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

Should you visit Volos or Hydra?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Volos and Hydra can help you decide which place is right for you.

Volos

Volos is a authentic, vibrant, and youthful city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping.

Hydra

Hydra is a accessible, quaint, and picturesque island. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

Volos and Hydra: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Volos or Hydra?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Volos. Although Volos and Hydra are popular destinations, Volos has more sights and attractions for tourists. Volos is very popular for its food, nightlife, beaches, and big city activities, while Hydra attracts visitors for its museums, resorts, historical sights, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Hydra is more touristy than Volos and is popular for its picturesque setting, car-free setting, and beautiful old town. Volos is famous for its vibrant seaside setting and its access to nearby natural beauty. It is also well known for The Archaeological Museum of Volos.

How is Volos different from Hydra?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Volos
Hydra

Hydra is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Volos is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

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.

Volos offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. There are a couple of museums in town including the Archaeological Museum of Volos.


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

Volos
Hydra

Volos 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, Volos makes for a great culinary experience. Greece cuisine is very regional specific, and this area has its own dishes that are very different from elsewhere in the country. Deep fried kolitsianoi (sea anemone), boubari (local sausage), and spetzofai (sausage, tomato, and peppers) are just some of the unique dishes in the area.

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 Volos or Hydra Better for Nightlife?

Volos
Hydra

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

The people in Volos know how to have a good time. The universities around town keep the nightlife scene active and fun. There are a number of bars and clubs that are fun throughout the year.

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 Volos or Hydra Better for Resorts?

Volos
Hydra

Hydra is very good for its luxury resorts. However, Volos is not a resort destination.

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.

Volos is not a resort destination.


Is Volos or Hydra Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Volos
Hydra

Volos and Hydra both offer nice scuba diving or snorkeling spots.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in Volos. There are some snorkeling and dive shops in town that offer day trips.

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.

Is Volos or Hydra Better for Beaches?

Volos
Hydra

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

Volos is considered a top beach destination. If you're willing to travel out of town, this region has some of the best beaches in Greece. The summers are cooler than other parts of the country and the winters are milder, so this is both a beautiful and a comfortable place to explore.

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 Volos or Hydra Better for its Old Town?

Volos
Hydra

Hydra is a very popular place for its old town. However, Volos does not have a historic old town.

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.

Volos does not have a historic old town.


Is Volos or Hydra Better for Hiking?

Volos
Hydra

Hydra is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Volos 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.

Volos is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Volos or Hydra?

Volos
Hydra

Hydra is a very popular place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Volos is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Hydra is well-known for its shopping. Charming shops fill the town and sell local items such as handmade jewelry and traditional embroideries.

Many visitors go to Volos to go shopping. There are shopping malls and shopping centers around town that have a variety of retail options including clothing, jewelry, and home goods.

Is Volos or Hydra Better for Families?

Volos
Hydra

Hydra is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Volos is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Hydra is very family-friendly. 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 Volos. If your kids are adventurous, they'll enjoy horseback riding or exploring the area's beaches. There's also the Archaeological Museum of Volos and Agios Konstantinos Park.


Is Volos or Hydra Better for Couples?

Volos
Hydra

Hydra is a world-class destination for its romantic activities. Also, Volos is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

For those traveling as a couple, Hydra has plenty to offer. 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.

Volos is a good city for couples to visit. There are gardens and outdoor activities that couples can enjoy. There are also museums and beaches.

Is Volos or Hydra Better for Students?

Volos
Hydra

Volos is a popular place for students. However, Hydra is not popular with students.

Volos is popular with students. You'll find several universities in town. The port city also offers access to different parts of the country.

Hydra is not popular with students.

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

Volos
Hydra

Volos 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 Volos, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a bus system that travels around town.

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


Is Volos or Hydra a more walkable city?

Volos
Hydra

Hydra is a world-class destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Volos is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

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

Volos is a very walkable destination. The city is flat and there's a historic district that you can explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Hydra or Volos?

How long in Volos or Hydra?

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

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


  • How many days in Volos or Hydra? Ideal Length of Stay
    Volos 1-2 
    Hydra 1-2

One day in Volos or Hydra?

In Volos, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping that this youthful destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

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.

A weekend in Volos or Hydra?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Volos. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 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.


Five days in Volos or Hydra?

Volos is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Volos. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

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.

A week in Volos or Hydra?

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the vibrant destination of Volos. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Athens, The Best 10-Day Tours from Athens, The Best 2-Week Tours from Athens, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Greece.


