A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Hydra vs. Sochi for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Hydra or Sochi?

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

Should I visit Hydra or Sochi? 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.

Where Should I go: Hydra or Sochi?

Hydra

The island of Hydra is located in the Aegean Sea between the Saronic and Argolic Gulfs. Named for its natural springs, the island now has most of its freshwater imported from the mainland. The real gem of the place is the absence of motorized vehicles. Car and scooters are nowhere to be seen by the narrow marble-cobbled lanes, rocks, and sea. Such vehicles have been outlawed and so the way to navigate the island is by donkey, water taxi, or on foot.

Sochi

Located on the coast of the Black Sea, Sochi is one of the southernmost major cities in Russia. It is especially busy in the summer when native Russians and international visitors alike come to enjoy the mountainous coastline and sunny beaches. Sochi is also known as the host of the 2014 Winter Olympic Games, and many of the Olympic venues can still be visited today.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in Greece, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Greece.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hydra and Sochi, we can see that Hydra is more expensive. And not only is Sochi much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Sochi would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Sochi 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 Hydra would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Hydra than you might in Sochi.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Hydra Expensive? and Is Sochi Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Hydra or Sochi?

Sochi has a larger population, and is about 140 times larger than the population of Hydra. When comparing the sizes of Hydra and Sochi, 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 Sochi?

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 Sochi in the Summer?

Both Sochi and Hydra are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Hydra because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Hydra is a little warmer than Sochi. Typically, the summer temperatures in Hydra in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Sochi averages at about 23°C (73°F).

In July, Hydra usually receives less rain than Sochi. Hydra gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Sochi receives 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Hydra or Sochi in the Autumn?

Both Sochi and Hydra during the autumn are popular places to visit. 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.

In October, Hydra is generally a little warmer than Sochi. Daily temperatures in Hydra average around 19°C (67°F), and Sochi fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

Sochi gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Hydra usually gets less rain in October than Sochi. Hydra gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Sochi receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hydra or Sochi in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Hydra and Sochi. Many travelers come to Hydra for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Hydra is much warmer than Sochi in the winter. The daily temperature in Hydra averages around 10°C (51°F) in January, and Sochi fluctuates around 6°C (44°F).

Sochi receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Hydra usually receives less rain than Sochi. Hydra gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Sochi receives 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Hydra or Sochi in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Hydra as well as Sochi. Many visitors come to Hydra in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Hydra is a little warmer than Sochi. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hydra in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Sochi averages at about 13°C (55°F).

It's quite rainy in Sochi. Hydra usually gets less rain in April than Sochi. Hydra gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Sochi receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Sochi and Hydra