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

Should you visit Hydra or Rijeka?

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

Should I visit Hydra or Rijeka? 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 charming, accessible, and quaint island. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Rijeka

Rijeka is a accessible, diverse, and slow-paced town. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Hydra and Rijeka: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hydra or Rijeka?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Hydra than Rijeka, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Hydra is better known for its museums, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Rijeka is more popular for its nightlife and big city activities. Hydra is more touristy than Rijeka and is known for its picturesque setting, car-free setting, and beautiful old town. Also, Hydra is famous for The Monastery of the Assumption of Virgin Mary. Rijeka is well known for being a transportation hub in Croatia with a ferry and cruise ship port.

How is Hydra different from Rijeka?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Hydra is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Rijeka is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

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.

Rijeka is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Historical sights around town include Trsat Castle, the Petar Druzic Stairway, and Our Lady of Trsat. There are also museums such as PEEK&POKE Computer Museum and the Governor's Palace and Maritime and Historical Museum.

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

Foodies will find both Hydra and Rijeka both to be notable destinations.

Hydra offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. 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.

Rijeka has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. It's known for its Mediterranean cuisine which includes more than seafood. There are local vegetable specialties in the area as well including asparagus and white truffles. Codfish stew and cuttlefish risotto are also popular.

Is Hydra or Rijeka Better for Nightlife?

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

The people in Rijeka know how to have a good time. The city center has plenty of bars and clubs. Restaurants also stay open late and are popular places to hang out for locals and tourists alike.

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 Rijeka Better for Resorts?

Hydra is very good for its resorts. However, Rijeka is not a resort destination.

Hydra has a few great resort options. It's a popular day trip destination, but if you stay for a night or two, you'll find boutique hotels and charming pensions.

Rijeka is not a resort destination.

Is Hydra or Rijeka Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Hydra is very good for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Rijeka 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.

Rijeka is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Hydra or Rijeka Better for Beaches?

Hydra is very good for the beach. However, Rijeka is not a good town for its beaches.

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.

Rijeka is a good spot to see the beach. There are pebbly and gravelly beaches in the area, with the best beaches to the west of the city. You'll need to take a public bus to reach most of them.

Is Hydra or Rijeka Better for its Old Town?

Hydra is a well-known place for its historic old town charm. However, Rijeka 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.

Rijeka does not have a historic old town.

Is Hydra or Rijeka Better for Hiking?

Hydra is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Rijeka is not a hiking destination.

Hydra is a popular spot for hiking. 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.

Rijeka is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hydra or Rijeka?

Hydra is a well-known place for its shopping areas. Also, Rijeka is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Hydra. Charming shops fill the town and sell local items such as handmade jewelry and traditional embroideries.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Rijeka. There are many shopping centers, retail stores, and souvenir shops around town.

Is Hydra or Rijeka Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Hydra or Rijeka.

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, Rijeka is very family-friendly. The city has a number of outdoor activities for kids like nature parks and nearby beaches. There's also a puppet theater as well as the Astronomical Center of Rijeka.

Is Hydra or Rijeka Better for Couples?

Hydra is renowned for couples. Also, Rijeka is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for romance.

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.

Rijeka is a nice destination for couples. It's a gateway to the Croatian islands. Many couples enjoy walking down the waterfront promenade or dining at a nice local restaurant. There are also beaches, parks, and historical sights to explore.

Is Hydra or Rijeka Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Rijeka. There's no shortage of affordable hostels around town for backpackers and budget travelers.

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 Rijeka Better for Students?

Rijeka is a popular place for students. However, Hydra is not popular with students.

Rijeka is popular with students. It's a laid back seaside city that makes a nice semester abroad destination. As a gateway to the Croatian islands, it also offers transportation connections to other points of interest.

Hydra is not popular with students.

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

Rijeka 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 Rijeka, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. KD Autrolej buses provide transit throughout the city.

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

Is Hydra or Rijeka a more walkable city?

Hydra is renowned for its ease of walking around. Also, Rijeka is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its walkability.

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

Rijeka is somewhat walkable. Parts of the city are more walkable than others.

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

Should I spend more time in Rijeka or Hydra?

How long in Hydra or Rijeka?

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

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

One day in Hydra or Rijeka?

Hydra might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

In Rijeka, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this coastal destination 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 Rijeka?

Hydra is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hydra. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

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

A week in Hydra or Rijeka?

Hydra is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

You'll find food and shopping around the coastal destination of Rijeka. 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 Adventure Tours to Croatia, and The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in Croatia.

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

Which is Bigger, Hydra or Rijeka?

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

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 Rijeka in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Hydra and Rijeka. 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 Rijeka for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Hydra is generally a little warmer than Rijeka. Daily temperatures in Hydra average around 27°C (81°F), and Rijeka fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Rijeka this time of the year. In Hydra, it's very sunny this time of the year. Hydra usually receives more sunshine than Rijeka during summer. Hydra gets 357 hours of sunny skies, while Rijeka receives 288 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Hydra usually receives less rain than Rijeka. Hydra gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Hydra or Rijeka in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Hydra as well as Rijeka. 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 Rijeka in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Hydra is a little warmer than Rijeka in the autumn. The daily temperature in Hydra averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Rijeka fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hydra this time of the year. In the autumn, Hydra often gets more sunshine than Rijeka. Hydra gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rijeka receives 167 hours of full sun.

Hydra usually gets less rain in October than Rijeka. Hydra gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hydra or Rijeka in the Winter?

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

In the winter, Hydra is much warmer than Rijeka. Typically, the winter temperatures in Hydra in January average around 10°C (51°F), and Rijeka averages at about 5°C (41°F).

Hydra usually receives more sunshine than Rijeka during winter. Hydra gets 143 hours of sunny skies, while Rijeka receives 96 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Hydra usually receives less rain than Rijeka. Hydra gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Hydra or Rijeka in the Spring?

Both Rijeka and Hydra during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Hydra for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Rijeka because of the beaches and the activities around the city.

In April, Hydra is generally a little warmer than Rijeka. Daily temperatures in Hydra average around 16°C (60°F), and Rijeka fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

It's quite sunny in Hydra. In the spring, Hydra often gets more sunshine than Rijeka. Hydra gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rijeka receives 177 hours of full sun.

Hydra usually gets less rain in April than Rijeka. Hydra gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Rijeka and Hydra