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

Should you visit Hydra or Alicante?

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

Should I visit Hydra or Alicante? 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 quaint, picturesque, and charming island. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. 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.

Alicante

Alicante is a colorful, authentic, and vibrant city. It's also known for beaches, shopping, and museums.

Hydra and Alicante: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hydra or Alicante?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Hydra. Although Hydra and Alicante are popular destinations, Hydra has more sights and attractions for tourists. Hydra is very popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, historical sights, hiking, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Alicante attracts visitors for its food and nightlife. Hydra is more touristy than Alicante 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. Alicante is famous for its sandy beaches, vibrant nightlife, and authentic restaurants.

How is Hydra different from Alicante?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Both Hydra and Alicante have great landmarks and museums for visitors.

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.

Many visitors head to Alicante specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. This port city has a number of cultural and historical sights that are worth checking out. Castillo de Santa Bárbara, Museo Arqueológico Provincial de Alicante, and Basilica de Santa María are among the most well known.

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

Alicante 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, Alicante makes for a great culinary experience. It's by the sea, so you'll find plenty of seafood. Rice is the main staple for many dishes in town. This is also a vegetable growing region, so many recipes incorporate fresh vegetables. Popular dishes include arroz a banda, arroz con costra, and olleta alicantina.

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 Alicante Better for Nightlife?

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

Alicante has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. For the city's best nightlife, head to El Barrio Antiguo, which is the old district. This is where you'll find the highest concentration of bars and clubs, many of them having live music.

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 Alicante Better for Resorts?

Hydra is very good for its resorts. However, Alicante 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.

Alicante is not a resort destination.

Is Hydra or Alicante Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Hydra is very good for its diving and snorkeling. However, Alicante is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in Hydra. There are some snorkeling spots around the island - most notably Bisti Beach, which is pebbly and has some interesting sea life.

Alicante is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Hydra or Alicante Better for Beaches?

For a relaxing beach holiday, both Hydra and Alicante are nice choices.

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.

Many people head to Alicante to enjoy the beach. If you step away from the touristy areas, you'll find some nice sandy beaches with blue water. Playa la Fustera is northeast of the city and popular with families and couples. If you have a car you can drive to the town of Moraira, which is near several nice beaches as well.

Is Hydra or Alicante Better for its Old Town?

Hydra is well known for its old town. Also, Alicante is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town charm.

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.

Alicante has an old town worth visiting. The old district is filled with charming streets and some interesting museums. There are also a number of good restaurants in the area.

Is Hydra or Alicante Better for Hiking?

Hydra is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Alicante is not a hiking destination.

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.

Alicante is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hydra or Alicante?

Hydra is well known for its shopping opportunities. Also, Alicante is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Alicante has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The city is known for its leather goods, but you'll also find international brands and shopping streets with fashion and different European names.

Is Hydra or Alicante Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Hydra or Alicante.

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, Alicante is very family-friendly. This seaside city has many kid-friendly resorts, long sandy beaches, and adrenaline-filled theme parks. There's the Terra Mitica Park as well as a waterpark - Aqua Natura. Tabarca Island is also well worth a visit.

Is Hydra or Alicante Better for Couples?

Hydra is terrific for its romantic activities. Also, Alicante is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Alicante is a great island if you're traveling as a couple. Nice resorts, long sandy beaches, and nearby vineyard tours make this a wonderful place for a couple's getaway. There are good restaurants and nice places where couples can take a stroll, hand in hand.

Is Hydra or Alicante Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of budget travelers visit Alicante. There are hostels around town, as well as many budget-friendly hotels, so this is an affordable oceanfront destination for the budget-minded.

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 Alicante Better for Students?

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

Alicante is popular with students. It's by the water and it's an affordable city, making it a good option for students. The beaches and active nightlife will keep you entertained when you take a break from your studies.

Hydra is not popular with students.

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

Alicante 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 Alicante, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There's a comprehensive bus system through the city and region.

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

Is Hydra or Alicante a more walkable city?

Hydra is terrific for its high level of walkability. Also, Alicante is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

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.

Alicante is a somewhat walkable island. There are many parts of the city that can be explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Alicante or Hydra?

How long in Hydra or Alicante?

It's fun to spend time in either Hydra or Alicante. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Alicante due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Hydra, and 2-4 days is enough time in Alicante.

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

One day in Hydra or Alicante?

Hydra is a small town where visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Alicante, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this authentic destination offers. 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.

A weekend in Hydra or Alicante?

Hydra is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this island makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Hydra, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Alicante. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. 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 Alicante?

Hydra is a popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

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

A week in Hydra or Alicante?

Hydra is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This island offers something for everyone.

You'll find food and shopping around the authentic destination of Alicante. 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 3-Week Tours in Spain, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain.

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

Which is Bigger, Hydra or Alicante?

Alicante has a larger population, and is about 140 times larger than the population of Hydra. When comparing the sizes of Hydra and Alicante, 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 Alicante?

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 Alicante in the Summer?

Both Alicante and Hydra are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Hydra this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Alicante for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Hydra is around the same temperature as Alicante. Typically, the summer temperatures in Hydra in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Alicante averages at about 25°C (77°F).

It's quite sunny in Alicante. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hydra. Hydra usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Alicante during summer. Hydra gets 357 hours of sunny skies, while Alicante receives 341 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Hydra usually receives more rain than Alicante. Hydra gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Alicante receives 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Hydra or Alicante in the Autumn?

Both Alicante and Hydra during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Hydra for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Alicante in the autumn for the shopping scene.

In October, Hydra is generally around the same temperature as Alicante. Daily temperatures in Hydra average around 19°C (67°F), and Alicante fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

In Alicante, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Hydra. In the autumn, Hydra often gets less sunshine than Alicante. Hydra gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Alicante receives 225 hours of full sun.

Hydra usually gets less rain in October than Alicante. Hydra gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Alicante receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hydra or Alicante in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Hydra and Alicante. Many visitors come to Hydra in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Alicante for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Hydra is around the same temperature as Alicante in the winter. The daily temperature in Hydra averages around 10°C (51°F) in January, and Alicante fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Hydra usually receives less sunshine than Alicante during winter. Hydra gets 143 hours of sunny skies, while Alicante receives 178 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Hydra usually receives more rain than Alicante. Hydra gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Alicante receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Hydra or Alicante in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Hydra as well as Alicante. Most visitors come to Hydra for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Alicante because of the beaches.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Alicante. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hydra this time of the year. In the spring, Hydra often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Alicante. Hydra gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Alicante receives 243 hours of full sun.

Hydra usually gets less rain in April than Alicante. Hydra gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Alicante receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Alicante and Hydra