A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Hydra vs. Saint-Etienne for Couples, Attractions, Hiking, and Families

Should you visit Hydra or Saint-Etienne?

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

Should I visit Hydra or Saint-Etienne? 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. 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.

Saint-Etienne

Saint-Etienne is a historic, park-filled, and industrial city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for nightlife, hiking, and museums.

Hydra and Saint-Etienne: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hydra or Saint-Etienne?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Hydra. Although Hydra and Saint-Etienne are popular destinations, Hydra has more sights and attractions for tourists. Hydra is very popular for its museums, food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Saint-Etienne attracts visitors for its nightlife. Hydra is more touristy than Saint-Etienne 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. Saint-Etienne is famous for its industrial and manufacturing past.

How is Hydra different from Saint-Etienne?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne?

Hydra is great for its historical sights. Also, Saint-Etienne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Hydra. 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Saint-Etienne. There are several great museums in town including the Musée d'Art et d'Industrie, Musée de la Mine, Musée des Verts, and the planetarium.

Is the Food Better in Hydra or Saint-Etienne? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Hydra is a good destination for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

Saint-Etienne may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Try the many local cheeses which are a defining part of the cuisine in the area. You'll find some local restaurants around town where you can sample local flavors.

Is Hydra or Saint-Etienne Better for Nightlife?

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

Saint-Etienne has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The nightlife is centered around sipping wine or visiting one of the clubs in town.

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 Saint-Etienne Better for Resorts?

Hydra is a good destination for its luxury resorts. However, Saint-Etienne 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.

Saint-Etienne is not a resort destination.

Is Hydra or Saint-Etienne Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Hydra is a good destination for its diving and snorkeling. However, Saint-Etienne 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.

Saint-Etienne is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Hydra or Saint-Etienne Better for Beaches?

Hydra is a good destination for the beache. However, Saint-Etienne 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.

Saint-Etienne is not a beach destination.

Is Hydra or Saint-Etienne Better for its Old Town?

Hydra is great for its old town. However, Saint-Etienne 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.

Saint-Etienne does not have a historic old town.

Is Hydra or Saint-Etienne Better for Hiking?

Hydra is great for hiking. Also, Saint-Etienne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for the nearby hiking options.

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.

Saint-Etienne is a good destination for hiking. You'll find several great hikes just outside of town. It's a great way to experience the surrounding countryside.

Is the Shopping Better in Hydra or Saint-Etienne?

Hydra is great for its shopping opportunities. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination 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.

Saint-Etienne has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. Shopping malls and several boutique shopping areas make up the city's shopping scene.

Is Hydra or Saint-Etienne Better for Families?

Hydra is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Saint-Etienne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Hydra is very family-friendly. 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.

Saint-Etienne is a family-friendly place to visit. There are several kid-friendly museums as well as plenty of natural settings just outside of town. Your kids can run around and stretch their legs nearby at Crest of the Partridge or on a rainy day, the planetarium is a fun place to visit.

Is Hydra or Saint-Etienne Better for Couples?

Hydra is an amazing island to visit for its romantic activities. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination 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.

Saint-Etienne is not always the best place to visit for a couple. There are museums, parks, gardens, and beautiful architecture that make this a wonderful place for couples.

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

Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are tram and bus options available in town.

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

Is Hydra or Saint-Etienne a more walkable city?

Hydra is an amazing island to visit for its high level of walkability. Also, Saint-Etienne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its ease of walking around.

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.

Saint-Etienne is a somewhat walkable island. There are several walkable areas in the city.

For even more information, also check out Is Hydra Worth Visiting? and Is Saint-Etienne Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Saint-Etienne or Hydra?

How long in Hydra or Saint-Etienne?

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

Families should spend more time in Hydra than Saint-Etienne. 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 Saint-Etienne. 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 Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne?

Even though Hydra is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

In Saint-Etienne, many people enjoy the nightlife and museums that this industrial destination offers. This city 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 Saint-Etienne?

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. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Saint-Etienne. 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 Saint-Etienne?

Hydra is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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.

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

A week in Hydra or Saint-Etienne?

Hydra is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the park-filled destination of Saint-Etienne. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Paris, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris.

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

Which is Bigger, Hydra or Saint-Etienne?

Saint-Etienne has a larger population, and is about 80 times larger than the population of Hydra. When comparing the sizes of Hydra and Saint-Etienne, 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 Saint-Etienne?

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 Saint-Etienne in the Summer?

Both Saint-Etienne and Hydra during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Hydra for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Saint-Etienne because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Hydra is a little warmer than Saint-Etienne. Typically, the summer temperatures in Hydra in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Saint-Etienne averages at about 22°C (71°F).

In Saint-Etienne, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Hydra. In the summer, Hydra often gets more sunshine than Saint-Etienne. Hydra gets 357 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint-Etienne receives 285 hours of full sun.

Hydra usually gets less rain in July than Saint-Etienne. Hydra gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hydra or Saint-Etienne in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Hydra and Saint-Etienne. 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. Furthermore, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Saint-Etienne this time of year.

In October, Hydra is generally a little warmer than Saint-Etienne. Daily temperatures in Hydra average around 19°C (67°F), and Saint-Etienne fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).

In Hydra, it's very sunny this time of the year. Hydra usually receives more sunshine than Saint-Etienne during autumn. Hydra gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Saint-Etienne receives 127 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Hydra usually receives less rain than Saint-Etienne. Hydra gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Hydra or Saint-Etienne in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Hydra as well as Saint-Etienne. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Hydra this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Saint-Etienne for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Saint-Etienne. Hydra is much warmer than Saint-Etienne in the winter. The daily temperature in Hydra averages around 10°C (51°F) in January, and Saint-Etienne fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

In the winter, Hydra often gets more sunshine than Saint-Etienne. Hydra gets 143 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint-Etienne receives 62 hours of full sun.

Hydra usually gets less rain in January than Saint-Etienne. Hydra gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hydra or Saint-Etienne in the Spring?

Both Saint-Etienne and Hydra are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Hydra for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Saint-Etienne in the spring for the natural beauty.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hydra. Hydra usually receives more sunshine than Saint-Etienne during spring. Hydra gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Saint-Etienne receives 174 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Hydra usually receives less rain than Saint-Etienne. Hydra gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Saint-Etienne and Hydra