A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Hydra vs. Varenna for Food, Couples, Attractions, and Hiking

Should you visit Hydra or Varenna?

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

Should I visit Hydra or Varenna? 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 accessible, quaint, and picturesque island. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

Varenna

Varenna is a beautiful, scenic, and pristine village. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It's also known for shopping, museums, and food.

Hydra and Varenna: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hydra or Varenna?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Hydra. Although Hydra and Varenna are popular destinations, Hydra has more sights and attractions for tourists. Hydra is very popular for its museums, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, shopping, and small town charm, while Varenna attracts visitors for its food and impressive beauty. Hydra is famous for its picturesque setting, car-free setting, and beautiful old town. It is also well known for The Monastery of the Assumption of Virgin Mary. Varenna is famous for its beautiful location by Lake Como.

How is Hydra different from Varenna?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Hydra is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. Also, Varenna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Varenna. Most people visit the town for its beautiful setting on Lake Como. There are some popular sights around town though such as the Church of San Giorgio and Castello di Vezio.

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

Varenna is a world-class destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Hydra is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

For foodies, Varenna is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Despite the touristy nature of the town, the restaurants are surprisingly good and you'll find some excellent Italian food around town.

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 Varenna Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Hydra or Varenna has a better nightlife scene.

Hydra is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. 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.

Varenna doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. The best way to enjoy the evening is to head to a restaurant and spend the time sipping wine in a laid back setting.

Is Hydra or Varenna Better for Resorts?

Hydra is a good destination for its luxury resorts. However, Varenna is not a resort destination.

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.

Varenna is not a resort destination.

Is Hydra or Varenna Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Hydra is a good destination for its diving and snorkeling. However, Varenna is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in Hydra. There are some snorkeling spots around the island - most notably Bisti Beach, which is pebbly and has some interesting sea life.

Varenna is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Hydra or Varenna Better for Beaches?

Hydra is a good destination for the beache. However, Varenna is not a beach destination.

Hydra offers a nice beach destination. 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.

Varenna is not a beach destination.

Is Hydra or Varenna Better for its Old Town?

Hydra is an excellent place to visit for its old town. However, Varenna does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see 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.

Varenna does not have a historic old town.

Is Hydra or Varenna Better for Hiking?

If you're looking to go hiking, Hydra and Varenna both have superb trails.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Hydra. 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.

Many visitors go to Varenna for the hiking trails. There are lakefront trails and other hiking options near town. The Lungolago di Varenna - Baia di Varenna loop follows the water and makes for a pleasant stroll.

Is the Shopping Better in Hydra or Varenna?

Hydra is an excellent place to visit for its shopping opportunities. Also, Varenna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Hydra is well-known for its shopping. Charming shops fill the town and sell local items such as handmade jewelry and traditional embroideries.

Many visitors go to Varenna to go shopping. The streets are lined with artisan shops and boutique venders that are fun to explore.

Is Hydra or Varenna Better for Families?

Hydra is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Varenna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Hydra is very family-friendly. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Varenna. The charming village has play areas for children and the beautiful Villa Monastero, which are gardens that they'll enjoy exploring. It's also worth visiting the Castle of Vezio.

Is Hydra or Varenna Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Hydra and Varenna make for a amazing 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, Varenna has plenty to offer. This beautiful village has a romantic atmosphere with a "lovers promenade" and many stunning views. It makes the perfect couples trip, whether you're on your honeymoon or just need some time away.

Is Hydra or Varenna Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Varenna. There are some hostels and guesthouses that cater to budget travelers. There's also plenty of outdoor activities that are free.

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 Varenna Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Varenna 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 Varenna, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The town is easily accessible by public transit and once you're in town you can walk everywhere.

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

Is Hydra or Varenna a more walkable city?

Hydra and Varenna both are amazing 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.

Varenna is a very easy island to get around on foot. Everything is walkable and the town is best explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Varenna or Hydra?

How long in Hydra or Varenna?

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

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

One day in Hydra or Varenna?

Hydra is a small town with plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This island offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

In Varenna, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this scenic destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Lots of people come for the food. This village 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 Varenna?

Hydra might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Hydra has to offer.

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

Five days in Hydra or Varenna?

Hydra is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Varenna is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Varenna. Lots of people come for the food. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Hydra or Varenna?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hydra. Since Hydra is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

You'll find food and shopping around the beautiful destination of Varenna. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the food. 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 Budget Tours to Italy, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Hydra or Varenna?

Hydra has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Varenna. When comparing the sizes of Hydra and Varenna, 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 Varenna?

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 Varenna in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Hydra as well as Varenna. Most visitors come to Hydra for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Varenna because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Varenna. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hydra this time of the year. In the summer, Hydra often gets more sunshine than Varenna. Hydra gets 357 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Varenna receives 250 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Varenna. Hydra usually gets less rain in July than Varenna. Hydra gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Varenna receives 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hydra or Varenna in the Autumn?

Both Varenna and Hydra are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Hydra because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Varenna this time of year.

In October, Hydra is generally a little warmer than Varenna. Daily temperatures in Hydra average around 19°C (67°F), and Varenna fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hydra. Hydra usually receives more sunshine than Varenna during autumn. Hydra gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Varenna receives 152 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Varenna. In October, Hydra usually receives less rain than Varenna. Hydra gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Varenna receives 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Hydra or Varenna in the Winter?

Both Varenna and Hydra during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Hydra this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Varenna for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Varenna. Hydra is much warmer than Varenna in the winter. The daily temperature in Hydra averages around 10°C (51°F) in January, and Varenna fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Hydra often gets more sunshine than Varenna. Hydra gets 143 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Varenna receives 119 hours of full sun.

Hydra usually gets less rain in January than Varenna. Hydra gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Varenna receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hydra or Varenna in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Hydra and Varenna. Many travelers come to Hydra for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Varenna in the spring for the natural beauty.

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

In Hydra, it's very sunny this time of the year. Hydra usually receives more sunshine than Varenna during spring. Hydra gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Varenna receives 176 hours of full sun in the spring.

Varenna receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Hydra usually receives less rain than Varenna. Hydra gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Varenna receives 152 mm (6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Varenna and Hydra