the park and a handful of hostels nearby. There's also some camping options in the area.

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 Plitvice Lakes National Park 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park.

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

Public transit is mostly limited in Plitvice Lakes National Park. There are several bus stops near the park but the bus service is infrequent and can involve long trips.

Is Hydra or Plitvice Lakes National Park a more walkable city?

Hydra and Plitvice Lakes National Park both are world-class 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.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a very easy island to get around on foot. The park is well organized into several walking routes that can be explored in a few hours.

For even more information, also check out Is Hydra Worth Visiting? and Is Plitvice Lakes National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Plitvice Lakes National Park or Hydra?

How long in Hydra or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Hydra or Plitvice Lakes National Park 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Hydra than Plitvice Lakes National Park. 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park. 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Hydra is a small town where visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. It offers something for everyone. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

In Plitvice Lakes National Park, many people enjoy the that this world-famous destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. This national park 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Hydra is a fun place to experience. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Plitvice Lakes National Park. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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 Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Hydra is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Five days 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.

Plitvice Lakes National Park is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the when visiting the destination of Plitvice Lakes National Park. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Hydra or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

Because Hydra is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from.

You'll find around the scenic destination of Plitvice Lakes National Park. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Croatia, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Croatia.

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

When is the best time to visit Hydra or Plitvice Lakes National Park?

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 Plitvice Lakes National Park in the Summer?

Both Plitvice Lakes National Park and Hydra during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Hydra this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Plitvice Lakes National Park for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Hydra is a little warmer than Plitvice Lakes National Park in the summer. The daily temperature in Hydra averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Plitvice Lakes National Park fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

In Plitvice Lakes National Park, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Hydra. In the summer, Hydra often gets more sunshine than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Hydra gets 357 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 266 hours of full sun.

Hydra usually gets less rain in July than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Hydra gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hydra or Plitvice Lakes National Park in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Hydra and Plitvice Lakes National Park. Many travelers come to Hydra for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Plitvice Lakes National Park in the autumn for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Hydra is a little warmer than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Hydra in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Plitvice Lakes National Park averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In Hydra, it's very sunny this time of the year. Hydra usually receives more sunshine than Plitvice Lakes National Park during autumn. Hydra gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 133 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Hydra usually receives less rain than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Hydra gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Hydra or Plitvice Lakes National Park in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Hydra as well as Plitvice Lakes National Park. Many visitors come to Hydra in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Plitvice Lakes National Park for the cuisine during these months.

Plitvice Lakes National Park can be very cold during winter. In January, Hydra is generally much warmer than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Daily temperatures in Hydra average around 10°C (51°F), and Plitvice Lakes National Park fluctuates around 1°C (35°F).

In the winter, Hydra often gets more sunshine than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Hydra gets 143 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 54 hours of full sun.

Hydra usually gets less rain in January than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Hydra gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hydra or Plitvice Lakes National Park in the Spring?

Both Plitvice Lakes National Park and Hydra are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Hydra for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Plitvice Lakes National Park because of the natural beauty.

Hydra is a little warmer than Plitvice Lakes National Park in the spring. The daily temperature in Hydra averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Plitvice Lakes National Park fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hydra. Hydra usually receives more sunshine than Plitvice Lakes National Park during spring. Hydra gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 163 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Hydra usually receives less rain than Plitvice Lakes National Park. Hydra gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Plitvice Lakes National Park receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Plitvice Lakes National Park and Hydra