A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Hydra vs. Almeria for Food, Resorts, Beaches, and Couples

Should you visit Hydra or Almeria?

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

Should I visit Hydra or Almeria? 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. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Almeria

Almeria is a historic, natural, and breathtaking region. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It's also known for beaches, hiking, and nightlife.

Hydra and Almeria: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hydra or Almeria?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Hydra than Almeria, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Hydra is better known for its museums, scuba diving & snorkeling, shopping, and small town charm, while Almeria is more popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, beaches, and impressive beauty. 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. Almeria is well known for its stunning beaches that feel pristine despite their popularity.

How is Hydra different from Almeria?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Hydra is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Almeria does not have museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Hydra. 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.

Almeria does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Almeria is a world-class destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Hydra is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

For foodies, Almeria is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The food is focused on local, fresh ingredients with many traditional recipes that have been passed down for centuries. Popular dishes change with the seasons because they rely so heavily on local produce. Particularly during the winter months you'll find hearty stews like patatas en ajopollo and gurullos con conejo, which is prepared with rabbit. Sardines are also popular year round.

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 Almeria Better for Nightlife?

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

Almeria has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The city's nightlife vibe is about enjoying a cold beer on a terrace with friends. The city has a laid back Mediterranean atmosphere and plenty of terraced bars along the main streets, particularly in old town. With mild temperatures year around, you'll find yourself spending time outside most evenings while you enjoy tapas and drinks with friends. Flamenco and bullfighting are also popular in the evenings.

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 Almeria Better for Resorts?

Almeria is a world-class destination for its resorts. Also, Hydra is still popular, but not quite as popular for its luxury resorts.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Almeria is a great choice. Stretched along the coastline you'll find many high end resorts with pools and nice atmospheres. There are all inclusive resorts as well as family-friendly and romantic options to choose from.

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 Almeria Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Hydra is a good destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Almeria is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in Hydra. There are some snorkeling spots around the island - most notably Bisti Beach, which is pebbly and has some interesting sea life.

Almeria is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Hydra or Almeria Better for Beaches?

Almeria is a world-class destination for its beaches. Also, Hydra is still popular, but not quite as popular for the beache.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Almeria. Outside of town you'll find kilometers of stunning coastline and beaches. There are pristine natural beaches that still feel undiscovered with beautiful long stretches of sand. One of the biggest resort areas is Roquetas de Mar.

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 Almeria Better for its Old Town?

It's fun to wander around the superb old towns in both Hydra and Almeria.

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 Almeria. The old town is at the cultural heart of the city. It has the most energy during the evenings, as well as many museums and sights worth visiting.

Is Hydra or Almeria Better for Hiking?

If you're looking to go hiking, Hydra and Almeria both have superb trails.

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.

Many visitors go to Almeria for the hiking trails. The area has stunning hikes that run along the coastline or into the beautiful interior countryside. For some of the area's best hikes head into Cabo de Gata-Níjar Natural Park.

Is the Shopping Better in Hydra or Almeria?

Hydra is a great destination for its shopping areas. However, Almeria is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Hydra. Charming shops fill the town and sell local items such as handmade jewelry and traditional embroideries.

Almeria is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Hydra or Almeria Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Hydra or Almeria.

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, Almeria is very family-friendly. The area has many beautiful beaches as well as waterparks, amusement parks, and fun activities like sailing and water sports. There's also a very impressive fort that the kids will enjoy exploring.

Is Hydra or Almeria Better for Couples?

Hydra is a must-visit destination for couples. Also, Almeria is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Hydra is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. 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.

Almeria is a great island if you're traveling as a couple. Nature lovers and beach enthusiasts will find this to be the perfect romantic getaway. There are many outdoor activities and places to immerse yourself in nature. A highlight of a trip is a visit to Crystal Cave.

Is Hydra or Almeria Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Almeria 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 Almeria. There's plenty of affordable accommodation to choose from as well as all kinds of activities that backpackers will enjoy. If you like nature and enjoy spending time outside, then this is your place.

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 Almeria Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Almeria 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 Almeria, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are a number of bus lines that run through Almeria city and to Cabo de Gata.

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

Is Hydra or Almeria a more walkable city?

Hydra is a must-visit destination for its ease of walking around. However, Almeria is a region with minimal options for its walkability.

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.

Almeria is generally not a very walkable island. While there are many beautiful walks in the area, if you want to truly explore, you'll likely want to have access to a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Almeria or Hydra?

How long in Hydra or Almeria?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Hydra and Almeria. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Almeria than in Hydra. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Hydra, and 1-3 days is enough time in Almeria.

Couples should spend more time in Hydra than Almeria. 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 Almeria 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 Almeria.

One day in Hydra or Almeria?

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.

In Almeria, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this historic destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This region 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 Almeria?

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.

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

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.

Almeria is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Almeria. 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 Almeria?

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.

You'll find food and nightlife around the breathtaking destination of Almeria. 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 10-Day Tours from Madrid, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Barcelona.

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

Which is Bigger, Hydra or Almeria?

Almeria has a larger population, and is about 80 times larger than the population of Hydra. When comparing the sizes of Hydra and Almeria, 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 Almeria?

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 Almeria in the Summer?

Both Almeria and Hydra are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Hydra for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Almeria because of the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

It's quite sunny in Almeria. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hydra. Hydra usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Almeria during summer. Hydra gets 357 hours of sunny skies, while Almeria receives 343 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Hydra usually receives more rain than Almeria. Hydra gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Almeria receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Hydra or Almeria in the Autumn?

Both Almeria and Hydra during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Hydra because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Almeria this time of year.

Hydra is around the same temperature as Almeria in the autumn. The daily temperature in Hydra averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Almeria fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

In Almeria, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Hydra. In the autumn, Hydra often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Almeria. Hydra gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Almeria receives 220 hours of full sun.

Hydra usually gets more rain in October than Almeria. Hydra gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Almeria receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hydra or Almeria in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Hydra and Almeria. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Hydra this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Almeria for the cuisine.

In the winter, Hydra is cooler than Almeria. Typically, the winter temperatures in Hydra in January average around 10°C (51°F), and Almeria averages at about 13°C (55°F).

Hydra usually receives less sunshine than Almeria during winter. Hydra gets 143 hours of sunny skies, while Almeria receives 186 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Hydra usually receives more rain than Almeria. Hydra gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Almeria receives 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Hydra or Almeria in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Hydra as well as Almeria. Many travelers come to Hydra for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Almeria in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Hydra is generally around the same temperature as Almeria. Daily temperatures in Hydra average around 16°C (60°F), and Almeria fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Almeria. 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 Almeria. Hydra gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Almeria receives 235 hours of full sun.

Hydra usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Almeria. Hydra gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Almeria receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Almeria and Hydra