A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Hydra vs. Sestri Levante for Couples, Food, Families, and Resorts

Should you visit Hydra or Sestri Levante?

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

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

Sestri Levante

Sestri Levante is a scenic, local, and quaint seaside town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It's also known for food and beaches.

Hydra and Sestri Levante: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hydra or Sestri Levante?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Hydra than Sestri Levante, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Hydra is better known for its museums, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, historical sights, hiking, and shopping, while Sestri Levante is more popular for its food and impressive beauty. Hydra is more touristy than Sestri Levante 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. Sestri Levante is well known for its two bays and coastal setting.

How is Hydra different from Sestri Levante?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Hydra is great for its historical sights. However, Sestri Levante does not have museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into 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.

Sestri Levante does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Sestri Levante 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, Sestri Levante makes for a great culinary experience. You'll find many restaurants along the central road in the old town, Via XXV Aprile. Seafood is popular, as are many other Italian favorites. If you're visiting during the summer months then it's best to make reservations as wait times can be long.

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 Sestri Levante Better for Nightlife?

Hydra is adequate for its evening party scene. However, Sestri Levante is not a good destination for nightlife.

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.

People don't go to Sestri Levante for the nightlife. There are a few places to grab a drink, but if you're looking for nightlife, you'll really need to head out of town.

Is Hydra or Sestri Levante Better for Resorts?

Hydra and Sestri Levante offer a relatively similar set of notable luxury resort options.

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.

With a selection of resorts, Sestri Levante makes a nice vacation spot. There are a number of hotels in the old town or by the beach. You'll also find a decent selection of vacation rentals. During peak season you'll want to make your reservations early.

Is Hydra or Sestri Levante Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Hydra is a island with good options for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Sestri Levante is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life in Hydra. There are some snorkeling spots around the island - most notably Bisti Beach, which is pebbly and has some interesting sea life.

Sestri Levante is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Hydra or Sestri Levante Better for Beaches?

For a relaxing beach holiday, both Hydra and Sestri Levante are notable choices.

Hydra is a good option for a beach vacation. 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.

Many people head to Sestri Levante to enjoy the beach. Home to two beaches, this makes a nice holiday spot if you're hoping to relax by the water. The beaches can get crowded with Italians during the summer months, but it still offers a charming seaside spot. Many people head to the beach by the the Bay of Silence in part because it's free. Make sure you arrive early. By the Bay of Fairytales you can rent chairs and umbrellas and enjoy a little more space.

Is Hydra or Sestri Levante Better for its Old Town?

Hydra is great for its historic old town charm. However, Sestri Levante does not have a historic old town.

Hydra is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. 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.

Sestri Levante does not have a historic old town.

Is Hydra or Sestri Levante Better for Hiking?

Hydra is great for hiking. However, Sestri Levante 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.

Sestri Levante is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hydra or Sestri Levante?

Hydra is great for its shopping areas. However, Sestri Levante is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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

Sestri Levante is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Hydra or Sestri Levante Better for Families?

Hydra is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Sestri Levante is not as popular, but is still a nice seaside town for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Hydra. 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.

Sestri Levante is a family-friendly place to visit. This is a great spot for families that want a relaxing holiday with a small town vibe. The picturesque setting is said to have inspired fairytales, and today kids will enjoy playing on the playgrounds or exploring at the adventure park. There are also hikes, activities, and restaurants that are great for kids and adults alike.

Is Hydra or Sestri Levante Better for Couples?

Hydra is renowned for couples. Also, Sestri Levante is not as popular, but is still a nice seaside town for romance.

Hydra is a great island for couples, as it 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.

Sestri Levante is a nice destination for couples. This scenic setting offers a relaxing holiday for couples who want to enjoy quiet time together. There are plenty of outdoor activities and a cultural town with a lot of beauty to explore. It's one of the lesser known destinations in the area, so you will have a peaceful small town vibe that's great for a romantic getaway.

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

Sestri Levante 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 Sestri Levante, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The town can be explored on foot and there are buses and trains that can be used for day trips.

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

Is Hydra or Sestri Levante a more walkable city?

Hydra and Sestri Levante both are terrific when exploring on foot.

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

Sestri Levante is a very easy island to get around on foot. There are pedestrian promenades and charming streets through town that are best explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Sestri Levante or Hydra?

How long in Hydra or Sestri Levante?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Hydra and Sestri Levante. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Sestri Levante than in Hydra. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Hydra, and 1-3 days is enough time in Sestri Levante.

Families should spend more time in Hydra than Sestri Levante. 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 Sestri Levante. 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 Sestri Levante 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 Sestri Levante?

Hydra might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

In Sestri Levante, many people enjoy the food that this local small town offers. This seaside 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 Sestri Levante?

Hydra is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hydra. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. It offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

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

A week in Hydra or Sestri Levante?

Hydra is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One week 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.

You'll find food around the local small town of Sestri Levante. 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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in Italy, and The Best Historical Tours in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Hydra or Sestri Levante?

Sestri Levante has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Hydra. When comparing the sizes of Hydra and Sestri Levante, 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.