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

Should you visit Hydra or Urbino?

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

Should I visit Hydra or Urbino? 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.

Urbino

Urbino is a laid back, historic, and undiscovered town. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Hydra and Urbino: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hydra or Urbino?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Hydra than Urbino, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Hydra is better known for its museums, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, shopping, and small town charm, while Urbino is more popular for its food and nightlife. Hydra is more touristy than Urbino 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. Urbino is well known for its Renaissance walls, historic center, and authentic atmosphere.

How is Hydra different from Urbino?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Hydra is great for its historical sights. Also, Urbino 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.

Urbino is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. At the heart of the city are its historical sights. The cathedral is worth a visit, as is The Ducal Palace, but for most visitors, simply soaking up the town's atmosphere is the best experience.

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

Urbino 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, Urbino makes for a great culinary experience. The city's history has influenced its cuisine. Traditional foods include cornbread, truffles, and meat sausage. While these options aren't as common today, you can still find them if you seek them out.

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 Urbino Better for Nightlife?

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

Urbino has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Because of the large student population, there are usually some fun activities going on at night. You'll find some good bars around town that are fun to hang out at.

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 Urbino Better for Resorts?

Hydra is a island with good options for its luxury resorts. However, Urbino 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.

Urbino is not a resort destination.

Is Hydra or Urbino Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

Urbino is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Hydra or Urbino Better for Beaches?

Hydra is a island with good options for the beach. However, Urbino is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Hydra. 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.

Urbino is not a beach destination.

Is Hydra or Urbino Better for its Old Town?

Hydra is great for its historic old town charm. Also, Urbino is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its 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.

Many visitors go to Urbino to see the historical old town. The historic center feels a bit undiscovered by Italian standards. There are stone houses and the town is built on a steep hill, giving it a beautiful setting.

Is Hydra or Urbino Better for Hiking?

Hydra is great for hiking. However, Urbino 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.

Urbino is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hydra or Urbino?

Hydra is great for its shopping areas. Also, Urbino 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.

Urbino is a great destination for shopping. You'll find galleries, book shops, and jewelry stores around town that are fun to pop into.

Is Hydra or Urbino Better for Families?

Hydra is great for its kid-friendly activities. However, Urbino is not a good destination 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.

Urbino is not the most family-friendly destination. The city is filled with history and architecture, which may be lost on the kids. There are the classic Italian restaurants which is a favorite among kids and adults alike.

Is Hydra or Urbino Better for Couples?

Hydra is an amazing island to visit for couples. Also, Urbino 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.

Urbino is a very popular place to visit for couples. This walled city is fun to explore and can make for a great romantic stop. The city is walled and has many historical buildings which couples will enjoy learning about together.

Is Hydra or Urbino Better for Students?

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

Urbino is a very popular town for students and younger travelers. The student population is a large part of this small city. University students are usually happy and enjoy many activities and outings into the surrounding area.

Hydra is not popular with students.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Hydra and Urbino.

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

Public transit is mostly limited in Urbino. The town is accessible by bus but not by train.

Is Hydra or Urbino a more walkable city?

Hydra is an amazing island to visit for its ease of walking around. Also, Urbino 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.

Urbino is somewhat walkable. Many parts of the city are easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Urbino or Hydra?

How long in Hydra or Urbino?

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

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

Hydra might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

In Urbino, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this undiscovered destination offers. This 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 Urbino?

Hydra is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hydra. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

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

A week in Hydra or Urbino?

Hydra is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

You'll find food and shopping around the undiscovered destination of Urbino. 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 2-Week Tours in Italy, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Hydra or Urbino?

Urbino has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Hydra. When comparing the sizes of Hydra and Urbino, 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 Urbino?

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 Urbino in the Summer?

Both Urbino 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. Furthermore, most visitors come to Urbino for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

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

Hydra usually gets less rain in July than Urbino. Hydra gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Urbino receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hydra or Urbino in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Hydra and Urbino. 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. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Urbino because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Hydra is a little warmer than Urbino in the autumn. The daily temperature in Hydra averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Urbino fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

In October, Hydra usually receives less rain than Urbino. Hydra gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Urbino receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Hydra or Urbino in the Winter?

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

It's quite cold in Urbino in the winter. In the winter, Hydra is much warmer than Urbino. Typically, the winter temperatures in Hydra in January average around 10°C (51°F), and Urbino averages at about 3°C (37°F).

Hydra usually gets more rain in January than Urbino. Hydra gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Urbino receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hydra or Urbino in the Spring?

Both Urbino 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 Urbino for the natural beauty.

In April, Hydra is generally a little warmer than Urbino. Daily temperatures in Hydra average around 16°C (60°F), and Urbino fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In April, Hydra usually receives less rain than Urbino. Hydra gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Urbino receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Urbino and Hydra