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

Should you visit Hydra or Villach?

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

Should I visit Hydra or Villach? 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 charming, accessible, and quaint island. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Villach

Villach is a outdoorsy, historic, and nature-filled town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, hiking, and museums.

Hydra and Villach: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hydra or Villach?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Hydra than Villach, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Hydra is better known for its museums, food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, shopping, and small town charm, while Villach is more popular for its nightlife. Hydra is more touristy than Villach and is 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. Villach is well known for its many alpine hikes, nearby lakes, and its quaint main square.

How is Hydra different from Villach?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Hydra is notable for its sights and museums. Also, Villach is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

Hydra offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

Villach is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are several historical buildings in town such as the Parish Church of St. Jakob, the Holy Cross Church, and the Parish Church of St. Martin. Also worth a visit is the Museum of the City of Villach.

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

Hydra is a popular place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Villach is a mediocre town for its restaurants.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Hydra area. 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.

Villach offers some easy restaurants to choose from. You'll find the standard options of pizza and burgers around town. While the food scene isn't particularly special, the quality is decent and reliable.

Is Hydra or Villach Better for Nightlife?

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

Villach has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The weekends are when you'll find the best nightlife. There are some local bars and clubs that come to life and attract a young crowd on a weekend night.

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 Villach Better for Resorts?

Hydra is a popular place for its resorts. However, Villach 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.

Villach is not a resort destination.

Is Hydra or Villach Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Hydra is a popular place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Villach is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Hydra has a few good snorkeling spots. There are some snorkeling spots around the island - most notably Bisti Beach, which is pebbly and has some interesting sea life.

Villach is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Hydra or Villach Better for Beaches?

Hydra is a popular place for the beach. However, Villach is not a beach destination.

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.

Villach is not a beach destination.

Is Hydra or Villach Better for its Old Town?

Hydra is notable for its historic old town charm. Also, Villach is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting 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.

Villach is a good destination for visiting its old town. You'll find churches and gardens throughout the charming old town. At the heart of the town is the main square.

Is Hydra or Villach Better for Hiking?

If you're looking to go hiking, Hydra and Villach both have high quality 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 Villach for the hiking trails. The surrounding countryside is filled with both short and long hikes. You can take a short stroll or spend hours (or days) exploring the alpine scenery. Breathtaking views and peaceful retreats make this a wonderful area for hiking.

Is the Shopping Better in Hydra or Villach?

Hydra is notable for its shopping areas. However, Villach is a mediocre town for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Hydra. Charming shops fill the town and sell local items such as handmade jewelry and traditional embroideries.

Villach is a good destination for shopping. There are your standard shopping centers where you can pick up clothes or anything you may have forgotten for your trip.

Is Hydra or Villach Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Hydra or Villach.

Hydra is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Villach is very family-friendly. The area is filled with outdoor adventures that the whole family will enjoy. There's kid-friendly hiking, adventure parks, nature parks, and some swimming areas.

Is Hydra or Villach Better for Couples?

Hydra is terrific for couples. Also, Villach is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for romance.

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.

Villach makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy outdoor adventures, beautiful hikes, and stunning scenery will appreciate a visit to this area.

Is Hydra or Villach Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Villach is a great destination for backpackers. However, Hydra is a island with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Villach. There are a number of hostels in the area that cater to backpackers who enjoy the outdoor setting and beautiful hikes that are nearby.

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 Villach 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 Villach.

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

Public transit is mostly limited in Villach. There are buses and trains in the area, but to experience the nearby nature you'll want to have a car.

Is Hydra or Villach a more walkable city?

Hydra is terrific for its ease of walking around. However, Villach is a mediocre town for its walkability.

It is easy to get around Hydra on foot. The entire island is car-free and everything that you want to visit is close together and easy to explore on foot.

Villach is generally not a very walkable island. Parts of the town are walkable but the surrounding natural areas are most easily accessed with a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Villach or Hydra?

How long in Hydra or Villach?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Hydra and Villach. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Villach than in Hydra. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Hydra, and 1-3 days is enough time in Villach.

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

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 Villach, many people enjoy the nightlife and museums that this historic destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Villach?

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 Villach. 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 Villach?

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.

Villach is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and museums when visiting the destination of Villach. 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 Villach?

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 museums and nightlife around the historic destination of Villach. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Austria, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Austria.

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

Which is Bigger, Hydra or Villach?

Villach has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Hydra. When comparing the sizes of Hydra and Villach, 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 Villach?

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 Villach in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Hydra and Villach. The summer months attract visitors to Hydra because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Villach this time of year.

In July, Hydra is generally a little warmer than Villach. Daily temperatures in Hydra average around 27°C (81°F), and Villach fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Villach this time of the year. In Hydra, it's very sunny this time of the year. Hydra usually receives more sunshine than Villach during summer. Hydra gets 357 hours of sunny skies, while Villach receives 288 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Hydra usually receives less rain than Villach. Hydra gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Villach receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Hydra or Villach in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Hydra as well as Villach. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Hydra this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Villach for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Hydra is a little warmer than Villach in the autumn. The daily temperature in Hydra averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Villach fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hydra this time of the year. In the autumn, Hydra often gets more sunshine than Villach. Hydra gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Villach receives 167 hours of full sun.

Hydra usually gets less rain in October than Villach. Hydra gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Villach receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hydra or Villach in the Winter?

Both Villach and Hydra are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Hydra for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Villach in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Hydra is much warmer than Villach. Typically, the winter temperatures in Hydra in January average around 10°C (51°F), and Villach averages at about 5°C (41°F).

Hydra usually receives more sunshine than Villach during winter. Hydra gets 143 hours of sunny skies, while Villach receives 96 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Hydra usually receives less rain than Villach. Hydra gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Villach receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Hydra or Villach in the Spring?

Both Villach and Hydra during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Hydra in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Villach for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Hydra is generally a little warmer than Villach. Daily temperatures in Hydra average around 16°C (60°F), and Villach fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

It's quite sunny in Hydra. In the spring, Hydra often gets more sunshine than Villach. Hydra gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Villach receives 177 hours of full sun.

Hydra usually gets less rain in April than Villach. Hydra gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Villach receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Villach and Hydra