Which place is cheaper, Hydra or Volos?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Volos is €95, while the average daily cost in Hydra is €97. 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 Volos and Hydra in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Volos 43
    Hydra 51
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Volos 86
    Hydra 102
Compare Hotels in Volos and Hydra

Looking for a hotel in Volos or Hydra? 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.

Hotels in Volos


Hotels in Hydra


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: Volos Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Volos 37
    Hydra 26

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Volos

Also for Volos, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • From Volos to Athens Airport / Athens / Piraeus Private Transfer: $283
  • Volos to Athens Easy & Economy Transfer: $532
  • Volos to Athens, Athens Airport and Piraeus Port Private Transfer: $260

Is it cheaper to fly into Volos or Hydra?

Prices for flights to both Hydra and Volos 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Volos 30
    Hydra 30

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Volos

For Volos, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Cooking Session "Pelion Flavours": $72
  • Cook like a local Greek Cooking lesson in Mt Pelion Greece: $110

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Volos 17
    Hydra 11

Tours and Activities in Volos

For Volos, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Kayaking Adventure around Pelion Coastline : $33
  • East Pelion - Sea Kayak Tour "Short Paddle": $39
  • Half-Day Sea Kayak Tour "The Secret Cave": $50
  • Volos Pelion Full Day Tour : $188
  • HIKING PELION - Private Guided Full or Half Day Tour: $199
  • BIKING PELION Private Guided Full or Half Day Tour: $213
  • From Hidden Sights of Meteora Private Tour: $217
  • Pagasetic Gulf Full-Day Sailboat Experience: $747

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Volos 7.86
    Hydra 11


When comparing the travel costs between Volos and Hydra, 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 Volos Expensive? and Is Hydra Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Volos or Hydra?

Volos has a larger population, and is about 250 times larger than the population of Hydra. When comparing the sizes of Volos 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 Volos 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 Volos or Hydra in the Summer?

Both Hydra and Volos during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Volos for the beaches, snorkeling, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Hydra because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Volos is generally around the same temperature as Hydra. Daily temperatures in Volos average around 26°C (78°F), and Hydra fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

In Hydra, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Volos. In the summer, Volos often gets less sunshine than Hydra. Volos gets 330 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hydra receives 357 hours of full sun.

Volos usually gets more rain in July than Hydra. Volos gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Hydra receives 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Volos 26°C (78°F) 
    Hydra 27°C (81°F)

Should I visit Volos or Hydra in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Volos and Hydra. The autumn months attract visitors to Volos because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Furthermore, 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.

Volos is cooler than Hydra in the autumn. The daily temperature in Volos averages around 17°C (62°F) in October, and Hydra fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hydra this time of the year. Volos usually receives less sunshine than Hydra during autumn. Volos gets 165 hours of sunny skies, while Hydra receives 206 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Volos usually receives around the same amount of rain as Hydra. Volos gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Hydra receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Volos 17°C (62°F) 
    Hydra 19°C (67°F)

Should I visit Volos or Hydra in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Volos as well as Hydra. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Volos this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Hydra for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Volos is much colder than Hydra. Typically, the winter temperatures in Volos in January average around 6°C (42°F), and Hydra averages at about 10°C (51°F).

In the winter, Volos often gets less sunshine than Hydra. Volos gets 112 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hydra receives 143 hours of full sun.

Volos usually gets less rain in January than Hydra. Volos gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Hydra receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Volos 6°C (42°F) 
    Hydra 10°C (51°F)

Should I visit Volos or Hydra in the Spring?

Both Hydra and Volos are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Volos for the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Hydra in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In April, Volos is generally cooler than Hydra. Daily temperatures in Volos average around 14°C (56°F), and Hydra fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

It's quite sunny in Hydra. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Volos. Volos usually receives less sunshine than Hydra during spring. Volos gets 209 hours of sunny skies, while Hydra receives 226 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Volos usually receives more rain than Hydra. Volos gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Hydra receives 25 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Volos 14°C (56°F) 
    Hydra 16°C (60°F)

Typical Weather for Hydra and Volos

Volos Hydra
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 6°C (42°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 10°C (51°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Feb 7°C (45°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 11°C (51°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 10°C (49°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 12°C (54°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Apr 14°C (56°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 16°C (60°F) 25 mm (1 in)
May 19°C (66°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 20°C (68°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Jun 23°C (74°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 24°C (76°F) 6 mm (0.2 in)
Jul 26°C (78°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 27°C (81°F) 6 mm (0.2 in)
Aug 25°C (77°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 27°C (81°F) 8 mm (0.3 in)
Sep 22°C (71°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 24°C (76°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Oct 17°C (62°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 19°C (67°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Nov 11°C (52°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 16°C (60°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Dec 7°C (44°F) 52 mm (2 in) 12°C (54°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)