A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Hydra vs. Taormina for Couples, Attractions, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Hydra or Taormina?

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

Should I visit Hydra or Taormina? 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.

Taormina

Taormina is a historic, beautiful, and exclusive town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for beaches, shopping, and museums.

Hydra and Taormina: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hydra or Taormina?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Hydra than Taormina, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Hydra is better known for its museums, scuba diving & snorkeling, historical sights, hiking, and shopping, while Taormina is more popular for its food, nightlife, and resorts. Hydra is well known for its picturesque setting, car-free setting, and beautiful old town. Also, Hydra is famous for The Monastery of the Assumption of Virgin Mary. Taormina is well known for its long history as a seaside resort town with luxury accommodation and beautiful views.

How is Hydra different from Taormina?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Hydra is a great island for its historical sights. Also, Taormina is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its sights and museums.

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.

Taormina is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The main landmark in town is the Greek Theater which dates back to the 3rd century BC. Also visit Madonna della Rocca as well as Castello di Taormina, which is perched above the sea.

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

Taormina 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, Taormina makes for a great culinary experience. The local dishes draw on traditional Italian flavors such as pasta, tomato sauce, and vegetables, but they're also heavily influenced by the island's many historical invaders. You'll find a variety of ingredients in recipes including red chilies, tuna, swordfish, sardines, pine nuts, capers, and olives.

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 Taormina Better for Nightlife?

Taormina is a great destination for nightlife. However, Hydra is a island with minimal options for nightlife and partying.

The people in Taormina know how to have a good time. The town has a bit of an exclusive vibe and that's felt in the nightlife scene as well. There are lounges and exclusive clubs that serve fine wine and cocktails. You'll also find some late night dance clubs 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 Taormina Better for Resorts?

Taormina is a great destination for its resorts. Also, Hydra is still popular, but not quite as popular for its luxury resorts.

Taormina is known as a popular and fun resort destination. There are a number of high end resorts and hotels in and near town that have pools and five star facilities.

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.

Is Hydra or Taormina Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Hydra is a island with good options for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Taormina 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.

Taormina is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Hydra or Taormina Better for Beaches?

For a relaxing beach holiday, both Hydra and Taormina 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 Taormina to enjoy the beach. The easiest beaches to access from town are Mazzaro Beach and Isola Bella Beach. The beaches are near hotels and there are restaurants as well as beach umbrellas and chairs that you can rent.

Is Hydra or Taormina Better for its Old Town?

Hydra is a great island for its historic old town charm. However, Taormina 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.

Taormina does not have a historic old town.

Is Hydra or Taormina Better for Hiking?

Hydra is a great island for hiking. However, Taormina 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.

Taormina is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hydra or Taormina?

Hydra is a great island for its shopping areas. Also, Taormina is not as popular, but is still a nice town 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.

Taormina is a great destination for shopping. It's a fashion-conscious town and you'll find boutiques and shops that carry high end Italian brands. There are also shops that sell local pottery and other items.

Is Hydra or Taormina Better for Families?

Hydra is a great island for its kid-friendly activities. However, Taormina is not known 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.

Taormina is not the most family-friendly destination. Kids may not appreciate everything that the adults enjoy about this town, but they will likely have fun taking a ride on the cable car and visiting the Greek Theater. There are also wonderful desserts that kids will enjoy.

Is Hydra or Taormina Better for Couples?

Hydra is very popular for couples. Also, Taormina is not as popular, but is still a nice 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.

Taormina is a very popular place to visit for couples. It's a truly beautiful town with impressive views and a great atmosphere. It makes a wonderful stop off for couples or honeymooners who want to soak up the region's beauty.

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

Taormina 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 Taormina, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are minibuses that travel to the more far-reaching parts of the town.

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

Is Hydra or Taormina a more walkable city?

Hydra is very popular for its ease of walking around. Also, Taormina is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its walkability.

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.

Taormina is very walkable. Walking is one of the best ways to explore the town.

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

Should I spend more time in Taormina or Hydra?

How long in Hydra or Taormina?

It's fun to spend time in either Hydra or Taormina. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Taormina due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Hydra, and 2-4 days is enough time in Taormina.

Families should spend more time in Hydra than Taormina. 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 Taormina. 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 Taormina 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 Taormina?

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 Taormina, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this opulent small town offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Hydra or Taormina?

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 Taormina. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. 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 Taormina?

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.

Taormina is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the small town destination of Taormina. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Hydra or Taormina?

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 food and shopping around the opulent small town of Taormina. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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 Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy, and The Best Walking Tours in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Hydra or Taormina?

Taormina has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Hydra. When comparing the sizes of Hydra and Taormina, 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 Taormina?

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 Taormina in the Summer?

Both Taormina and Hydra during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Hydra in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Taormina for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Hydra is generally around the same temperature as Taormina. Daily temperatures in Hydra average around 27°C (81°F), and Taormina fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).

In Taormina, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Hydra. In the summer, Hydra often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Taormina. Hydra gets 357 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Taormina receives 332 hours of full sun.

Hydra usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Taormina. Hydra gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Taormina receives 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hydra or Taormina in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Hydra and Taormina. Most visitors come to Hydra for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Taormina because of the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Hydra is around the same temperature as Taormina in the autumn. The daily temperature in Hydra averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Taormina fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

In Hydra, it's very sunny this time of the year. Hydra usually receives more sunshine than Taormina during autumn. Hydra gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Taormina receives 189 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Taormina receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Hydra usually receives less rain than Taormina. Hydra gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Taormina receives 128 mm (5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Hydra or Taormina in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Hydra as well as Taormina. The winter months attract visitors to Hydra because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Taormina this time of year.

In the winter, Hydra is cooler than Taormina. Typically, the winter temperatures in Hydra in January average around 10°C (51°F), and Taormina averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In the winter, Hydra often gets more sunshine than Taormina. Hydra gets 143 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Taormina receives 115 hours of full sun.

Hydra usually gets less rain in January than Taormina. Hydra gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Taormina receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hydra or Taormina in the Spring?

Both Taormina and Hydra are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Hydra this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Taormina for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In April, Hydra is generally around the same temperature as Taormina. Daily temperatures in Hydra average around 16°C (60°F), and Taormina fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

It's quite sunny in Taormina. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hydra. Hydra usually receives more sunshine than Taormina during spring. Hydra gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Taormina receives 207 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Hydra usually receives less rain than Taormina. Hydra gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Taormina receives 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Taormina and Hydra