Which place is cheaper, Varna or Hydra?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Hydra or Varna?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Hydra or Varna? 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 Varna?
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.
Varna
Varna is a coastal city on the Black Sea. It's the third largest city in Bulgaria and many people consider it the summer capital of the country. It's a major tourist destination and it can make for a relaxing escape at the beach if you're in Bulgaria during the summer. It is the only city in Bulgaria that cruises visit, and as such, it's tourist infrastructure has grown. In addition to being a tourist destination, Varna is also a business and university center, seaport, and the headquarters of the Bulgarian Navy and merchant marine.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in Greece, The Best 10-Day Tours in Greece, The Best 10-Day Tours in Bulgaria, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Bulgaria.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHydra €97Varna €61
The average daily cost (per person) in Hydra is €97, while the average daily cost in Varna is €61. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Hydra and Varna in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHydra €51Varna €33
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHydra €102Varna €66
Compare Hotels in Hydra and Varna
Looking for a hotel in Hydra or Varna? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Varna Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Hydra €26Varna €8.77
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Varna
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Varna:
- Bucharest to Varna - Private Transfer: $451
- Private One-way Transfer Varna Airport to Hotel or vice versa: $53
- Private Transfer from Albena to Burgas (BOJ) Airport: $155
- Private Transfer from Albena to Varna (VAR) Airport : $65
- Private Transfer from Balchik to Varna (VAR) Airport: $58
- Private Transfer from Golden Sands to Burgas (BOJ) Airport: $131
- Private Transfer from Golden Sands to Sofia (SOF) Airport : $300
- Private Transfer from Golden Sands to Varna (VAR) Airport: $35
- Private Transfer from Kavarna to Varna (VAR) Airport: $82
- Private Transfer from Saints Constantine and Helena to Burgas (BOJ) Airport: $123
- Private Transfer from Sunny Beach to Burgas (BOJ) Airport: $72
- Private Transfer from Varna (VAR) Airport to Albena: $65
Is it cheaper to fly into Hydra or Varna?
Prices for flights to both Varna and Hydra change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
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Food Meals for one dayHydra €30Varna €22
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Hydra €11Varna €8.04
Tours and Activities in Varna
Here are a few actual costs in Varna for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Self-guided tour in Varna Archaeological Museum + ticket: $11
- Archaeological Museum Ticket & E-Guide: $13
- Audio Guide for All Varna Sights, Attractions or Experiences: $15
- Pokémon GO Varna Private Tour: $19
- Action Aqua Park Entrance Ticket: $25
- Half Day Private Bicycle Tour in Varna: $29
- Private Virtual Tour in Varna with a Local Guide : $32
- Nessebar: Guided City Tour: $49
- Bulgaria Day Bike & E-bike Tours - country & sea: $63
- The OFFroad Adventure : $64
- The Ultimate Private Communist Tour of Varna: $64
- Half-Day Tsarev Brod Winery and Walking Tour: $64
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayHydra €11Varna €8.00
Sample the Local Flavors in Varna
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Varna:
- Private Exploration: French Influence in Varna + Walking + Wine tasting tour: $53
- Bulgarian Wine Tasting & Art Gallery Experience in Varna: $53
- Varna Exquisite Wine Tasting: $64
- Private Varna Gourmet Tour with Superb Wine Tasting: $64
- The Ultimate Private Varna Walking, Culture & Wine Tasting Tour: $75
- E-bike & Wine Tour to the Bulgarian Coast: $104
- Varna Gourmet Tour including Wine Tasting: $127
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hydra and Varna, we can see that Hydra is more expensive. And not only is Varna much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Varna would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Varna 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 Varna.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Hydra Expensive? and Is Varna Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Hydra or Varna?
Varna has a larger population, and is about 140 times larger than the population of Hydra. When comparing the sizes of Hydra and Varna, 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 Varna?
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 Varna in the Summer?
Both Varna and Hydra are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Hydra in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Hydra is generally a little warmer than Varna. Daily temperatures in Hydra average around 27°C (81°F), and Varna fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
It's quite sunny in Varna. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hydra. Hydra usually receives more sunshine than Varna during summer. Hydra gets 357 hours of sunny skies, while Varna receives 268 hours of full sun in the summer.
In July, Hydra usually receives less rain than Varna. Hydra gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Varna receives 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyHydra 27°C (81°F)Varna 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Hydra or Varna in the Autumn?
Both Varna and Hydra during the autumn are popular places to visit. 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.
Hydra is a little warmer than Varna in the autumn. The daily temperature in Hydra averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Varna fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).
It's quite sunny in Hydra. In the autumn, Hydra often gets more sunshine than Varna. Hydra gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Varna receives 161 hours of full sun.
Hydra usually gets more rain in October than Varna. Hydra gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Varna receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberHydra 19°C (67°F)Varna 14°C (57°F)
Should I visit Hydra or Varna in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Hydra and Varna. The winter months attract visitors to Hydra because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
It's quite cold in Varna in the winter. In the winter, Hydra is much warmer than Varna. Typically, the winter temperatures in Hydra in January average around 10°C (51°F), and Varna averages at about 3°C (37°F).
Hydra usually receives more sunshine than Varna during winter. Hydra gets 143 hours of sunny skies, while Varna receives 83 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Hydra usually receives more rain than Varna. Hydra gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Varna receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryHydra 10°C (51°F)Varna 3°C (37°F)
Should I visit Hydra or Varna in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Hydra as well as Varna. The beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Hydra this time of year.
In April, Hydra is generally a little warmer than Varna. Daily temperatures in Hydra average around 16°C (60°F), and Varna fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hydra this time of the year. In the spring, Hydra often gets more sunshine than Varna. Hydra gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Varna receives 156 hours of full sun.
Hydra usually gets less rain in April than Varna. Hydra gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Varna receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilHydra 16°C (60°F)Varna 11°C (52°F)
Typical Weather for Varna and Hydra
| Hydra | Varna | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 10°C (51°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| Feb | 11°C (51°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 3°C (37°F) | 41 mm (1.6 in) |
| Mar | 12°C (54°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 6°C (43°F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (60°F) | 25 mm (1 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| May | 20°C (68°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 40 mm (1.6 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (76°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 32 mm (1.3 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (76°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (67°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) |
| Nov | 16°C (60°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| Dec | 12°C (54°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.