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

Should you visit Hydra or Zadar?

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

Should I visit Hydra or Zadar? 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. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and food.

Zadar

Zadar is a coastal, vibrant, and laid back town. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Hydra and Zadar: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hydra or Zadar?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Hydra. Although Hydra and Zadar are popular destinations, Hydra has more sights and attractions for tourists. Hydra is very popular for its museums, hiking, shopping, and small town charm, while Zadar attracts visitors for its food, nightlife, resorts, and beaches. Hydra is more touristy than Zadar and is known 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. Zadar is famous for its historical sights and waterfront setting.

How is Hydra different from Zadar?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Hydra is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Zadar 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Zadar. The old town is like a living museum, with city walls and a historic gate. The Church of St. Donatus, Zadar Cathedral, and the Zadar Archaeological Museum are all fascinating places to visit in town, but if you're looking for the most unique sight, make sure you check out The Sea Organ and The Sun Salutation.

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

Zadar 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, Zadar makes for a great culinary experience. The town is filled with outdoor cafes that serve up a healthy and delicious selection of recipes. The ingredients are fresh and local with olive oil and seafood making frequent appearances on the menus. Prices are also reasonable.

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 Zadar Better for Nightlife?

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

Zadar has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The town comes to life at night when the bars and restaurants fill with people chatting and socializing. This is an easy place to enjoy the evening as almost all of the nightlife venues are within a five minute walk of each other.

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 Zadar Better for Resorts?

Zadar is a great destination for its resorts. Also, Hydra is still popular, but not quite as popular for its luxury resorts.

Zadar is known as a popular and fun resort destination. If you want a beachfront resort, there are a number of nice options outside of town.

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.

Is Hydra or Zadar Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

There's nice scuba diving or snorkeling available in both Hydra and Zadar.

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.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in Zadar. This is an easy place to snorkel because the water is so clear. There are also half and full day snorkeling trips that take you to some of the best spots.

Is Hydra or Zadar Better for Beaches?

Zadar is a great destination for its beaches. Also, Hydra is still popular, but not quite as popular for the beache.

Zadar is considered a top beach destination. There are some nice beaches outside of town with one of the most famous being Sakarun Beach, which is part of the Zadar archipelago. There are a handful of beaches nearby that are pebbly and popular with the locals. These include Puntamika Beach and Beach Borik.

Many people head to Hydra to enjoy the beach. 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.

Is Hydra or Zadar Better for its Old Town?

It's fun to wander around the high quality old towns in both Hydra and Zadar.

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.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Zadar. The small old town is filled with charm and character. It's a walled medieval town that can easily be explored in a few hours.

Is Hydra or Zadar Better for Hiking?

Hydra is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Zadar is not a hiking destination.

Hydra is a popular spot for hiking. 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.

Zadar is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hydra or Zadar?

Hydra is a well-known place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Zadar is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its shopping areas.

Hydra is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Charming shops fill the town and sell local items such as handmade jewelry and traditional embroideries.

Zadar has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are small, boutique shops around the old town that sell designer merchandise. There are also shopping malls on the outskirts of town.

Is Hydra or Zadar Better for Families?

Hydra is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Zadar is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Hydra is a very kid-friendly island. 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.

Zadar is a family-friendly island. It's fun to explore the small medieval old town, but the kids will also appreciate getting out of town and enjoying the nearby activities. It's definitely worth visiting Pag Island or any of the other natural settings that are nearby. There are also several beaches near town. In town, make sure you hear the Sea Organ and dance at the Sun Salutation.

Is Hydra or Zadar Better for Couples?

Hydra is an amazing island to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Zadar is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for couples.

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.

Zadar makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. This charming seaside town is fun to explore as a couple. There's a walled medieval town that is small and easy to wander around. There are also nearby beaches and great restaurants to explore. A highlight of a visit is watching the stunning sunsets by the water.

Is Hydra or Zadar Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Zadar 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 Zadar. There's no shortage of hostels in town and you'll find backpackers, students, and budget travelers everywhere.

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 Zadar Better for Students?

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

Zadar is a very popular town for students and younger travelers. The laid back lifestyle and low cost of living make this a great place to be a student. It's a relaxed environment with many nearby places to explore.

Hydra is not popular with students.

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

Zadar 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 Zadar, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are 11 bus lines that travel around town.

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

Is Hydra or Zadar a more walkable city?

Hydra is an amazing island to visit for its high level of walkability. Also, Zadar is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its ease of walking around.

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.

Zadar is a very walkable destination. The old town is particularly walkable and can easily be explored on foot in a few hours.

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

Should I spend more time in Zadar or Hydra?

How long in Hydra or Zadar?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Hydra or Zadar to fill your time. In our opinion, Zadar has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Zadar than Hydra. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

One day in Hydra or Zadar?

Even though Hydra is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

In Zadar, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this coastal destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 Zadar?

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Zadar. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town 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 Zadar?

Hydra is a fun place to experience. Hydra is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Zadar is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Zadar. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Hydra or Zadar?

Hydra is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the vibrant destination of Zadar. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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 Tours for Seniors to Croatia, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Croatia.

When comparing the travel costs between Hydra and Zadar, we can see that Hydra is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Hydra Expensive? and Is Zadar Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Hydra or Zadar?

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

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 Zadar in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Hydra is around the same temperature as Zadar. Typically, the summer temperatures in Hydra in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Zadar averages at about 26°C (80°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Zadar this time of the year. In Hydra, it's very sunny this time of the year. Hydra usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Zadar during summer. Hydra gets 357 hours of sunny skies, while Zadar receives 345 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Hydra usually receives less rain than Zadar. Hydra gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Hydra or Zadar in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Hydra as well as Zadar. 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. Also, many travelers come to Zadar for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Hydra is generally around the same temperature as Zadar. Daily temperatures in Hydra average around 19°C (67°F), and Zadar fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Zadar. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hydra this time of the year. In the autumn, Hydra often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Zadar. Hydra gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zadar receives 200 hours of full sun.

Hydra usually gets less rain in October than Zadar. Hydra gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hydra or Zadar in the Winter?

Both Zadar 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 Zadar in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Hydra is a little warmer than Zadar in the winter. The daily temperature in Hydra averages around 10°C (51°F) in January, and Zadar fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Hydra usually receives more sunshine than Zadar during winter. Hydra gets 143 hours of sunny skies, while Zadar receives 128 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Hydra usually receives less rain than Zadar. Hydra gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Hydra or Zadar in the Spring?

Both Zadar 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. Furthermore, most visitors come to Zadar for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Hydra is around the same temperature as Zadar. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hydra in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Zadar averages at about 15°C (59°F).

In Zadar, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Hydra. In the spring, Hydra often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Zadar. Hydra gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zadar receives 212 hours of full sun.

Hydra usually gets less rain in April than Zadar. Hydra gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Zadar receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Zadar and Hydra