A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Hydra vs. San Remo for Couples, Food, Beaches, and Old Town

Should you visit Hydra or San Remo?

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

Should I visit Hydra or San Remo? 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. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

San Remo

San Remo is a relaxing, beautiful, and scenic coastal city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

Hydra and San Remo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hydra or San Remo?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Hydra than San Remo, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Hydra is better known for its museums, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, hiking, shopping, and small town charm, while San Remo is more popular for its food, nightlife, and beaches. Hydra is more touristy than San Remo and is popular for its picturesque setting, car-free setting, and beautiful old town. Also, Hydra is famous for The Monastery of the Assumption of Virgin Mary. San Remo is well known for its olives, lemons, and flower market.

How is Hydra different from San Remo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Hydra is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, San Remo does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

San Remo does not have museums and landmarks.

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

San Remo 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, San Remo makes for a great culinary experience. The local restaurants are charming and sell a number of local specialties. Many traditional dishes are made with rabbit or chicken. There are also vegetable pies and sardenaira, which is a type of pizza that's made with tomatoes, garlic, and anchovies. Also make sure you pick up Baci di Sanremo, which are soft chocolate biscuits that are available in local bakeries.

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 San Remo Better for Nightlife?

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

San Remo has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The city has a number of clubs and bars where you can enjoy a drink or hang out late into the evening. It's a pretty mellow nightlife scene, but there's still plenty of places to go as well as a local vibe that doesn't have the influx of tourists that you find in many of other Italian cities.

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 San Remo Better for Resorts?

Hydra is a popular place for its luxury resorts. However, San Remo 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.

San Remo is not a resort destination.

Is Hydra or San Remo Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Hydra is a popular place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, San Remo is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Hydra has a few good snorkeling spots. There are some snorkeling spots around the island - most notably Bisti Beach, which is pebbly and has some interesting sea life.

San Remo is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Hydra or San Remo Better for Beaches?

San Remo is a great destination for its beaches. Also, Hydra is still popular, but not quite as popular for the beache.

San Remo is considered a top beach destination. The beautiful sandy beaches are nice to visit and it's possible to rent chairs and umbrellas in many places. The main beach in town is Spiaggia dei Porti. Other popular nearby beaches include Spiaggia dei tre ponti, which is a large public beach, and Cala degli Orsi, which is one of the most beautiful public beaches in the area.

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.

Is Hydra or San Remo Better for its Old Town?

It's fun to wander around the high quality old towns in both Hydra and San Remo.

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 San Remo. The old quarter of Pigna is a Medieval area with narrow streets that feel as if they're frozen in time. The hills offer impressive city views and the area has a unique historic character.

Is Hydra or San Remo Better for Hiking?

Hydra is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, San Remo 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.

San Remo is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hydra or San Remo?

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

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Hydra. Charming shops fill the town and sell local items such as handmade jewelry and traditional embroideries.

San Remo is a great destination for shopping. There are local and international brands as well as a shopping mall and outlets where you can enjoy shopping.

Is Hydra or San Remo Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Hydra or San Remo.

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, San Remo is very family-friendly. The area offers plenty of outdoor activities that the whole family will enjoy. There's horseback riding, hiking, rowing, snorkeling, cooking classes, farm tours and more. There are also a number of hotels in the area that have kid-friendly activities.

Is Hydra or San Remo Better for Couples?

Hydra is terrific for couples. Also, San Remo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Hydra makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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 San Remo frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It's known as the city of flowers, and the many beautiful gardens make this a truly romantic place to visit. Couples will enjoy soaking up the city's history and enjoy the vibrant culture and outdoor activities that are available.

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

San Remo 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 San Remo, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are local buses around town.

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

Is Hydra or San Remo a more walkable city?

Hydra is terrific for its ease of walking around. Also, San Remo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

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.

San Remo is very walkable. The old quarter is fun to explore on foot and there are a number of walking tours through town.

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

Should I spend more time in San Remo or Hydra?

How long in Hydra or San Remo?

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

Families should spend more time in Hydra than San Remo. 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 San Remo. 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 San Remo 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 San Remo?

Hydra is a small town where visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In San Remo, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this historic destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. This coastal 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 San Remo?

Hydra is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this island makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Hydra, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

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

Hydra is a popular choice for travelers. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

San Remo is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of San Remo. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Hydra or San Remo?

Hydra is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This island offers something for everyone.

You'll find nightlife and food around the authentic destination of San Remo. Most people come for the beaches. 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 Sightseeing Tours in Italy, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Hydra or San Remo?

San Remo has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Hydra. When comparing the sizes of Hydra and San Remo, 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 San Remo?

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 San Remo in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Hydra as well as San Remo. The summer months attract visitors to Hydra because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to San Remo this time of year.

In July, Hydra is generally a little warmer than San Remo. Daily temperatures in Hydra average around 27°C (81°F), and San Remo fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Remo. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hydra this time of the year. In the summer, Hydra often gets more sunshine than San Remo. Hydra gets 357 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Remo receives 295 hours of full sun.

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

Should I visit Hydra or San Remo in the Autumn?

Both San Remo and Hydra are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Hydra this time of year. Also, many travelers come to San Remo for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Hydra is a little warmer than San Remo in the autumn. The daily temperature in Hydra averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and San Remo fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hydra. Hydra usually receives more sunshine than San Remo during autumn. Hydra gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while San Remo receives 183 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in San Remo. In October, Hydra usually receives less rain than San Remo. Hydra gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while San Remo receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Hydra or San Remo in the Winter?

Both San Remo and Hydra during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Hydra for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to San Remo in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

In the winter, Hydra is a little warmer than San Remo. Typically, the winter temperatures in Hydra in January average around 10°C (51°F), and San Remo averages at about 9°C (48°F).

In the winter, Hydra often gets more sunshine than San Remo. Hydra gets 143 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Remo receives 127 hours of full sun.

Hydra usually gets less rain in January than San Remo. Hydra gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while San Remo receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hydra or San Remo in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Hydra and San Remo. Many visitors come to Hydra in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to San Remo for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

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

In Hydra, it's very sunny this time of the year. Hydra usually receives more sunshine than San Remo during spring. Hydra gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while San Remo receives 198 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Hydra usually receives less rain than San Remo. Hydra gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while San Remo receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for San Remo and Hydra