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

Should you visit Hydra or Versailles?

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

Should I visit Hydra or Versailles? 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. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Versailles

Versailles is a grand, ornate, and opulent palace. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It's also known for museums.

Hydra and Versailles: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hydra or Versailles?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Hydra. Although Hydra and Versailles are both popular with visitors, Hydra has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Hydra is more popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, shopping, and small town charm, while Versailles is known for its museums and impressive beauty. Versailles is more touristy than Hydra and is popular for its long running history and its grand architecture. Hydra is popular for its picturesque setting, car-free setting, and beautiful old town. It is also home to The Monastery of the Assumption of Virgin Mary.

How is Hydra different from Versailles?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Versailles is a world-class destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Hydra is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Versailles that are not to be missed. The palace is filled with history and impressive items relating to the royal family. Within and near the palace you should make sure you see the Gardens of Versailles, Grand Trianon, the Hall of Mirrors, and the Royal Opera of Versailles.

Many visitors head to Hydra specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

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

Hydra is a nice place to visit for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Versailles is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Hydra. 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Versailles. There are a couple of restaurants and cafes on the grounds.

Is Hydra or Versailles Better for Nightlife?

Hydra is adequate for nightlife. However, Versailles is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

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.

Versailles is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Hydra or Versailles Better for Resorts?

Hydra is a nice place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Versailles is not a resort destination.

Hydra has a handful of resorts to choose from. It's a popular day trip destination, but if you stay for a night or two, you'll find boutique hotels and charming pensions.

Versailles is not a resort destination.

Is Hydra or Versailles Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Hydra is a nice place to visit for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Versailles is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Hydra has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. There are some snorkeling spots around the island - most notably Bisti Beach, which is pebbly and has some interesting sea life.

Versailles is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Hydra or Versailles Better for Beaches?

Hydra is a nice place to visit for its beaches. However, Versailles is not a beach destination.

Hydra has a beach worth visiting. 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.

Versailles is not a beach destination.

Is Hydra or Versailles Better for its Old Town?

Hydra is a great island for its historic old town. However, Versailles does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Hydra to see the historical old town. 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.

Versailles does not have a historic old town.

Is Hydra or Versailles Better for Hiking?

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

Versailles is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hydra or Versailles?

Hydra is a great island for shopping. However, Versailles is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Hydra. Charming shops fill the town and sell local items such as handmade jewelry and traditional embroideries.

Versailles is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Hydra or Versailles Better for Families?

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

Hydra is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Versailles does not offer many kid-friendly activities. While there are those unicorn children who fall in love with the grand setting, for most kids, a visit to Versailles can make for make for a long and draining day.

Is Hydra or Versailles Better for Couples?

Hydra is an amazing island to visit for romance. Also, Versailles is not as popular, but is still a nice palace for its romantic activities.

Hydra has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. 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.

Versailles is a very popular place to visit for couples. It's opulence, grandeur, and history make this a wonderful place to explore as a couple. There are gardens and other unique settings that make Versailles very romantic.

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

Versailles is a great destination for its public transit. However, Hydra is a island with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Versailles. There are SNCF trains that travel from Gare Montparnasse to Versailles Chantiers train station and additional trains that travel between Gare Saint Lazare and Versailles Rive Droite.

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

Is Hydra or Versailles a more walkable city?

Hydra is an amazing island to visit for its walkability. Also, Versailles is not as popular, but is still a nice palace for its high level of 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.

Versailles is a very walkable island. It's approximately a 20 minute walk from the Versailles Chantiers train station to the entrance to the palace. Versailles Rive Droite is slightly closer.

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

Should I spend more time in Versailles or Hydra?

How long in Hydra or Versailles?

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

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

Hydra might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Hydra, one day is sufficent for most.

In Versailles, many people enjoy the museums that this beautiful destination offers. Lots of people come for the museums. This palace 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 Versailles?

Even though Hydra is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this island.

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

Hydra, a popular island, is full of activities for travelers. 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. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Versailles is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the museums when visiting the destination of Versailles. Lots of people come for the museums. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Hydra or Versailles?

Hydra is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

You'll find museums around the beautiful destination of Versailles. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the museums. 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 Sightseeing Tours in France, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in France.

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

Which is Bigger, Hydra or Versailles?

Versailles has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Hydra. When comparing the sizes of Hydra and Versailles, 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 Versailles?

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 Versailles in the Summer?

Both Versailles and Hydra during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Hydra for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Hydra is a little warmer than Versailles in the summer. The daily temperature in Hydra averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Versailles fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

In Versailles, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Hydra. In the summer, Hydra often gets more sunshine than Versailles. Hydra gets 357 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Versailles receives 239 hours of full sun.

Hydra usually gets less rain in July than Versailles. Hydra gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Versailles receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hydra or Versailles in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Hydra and Versailles. Many visitors come to Hydra in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Versailles for the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Hydra is a little warmer than Versailles. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Hydra in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Versailles averages at about 13°C (56°F).

In Hydra, it's very sunny this time of the year. Hydra usually receives more sunshine than Versailles during autumn. Hydra gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Versailles receives 126 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Hydra usually receives less rain than Versailles. Hydra gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Versailles receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Hydra or Versailles in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Hydra as well as Versailles. Most visitors come to Hydra for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Versailles because of the museums and the cuisine.

The weather in Versailles can be very cold. In January, Hydra is generally much warmer than Versailles. Daily temperatures in Hydra average around 10°C (51°F), and Versailles fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).

In the winter, Hydra often gets more sunshine than Versailles. Hydra gets 143 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Versailles receives 56 hours of full sun.

Hydra usually gets less rain in January than Versailles. Hydra gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Versailles receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hydra or Versailles in the Spring?

Both Versailles and Hydra are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Hydra because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Versailles this time of year.

Hydra is a little warmer than Versailles in the spring. The daily temperature in Hydra averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Versailles fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hydra. Hydra usually receives more sunshine than Versailles during spring. Hydra gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Versailles receives 173 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Hydra usually receives less rain than Versailles. Hydra gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Versailles receives 50 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Versailles and Hydra