A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Hydra vs. Siena for Old Town, Couples, Attractions, and Food

Should you visit Hydra or Siena?

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

Should I visit Hydra or Siena? 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. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Siena

Siena is a beautiful, romantic, and charming city. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Hydra and Siena: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hydra or Siena?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Hydra. Although Hydra and Siena are both popular with visitors, Hydra has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Hydra is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, and small town charm, while Siena is known for its food, nightlife, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Hydra is popular for its picturesque setting, car-free setting, and beautiful old town. It is also home to The Monastery of the Assumption of Virgin Mary. Siena is popular for its beautiful medieval architecture, its delicious local restaurants, and the twice yearly Palio horserace.

How is Hydra different from Siena?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Both Hydra and Siena have great 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 Siena specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. At the heart of the city is Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta and Piazza del Campo. Other world famous sights include Palazzo Pubblico and Museo Civico, Torre del Mangia, and Pinacoteca Nazionale.

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

Siena 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, Siena makes for a great culinary experience. The town is all about local flavors and many restaurants use local ingredients in their dishes. Pecorino of Pienza is the local cheese, and you'll also find many cured meats. Local pasta dishes include wild boar ragu and a local spaghetti. You'll also find local meats such as lamb, rabbit, chicken and pork.

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 Siena Better for Nightlife?

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

Siena has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The nightlife is laid back and relaxed. Most visitors enjoy socializing in the evening and meeting friends at Piazza del Campo. There are often live performances which you can enjoy as well as many cafes and wine bars around 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 Siena Better for Resorts?

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

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.

Siena is not a resort destination.

Is Hydra or Siena Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Hydra is very good for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Siena 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.

Siena is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Hydra or Siena Better for Beaches?

Hydra is very good for its beaches. However, Siena is not a beach destination.

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.

Siena is not a beach destination.

Is Hydra or Siena Better for its Old Town?

Siena is a world-class destination for its historic old town. Also, Hydra is still popular, but not quite as popular for its old town.

The historic old town of Siena is revered around the world. The beautiful old town is filled with medieval brick buildings. At the heart of the city is Piazza del Campo, which is a lively square with many neighborhoods spreading out from there.

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.

Is Hydra or Siena Better for Hiking?

Hydra is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Siena 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.

Siena is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hydra or Siena?

Hydra is notable for shopping. Also, Siena is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Hydra is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Charming shops fill the town and sell local items such as handmade jewelry and traditional embroideries.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Siena. The main shopping street in town is Via Banchi di Sopra, which has many boutiques that sell clothing, bags, and other items. The town also has many leather goods, ceramics, and other local items available.

Is Hydra or Siena Better for Families?

Hydra is notable for its family-friendly activities. However, Siena is a mediocre city for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

Siena is not always a place people visit with their families. The beauty and history may be lost to the little ones but there is a great atmosphere that even the young ones will appreciate. Kids will enjoy climbing to the top of Torre del Mangia or visiting one of the many playgrounds around town.

Is Hydra or Siena Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Hydra and Siena make for a world-class place to visit.

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.

For those traveling as a couple, Siena has plenty to offer. With its impressive beauty and long running history, this is a truly romantic city. The atmosphere is relaxed and there are plazas and neighborhoods that are great for exploring. There are also many great restaurants, superb wine, and world class sights that are not to be missed.

Is Hydra or Siena Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Siena. Many backpackers visit Siena as a daytrip from nearby Florence. While there are some affordable places to stay here, the atmosphere isn't as backpacker friendly as nearby Florence.

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 Siena Better for Students?

Siena is a great destination for students. However, Hydra is not popular with students.

Siena is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. It's home to one of the oldest universities in Italy, and it's a wonderful study abroad destination for any student who wants to spend some time in Italy.

Hydra is not popular with students.

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

Siena 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 Siena, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. TIEMME is the bus service that runs in and around town. Many lines pass through the train station and provide service from there.

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

Is Hydra or Siena a more walkable city?

Hydra is very popular for its walkability. Also, Siena is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of 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.

Siena is a very walkable island. The compact town center is best explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Siena or Hydra?

How long in Hydra or Siena?

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

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

One day in Hydra or Siena?

Even though Hydra is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

In Siena, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this medieval destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Siena?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hydra. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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.

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

Hydra is a fun place to experience. Hydra is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

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

A week in Hydra or Siena?

Hydra is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

You'll find food and shopping around the romantic destination of Siena. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hydra and Siena, we can see that Siena 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 Siena would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Siena 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 Siena Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Hydra or Siena?

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

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 Siena in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Hydra and Siena. The beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Hydra this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Siena for the family-friendly experiences.

Hydra is a little warmer than Siena in the summer. The daily temperature in Hydra averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Siena fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Siena this time of the year. In Hydra, it's very sunny this time of the year. Hydra usually receives more sunshine than Siena during summer. Hydra gets 357 hours of sunny skies, while Siena receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Hydra usually receives less rain than Siena. Hydra gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Siena receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Hydra or Siena in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Hydra as well as Siena. Many travelers come to Hydra for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, many visitors come to Siena in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Hydra is a little warmer than Siena. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Hydra in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Siena averages at about 16°C (61°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 Siena. Hydra gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Siena receives 177 hours of full sun.

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

Should I visit Hydra or Siena in the Winter?

Both Siena 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 Siena for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In January, Hydra is generally a little warmer than Siena. Daily temperatures in Hydra average around 10°C (51°F), and Siena fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

Hydra usually receives more sunshine than Siena during winter. Hydra gets 143 hours of sunny skies, while Siena receives 105 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Hydra usually receives less rain than Siena. Hydra gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Siena receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Hydra or Siena in the Spring?

Both Siena 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. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Siena because of the natural beauty.

Hydra is a little warmer than Siena in the spring. The daily temperature in Hydra averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Siena fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

It's quite sunny in Hydra. In the spring, Hydra often gets more sunshine than Siena. Hydra gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Siena receives 192 hours of full sun.

Hydra usually gets less rain in April than Siena. Hydra gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Siena receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Siena and Hydra