A Travel Price Comparison for Greece Zakynthos vs. Hydra for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Zakynthos or Hydra?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Zakynthos and Hydra can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Where Should I go: Zakynthos or Hydra?

Zakynthos

Zakynthos (also known as Zante) is a breathtaking island in the Ionian Sea, renowned for its stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, and rich cultural heritage. Whether you're traveling on a budget, seeking scenic sights, engaging in activities, or savoring Greek cuisine, Zakynthos has it all. Exploring Zakynthos without breaking the bank is absolutely possible despite its generally high prices for hotels. Budget travelers can find affordable accommodations, dine at local tavernas, and enjoy many of the island's attractions for free or at a low cost, such as on the numerous hiking trails with epic views. Also, utilize public buses or rent a scooter for economical travel around the island.

Hydra

The island of Hydra is located in the Aegean Sea between the Saronic and Argolic Gulfs. Named for its natural springs, the island now has most of its freshwater imported from the mainland. The real gem of the place is the absence of motorized vehicles. Car and scooters are nowhere to be seen by the narrow marble-cobbled lanes, rocks, and sea. Such vehicles have been outlawed and so the way to navigate the island is by donkey, water taxi, or on foot.

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


Which place is cheaper, Hydra or Zakynthos?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Zakynthos is €521, while the average daily cost in Hydra is €119. 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 Zakynthos and Hydra in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Zakynthos 334
    Hydra 51
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Zakynthos 668
    Hydra 102
Compare Hotels in Zakynthos and Hydra

Looking for a hotel in Zakynthos 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 Zakynthos


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: Zakynthos Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Zakynthos 84
    Hydra 26

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zakynthos

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zakynthos:

  • Private Airport Transfer - Agios Sostis One Way Transfer: $34
  • Private Airport Transfer - Agios Sostis Return Transfer: $67
  • Private Airport Transfer - Alykes One Way Journey: $48
  • Private Airport Transfer - Argassi One Way : $28
  • Private Airport Transfer - Argassi Return Journey: $56
  • Private Airport Transfer - Kalamaki One Way Transfer: $24
  • Private Airport Transfer - Kalamaki Return Transfer: $48
  • Private Airport Transfer - Laganas One Way Transfer: $38
  • Private Airport Transfer - Vassillikos One Way Transfer: $47
  • Private Airport Transfer Alykanas - One Way Journey: $48
  • Private Airport Transfer Alykanas- Return Journey: $90
  • Private Airport Transfer Alykes- Return Journey: $90

Is it cheaper to fly into Zakynthos or Hydra?

Prices for flights to both Hydra and Zakynthos 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
    Zakynthos 126
    Hydra 52

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zakynthos

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Zakynthos.

  • Half-Day Greek Cooking Class of Zakynthian Culture with Lunch: $108

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Zakynthos 74
    Hydra 11

Tours and Activities in Zakynthos

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Zakynthos are as follows:

  • Go karting experience: $27
  • 3 Hours Marathonissi Island Tour, Keri Caves and Turtles Spotting: $30
  • Zante Water Village Admission Ticket: $30
  • Zakynthos West Coast Tour and Navagio Bay: $35
  • Zakynthos Half Day Tour and Cruise Turtle Island and Keri Caves: $36
  • Zakynthos boat tour:Shipwreck& Local blue caves with 3 Swim Stops: $36
  • Turtle Cruise of Marathonisi Island and Keri Peninsula: $41
  • Zakynthos Shipwreck Beach with Blue Caves Land and Sea Tour: $42
  • Zakynthos Bee Kingdom Experience: $43
  • Mizithres Sunset Cruise in Zakynthos: $45
  • Zakynthos Xigia, Navagio Shipwreck and Blue Caves Boat Tour: $51
  • VIP Full Day Tour Shipwreck Blue Caves and top view: $54

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Zakynthos 22
    Hydra 11


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


Which is Bigger, Zakynthos or Hydra?

Zakynthos has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Hydra. When comparing the sizes of Zakynthos 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.