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

Should you visit Hydra or Porto?

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

Should I visit Hydra or Porto? 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.

Porto

Porto is a cosmopolitan, dynamic, and historic port city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Hydra and Porto: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hydra or Porto?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Porto. Although Hydra and Porto are both popular with visitors, Porto has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Porto is more popular for its food, nightlife, and big city activities, while Hydra is known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, and small town charm. Hydra is popular for its picturesque setting, car-free setting, and beautiful old town. Porto is popular for its authentic old town and the local port wine. It is also home to Cais da Ribeira.

How is Hydra different from Porto?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Both Hydra and Porto have great 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 Porto specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. With such a long history, there are many landmarks and sights in the city. Popular attractions include the Clérigos Tower, Palácio da Bolsa, and Igreja de São Francisco.

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

Porto is a world-class destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Hydra is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

For foodies, Porto is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The area's cuisine combines the ocean setting with the agriculture of the surrounding area, so you'll enjoy both seafood dishes as well as fresh meats and vegetables. The area is also famous for its Port wines and red wines. There are plenty of cellar tours as well was waterfront seafood restaurants to choose from.

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 Porto Better for Nightlife?

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

The people in Porto know how to have a good time. This city comes to life in the evening, particularly on weekends when locals and tourists alike flock to the many bars, restaurants, and nightclubs.

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 Porto Better for Resorts?

Hydra is very good for its luxury resorts. However, Porto 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.

Porto is not a resort destination.

Is Hydra or Porto Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Hydra is very good for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Porto 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.

Porto is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Hydra or Porto Better for Beaches?

Hydra is very good for its beaches. However, Porto 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.

Porto is not a beach destination.

Is Hydra or Porto Better for its Old Town?

It's fun to wander around the great old towns in both Hydra and Porto.

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 Porto. Known as Porto Ribeira, the city's historic district is the most visited part of the town. It begins on the banks of the River Douro and climbs into the hills behind it.

Is Hydra or Porto Better for Hiking?

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

Porto is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hydra or Porto?

Hydra is a great island for shopping. Also, Porto is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its shopping opportunities.

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

Porto offers some nice shopping areas. The city has both your standard shopping mall stores as well as local vendors and boutique shops.

Is Hydra or Porto Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Hydra or Porto.

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, Porto is very family-friendly. The city has several cool museums including the interactive museum - The World of Discoveries. There are also parks, playgrounds, zoos, and aquariums that you can explore. For families that enjoy being outside, this is a great city. Kids will enjoy spotting street art, riding the funicular, and taking a cellar tour. If the kids need a break from the city, head to the beach for the day.

Is Hydra or Porto Better for Couples?

Hydra is very popular for romance. Also, Porto is not as popular, but is still a nice port city 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.

Porto is a very popular place to visit for couples. You can visit the palaces, enjoy shopping, or dine in a nice Portuguese restaurant. Take a cellar tour and sample port then catch a ride on the funicular. This city has plenty for couples to do on a romantic getaway.

Is Hydra or Porto Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Porto is a world-class destination for backpackers. However, Hydra is a island with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Porto is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. By combining world-class activities with affordability, this city has become a popular stop off for backpackers 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 Porto Better for Students?

Porto is a great destination for students. However, Hydra is not popular with students.

Porto is a very popular port city for students and younger travelers. The city has a number of good research programs and study abroad opportunities that attract international students from around the world.

Hydra is not popular with students.

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

Porto is a great destination for its public transit. However, Hydra is a island with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Porto. There is a metro system as well as a bus system. While the metro system does have six lines, most stations aren't close to the tourist attractions, so it likely won't be that helpful to visitors.

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

Is Hydra or Porto a more walkable city?

Hydra is very popular for its walkability. Also, Porto is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its high level of walkability.

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.

Porto is a very walkable island. The city center is very compact with most of the sights within a short walk of each other. The area is also very hilly, so getting from place to place can require a bit of effort.

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

Should I spend more time in Porto or Hydra?

How long in Hydra or Porto?

In either Hydra or Porto, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Porto than Hydra because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Hydra, and 2-5 days is enough time in Porto.

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

One day in Hydra or Porto?

Even though Hydra is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

Each neighborhood in Porto has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the food. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Hydra or Porto?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hydra. 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.

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

Hydra is a fun place to experience. Hydra is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Porto is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Porto has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Lots of people come for the food. Visiting the old town is also a must. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Hydra or Porto?

Hydra is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the dynamic big city of Porto. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the food. 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Portugal, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Portugal.

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

Which is Bigger, Hydra or Porto?

Porto has a larger population, and is about 110 times larger than the population of Hydra. When comparing the sizes of Hydra and Porto, 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 Porto?

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 Porto in the Summer?

Both Porto 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. Also, many travelers come to Porto for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Hydra is a little warmer than Porto in the summer. The daily temperature in Hydra averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Porto fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

In Porto, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Hydra. In the summer, Hydra often gets more sunshine than Porto. Hydra gets 357 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Porto receives 308 hours of full sun.

Hydra usually gets less rain in July than Porto. Hydra gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Porto receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hydra or Porto in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Hydra and Porto. Many travelers come to Hydra for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Porto in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Hydra is a little warmer than Porto. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Hydra in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Porto averages at about 17°C (62°F).

In Hydra, it's very sunny this time of the year. Hydra usually receives more sunshine than Porto during autumn. Hydra gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Porto receives 184 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Porto receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Hydra usually receives less rain than Porto. Hydra gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Porto receives 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Hydra or Porto in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Hydra as well as Porto. Many visitors come to Hydra in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Porto for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In January, Hydra is generally around the same temperature as Porto. Daily temperatures in Hydra average around 10°C (51°F), and Porto fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

In the winter, Hydra often gets more sunshine than Porto. Hydra gets 143 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Porto receives 124 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Porto. Hydra usually gets less rain in January than Porto. Hydra gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Porto receives 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hydra or Porto in the Spring?

Both Porto 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 Porto because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Hydra is a little warmer than Porto in the spring. The daily temperature in Hydra averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Porto fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).

It's quite sunny in Porto. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hydra. Hydra usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Porto during spring. Hydra gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Porto receives 217 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Porto. In April, Hydra usually receives less rain than Porto. Hydra gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Porto receives 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Porto and Hydra