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

Should you visit Hydra or Ravenna?

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

Should I visit Hydra or Ravenna? 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 accessible, quaint, and picturesque island. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. 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.

Ravenna

Ravenna is a charming, authentic, and historic town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Hydra and Ravenna: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hydra or Ravenna?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Hydra. Although Hydra and Ravenna are popular destinations, Hydra has more sights and attractions for tourists. Hydra is very popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Ravenna attracts visitors for its food and nightlife. Hydra is more touristy than Ravenna and is popular 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. Ravenna is famous for its many stunning mosaics which date back to the early Christian and Byzantine empires.

How is Hydra different from Ravenna?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Both Hydra and Ravenna 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 Ravenna specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Most sights in town are centered around the the beautiful mosaics. Neonian Baptistery is a good place to begin your visit. Other highlights include San Vitale, the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, and Sant'Apollinare Nuovo.

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

Ravenna 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, Ravenna makes for a great culinary experience. The region is most known for its first course dishes, so pasta lovers will enjoy dining on homemade egg pasta dishes that are served with meat or cheese sauces. You'll also find lots of grilled meats and many great desserts.

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 Ravenna Better for Nightlife?

Ravenna is a popular place for nightlife. However, Hydra is a island with minimal options for nightlife and partying.

Ravenna has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. You'll find most of the pubs and clubs in town around Marina di Ravenna. There are a couple of places that attract a crowd, but many are open only during the summer months.

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 Ravenna Better for Resorts?

Hydra is a good destination for its luxury resorts. However, Ravenna 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.

Ravenna is not a resort destination.

Is Hydra or Ravenna Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Hydra is a good destination for its diving and snorkeling. However, Ravenna 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.

Ravenna is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Hydra or Ravenna Better for Beaches?

Hydra is a good destination for the beache. However, Ravenna 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.

Ravenna is not a beach destination.

Is Hydra or Ravenna Better for its Old Town?

Hydra is a very popular place for its old town. However, Ravenna does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see 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.

Ravenna does not have a historic old town.

Is Hydra or Ravenna Better for Hiking?

Hydra is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Ravenna is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting 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.

Ravenna is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hydra or Ravenna?

Hydra is a very popular place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Ravenna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Hydra is well-known for its shopping. Charming shops fill the town and sell local items such as handmade jewelry and traditional embroideries.

Many visitors go to Ravenna to go shopping. There are some nice shopping streets in town where you can buy locally made mosaics. You'll also find art studios and artisan shops, as well as your typical souvenir shops and clothing stores. Via Cavour, via Diaz, and via Cairoli are some of the most popular shopping streets.

Is Hydra or Ravenna Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Hydra or Ravenna.

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, Ravenna is very family-friendly. In town you'll find mosaics, museums, and a charming town, and ten kilometers outside of town you'll find Italy's largest amusement park - Mirabilandia. The city is also filled with parks where kids can explore and learn, and the food, like any Italian city, is very kid-friendly.

Is Hydra or Ravenna Better for Couples?

Hydra is a must-visit destination for its romantic activities. Also, Ravenna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Couples visit Ravenna frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Many visitors to Italy don't add this charming town to their itinerary, but for couples who want to experience a small town setting with beautiful art and architecture, then Ravenna is a great option. There are parks to explore and great restaurants to experience as well.

Is Hydra or Ravenna Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ravenna is a popular place for backpackers. However, Hydra is a island with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Ravenna. It's a bit off-the-beaten path, so you won't find a large number of hostels or a lot of backpackers to hang out with. That doesn't mean it won't make a great addition to your itinerary though.

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 Ravenna Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Ravenna 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 Ravenna, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Buses in and around town are managed by START ROMAGNA and offer access to many nearby towns.

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

Is Hydra or Ravenna a more walkable city?

Hydra is a must-visit destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Ravenna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

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

Ravenna is a very walkable destination. There are care-free areas to the town that can only be explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Ravenna or Hydra?

How long in Hydra or Ravenna?

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

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

One day in Hydra or Ravenna?

Hydra is a small town with plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This island offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

In Ravenna, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this charming small town offers. 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 Ravenna?

Hydra might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Hydra has to offer.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ravenna. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. 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 Ravenna?

Hydra is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Ravenna is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the small town destination of Ravenna. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Hydra or Ravenna?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hydra. Since Hydra is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

You'll find food and shopping around the authentic small town of Ravenna. 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Italy, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Hydra or Ravenna?

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

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 Ravenna in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Hydra as well as Ravenna. Most visitors come to Hydra for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Ravenna because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Hydra is a little warmer than Ravenna. Typically, the summer temperatures in Hydra in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Ravenna averages at about 22°C (72°F).

Hydra usually gets less rain in July than Ravenna. Hydra gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Ravenna receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hydra or Ravenna in the Autumn?

Both Ravenna and Hydra are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. 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. Also, the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere are the main draw to Ravenna this time of year.

In October, Hydra is generally a little warmer than Ravenna. Daily temperatures in Hydra average around 19°C (67°F), and Ravenna fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

In October, Hydra usually receives less rain than Ravenna. Hydra gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Ravenna receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Hydra or Ravenna in the Winter?

Both Ravenna and Hydra during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Hydra this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Ravenna for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Ravenna. Hydra is much warmer than Ravenna in the winter. The daily temperature in Hydra averages around 10°C (51°F) in January, and Ravenna fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

Hydra usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Ravenna. Hydra gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Ravenna receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hydra or Ravenna in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Hydra and Ravenna. Many travelers come to Hydra for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Ravenna in the spring for the small town charm.

In the spring, Hydra is a little warmer than Ravenna. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hydra in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Ravenna averages at about 11°C (53°F).

In April, Hydra usually receives less rain than Ravenna. Hydra gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Ravenna receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Ravenna and Hydra