A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Hydra vs. Podgorica for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Hydra or Podgorica?

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

Should I visit Hydra or Podgorica? 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.

Where Should I go: Hydra or Podgorica?

Hydra

The island of Hydra is located in the Aegean Sea between the Saronic and Argolic Gulfs. Named for its natural springs, the island now has most of its freshwater imported from the mainland. The real gem of the place is the absence of motorized vehicles. Car and scooters are nowhere to be seen by the narrow marble-cobbled lanes, rocks, and sea. Such vehicles have been outlawed and so the way to navigate the island is by donkey, water taxi, or on foot.

Podgorica

Podgorica is Montenegro's capital city, and also its largest. Dating back to the Ottoman Empire, World War II destroyed much of this history, but there are a few Turkish remnants worth visiting. Podgorica's central location often makes the city a good starting point for day trips to coastal cities or mountain resorts.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in Greece, The Best 10-Day Tours in Greece, The Best Budget Tours to Montenegro, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Montenegro.


Which place is cheaper, Podgorica or Hydra?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Hydra is €97, while the average daily cost in Podgorica is €105. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Hydra and Podgorica in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Hydra 51
    Podgorica 46
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Hydra 102
    Podgorica 92
Compare Hotels in Hydra and Podgorica

Looking for a hotel in Hydra or Podgorica? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Hydra


Hotels in Podgorica


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Podgorica Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Hydra 26
    Podgorica 20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Podgorica

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Podgorica:

  • Podgorica Airport (TGD) to Kotor Cruise Port - Arrival Private Transfer: $47
  • Podgorica Airport (TGD) to Kotor Cruise Port - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $94
  • Budva to Podgorica one way transfer: $118
  • From One-Way Private Transfer to/from Virpazar: $57
  • Podgorica airport: Private Transfer to/from Budva: $75
  • Private Transfer to Budva: $39
  • Private transfer to Kotor: $53
  • Private transfer to Tivat: $53
  • Private Airport Transfer from Podgorica airport to Budva: $68
  • Private Transfer from Podgorica Airport (TGD) to Lustica: $262
  • Private Transfer from Podgorica Airport (TGD) to Petrovac : $58
  • Private Transfer from Podgorica Airport (TGD) to Tivat downtown: $117

Is it cheaper to fly into Hydra or Podgorica?

Prices for flights to both Podgorica and Hydra change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Hydra 30
    Podgorica 41

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Hydra 11
    Podgorica 21

Tours and Activities in Podgorica

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Podgorica are as follows:

  • Skip The Line: National Park Skadar Lake - Tickets: $8.17
  • Skadar lake - Falcon kayak tour: $13
  • Lake Skadar: Guided Sightseeing Boat Tour with Refreshments: $16
  • Two Hours Sightseeing Lake Cruise at Montenegro National Park: $16
  • Podgorica City Walking Tour: $22
  • Lake Skadar: Guided Panoramic Boat Tour to Kom Monastery : $22
  • Lake Skadar: Early-morning Birdwatching and Photography Tour: $27
  • From Virpazar: Guided Lake Skadar cruise and Crnojevića River: $33
  • Book Your Tour Podgorica by walk: $36
  • Book Your Donkey Farm Tour: $57
  • Book Your Tour Ostrog Monastery: $65
  • Cultural Bike Tour of Podgorica;Discovering the Ancient Treasures: $71

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Hydra 11
    Podgorica 20

Sample the Local Flavors in Podgorica

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Podgorica:

  • Private Wine Tasting Activity at Lipovac Winery: $27
  • Book Your Wine Tour: $77
  • Podgorica Car Trip - Architecture, History, Wine tasting, Churches, Doclea city: $93
  • Podgorica Car Trip, Doclea city, Wine tasting, Niagara falls: $106
  • Wine tasting in the family winery, feel the spirit: $120
  • Montenegro: Nature, Locals & Wine Tour: $128
  • Skadar lake boat ride through "Montenegrin Amazon", wine tasting & Niagara falls: $196


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


Which is Bigger, Hydra or Podgorica?

Podgorica has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Hydra. When comparing the sizes of Hydra and Podgorica, 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 Podgorica?

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 Podgorica in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Hydra and Podgorica. Many travelers come to Hydra for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Hydra is around the same temperature as Podgorica in the summer. The daily temperature in Hydra averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Podgorica fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Podgorica 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 Podgorica during summer. Hydra gets 357 hours of sunny skies, while Podgorica receives 341 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Hydra usually receives less rain than Podgorica. Hydra gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Podgorica receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Hydra 27°C (81°F) 
    Podgorica 26°C (80°F)

Should I visit Hydra or Podgorica in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Hydra as well as Podgorica. Many visitors come to Hydra in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Hydra is a little warmer than Podgorica. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Hydra in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Podgorica averages at about 17°C (63°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Podgorica. 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 Podgorica. Hydra gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Podgorica receives 203 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Podgorica. Hydra usually gets less rain in October than Podgorica. Hydra gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Podgorica receives 166 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Hydra 19°C (67°F) 
    Podgorica 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Hydra or Podgorica in the Winter?

Both Podgorica and Hydra are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Hydra for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In January, Hydra is generally much warmer than Podgorica. Daily temperatures in Hydra average around 10°C (51°F), and Podgorica fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

Hydra usually receives more sunshine than Podgorica during winter. Hydra gets 143 hours of sunny skies, while Podgorica receives 121 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Podgorica. In January, Hydra usually receives less rain than Podgorica. Hydra gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Podgorica receives 192 mm (7.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Hydra 10°C (51°F) 
    Podgorica 6°C (42°F)

Should I visit Hydra or Podgorica in the Spring?

Both Podgorica and Hydra during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Hydra because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

Hydra is around the same temperature as Podgorica in the spring. The daily temperature in Hydra averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Podgorica fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

It's quite sunny in Hydra. In the spring, Hydra often gets more sunshine than Podgorica. Hydra gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Podgorica receives 194 hours of full sun.

Podgorica gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Hydra usually gets less rain in April than Podgorica. Hydra gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Podgorica receives 144 mm (5.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Hydra 16°C (60°F) 
    Podgorica 14°C (58°F)

Typical Weather for Podgorica and Hydra

Hydra Podgorica
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (51°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 6°C (42°F) 192 mm (7.6 in)
Feb 11°C (51°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 8°C (46°F) 167 mm (6.6 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 11°C (51°F) 159 mm (6.3 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 25 mm (1 in) 14°C (58°F) 144 mm (5.7 in)
May 20°C (68°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 19°C (67°F) 89 mm (3.5 in)
Jun 24°C (76°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 23°C (73°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 26°C (80°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 26°C (79°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Sep 24°C (76°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 22°C (72°F) 121 mm (4.8 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 17°C (63°F) 166 mm (6.5 in)
Nov 16°C (60°F) 51 mm (2 in) 11°C (53°F) 239 mm (9.4 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 7°C (45°F) 217 mm (8.5 in)