A Travel Price Comparison for Greece Nafplio vs. Hydra for Couples, Attractions, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Nafplio or Hydra?

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

Should I visit Nafplio or Hydra? 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.

Nafplio

Nafplio is a romantic, beautiful, and picturesque city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for beaches, shopping, and museums.

Hydra

Hydra is a accessible, quaint, and picturesque island. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Nafplio and Hydra: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nafplio or Hydra?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Hydra than Nafplio, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Hydra is better known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, hiking, shopping, and small town charm, while Nafplio is more popular for its food and nightlife. Nafplio is well known for its romantic atmosphere, beautiful architecture, and impressive Venetian castles. Hydra is well 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.

How is Nafplio different from Hydra?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Hydra and Nafplio. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Nafplio or Hydra?

You'll find a number of high quality museums and attractions in both Hydra and Nafplio.

Nafplio offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There are a number of historic sights that are accessible from the town. One of the most iconic sights is the Palamidi Castle. You'll also find several fortresses in the area. There's also an archeological museum in town as well as the Folklore Museum.

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 Nafplio or Hydra? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Nafplio 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, Nafplio makes for a great culinary experience. The local restaurants serve up traditional Greek dishes that are local to the region and country. You'll find fresh seafood on most menus as well as moussaka, souvlaki, the famous Greek salad.

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 Nafplio or Hydra Better for Nightlife?

Nafplio is a great destination for nightlife. However, Hydra is a island with minimal options for nightlife and partying.

The people in Nafplio know how to have a good time. You'll find a good concentration of bars and clubs along the waterfront. There are also a number of smaller bars and cafes near Syntagma Square and the nearby streets. In the later hours, many bars turn up the music and turn into dance clubs.

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 Nafplio or Hydra Better for Resorts?

Hydra is a popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Nafplio 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.

Nafplio is not a resort destination.

Is Nafplio or Hydra Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Hydra is a popular place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Nafplio 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.

Nafplio is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Nafplio or Hydra Better for Beaches?

For a relaxing beach holiday, both Nafplio and Hydra are notable choices.

Nafplio is a good option for a beach vacation. If you head outside of the city, you'll find some nice beaches where you can spend a day. The most notable beaches in the area are Tolo, Kandia, and Nea Kios.

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 Nafplio or Hydra Better for its Old Town?

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

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Nafplio. The charming old town spreads out from Syntagma Square. It's a great place to start your day with many cafes spilling into the streets.

There is a nice variety of sights 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.

Is Nafplio or Hydra Better for Hiking?

Hydra is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Nafplio is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting 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.

Nafplio is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Nafplio or Hydra?

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

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Hydra. Charming shops fill the town and sell local items such as handmade jewelry and traditional embroideries.

Nafplio is a great destination for shopping. Shopping in the old town is charming, but for the best retail options, you'll actually want to visit the new town. There are a variety of clothing and fashion outlets, with some of the best shopping streets being Sidiras Merarchias, Argous, and Asklipiou.

Is Nafplio or Hydra Better for Families?

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

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Hydra. 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 Nafplio. The charming, car-free center is fun to explore for all ages. There are several archeological sights around town as well as playgrounds and a great castle.

Is Nafplio or Hydra Better for Couples?

Hydra is a must-visit destination for couples. Also, Nafplio is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Couples visit Nafplio frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Many people consider this to be one of the most romantic towns in Greece. You can explore the quaint village center and sample the cuisine at one of the many restaurants. It's easy to reach from Athens and the seaside setting is perfect any time of the year.

Is Nafplio or Hydra Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Nafplio. There are pensions and other affordable accommodation options around town, if you decide to spend a night here.

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

Nafplio 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 Nafplio, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses through the region that are operated by KTEL Argolidas. Most routes leave from the central bus station.

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

Is Nafplio or Hydra a more walkable city?

Nafplio and Hydra are first-rate when it comes to walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Nafplio. There are parts of the center of town that are car-free and there are many great areas that you can explore 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.

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

Should I spend more time in Hydra or Nafplio?

How long in Nafplio or Hydra?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Nafplio or Hydra to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Nafplio than Hydra because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Nafplio, and 1-2 days is enough time in Hydra.

Families should spend more time in Hydra than Nafplio. 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 Nafplio. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Hydra that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Nafplio 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 Nafplio.

One day in Nafplio or Hydra?

In Nafplio, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this beautiful destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

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.

A weekend in Nafplio or Hydra?

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

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.

Five days in Nafplio or Hydra?

Nafplio is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Nafplio. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

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.

A week in Nafplio or Hydra?

You'll find food and shopping around the beautiful destination of Nafplio. 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.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Greece, The Best Budget Tours to Greece, The Best Tours for Seniors to Greece, and The Best Contiki Tours to Greece.

When comparing the travel costs between Nafplio and Hydra, we can see that Nafplio 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 Nafplio Expensive? and Is Hydra Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Nafplio or Hydra?

Nafplio has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Hydra. When comparing the sizes of Nafplio and Hydra, 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 Nafplio or Hydra?

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 Nafplio or Hydra in the Summer?

Both Hydra and Nafplio during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Nafplio because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Hydra this time of year.

In the summer, Nafplio is cooler than Hydra. Typically, the summer temperatures in Nafplio in July average around 25°C (76°F), and Hydra averages at about 27°C (81°F).

In Hydra, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Nafplio. In the summer, Nafplio often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Hydra. Nafplio gets 352 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hydra receives 357 hours of full sun.

Nafplio usually gets less rain in July than Hydra. Nafplio gets 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Hydra receives 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nafplio or Hydra in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Nafplio and Hydra. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Nafplio this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Hydra for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Nafplio is generally around the same temperature as Hydra. Daily temperatures in Nafplio average around 19°C (66°F), and Hydra fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hydra this time of the year. In Nafplio, it's very sunny this time of the year. Nafplio usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Hydra during autumn. Nafplio gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Hydra receives 206 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Nafplio gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Nafplio usually receives more rain than Hydra. Nafplio gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Hydra receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Nafplio or Hydra in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Nafplio as well as Hydra. Many travelers come to Nafplio for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Hydra in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Nafplio is around the same temperature as Hydra in the winter. The daily temperature in Nafplio averages around 10°C (51°F) in January, and Hydra fluctuates around 10°C (51°F).

In the winter, Nafplio often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Hydra. Nafplio gets 135 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hydra receives 143 hours of full sun.

Nafplio receives a lot of rain in the winter. Nafplio usually gets more rain in January than Hydra. Nafplio gets 113 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Hydra receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nafplio or Hydra in the Spring?

Both Hydra and Nafplio are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Nafplio in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Hydra for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Nafplio is around the same temperature as Hydra. Typically, the spring temperatures in Nafplio in April average around 15°C (58°F), and Hydra averages at about 16°C (60°F).

It's quite sunny in Hydra. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nafplio. Nafplio usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Hydra during spring. Nafplio gets 217 hours of sunny skies, while Hydra receives 226 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Nafplio usually receives more rain than Hydra. Nafplio gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Hydra receives 25 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Hydra and Nafplio