A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Hydra vs. Barcelona for Nightlife, Couples, Backpackers, and Attractions

Should you visit Hydra or Barcelona?

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

Should I visit Hydra or Barcelona? 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 charming, accessible, and quaint island. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Barcelona

Barcelona is a laid-back, historic, and cultural city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and food.

Hydra and Barcelona: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hydra or Barcelona?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Barcelona. Although Hydra and Barcelona are both popular with visitors, Barcelona has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Barcelona is more popular for its food, nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Hydra is known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, hiking, and small town charm. Barcelona is more touristy than Hydra and is known for its landmarks designed by Antoni Gaudí, its wild nightlife, and its urban beaches. It is also home to Basilica Sagrada Familia. Hydra is popular for its picturesque setting, car-free setting, and beautiful old town.

How is Hydra different from Barcelona?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Both Hydra and Barcelona have excellent 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 Barcelona specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Architecture and history all contribute to the city's impressive sights and museums. Famous landmarks include the Basílica de la Sagrada Família, Casa Milà, and the Palace of Catalan Music. In addition to Casa Milà, there are several other landmarks that are designed by Gaudi. You can expect a crowd outside any of his creations.

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

Barcelona 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, Barcelona makes for a great culinary experience. With easy access to fresh produce, there are many food markets around town. You'll also find great fresh local dishes at the many restaurants. While some restaurants are more touristy, particularly along Las Ramblas, there are also many local options that offer higher quality dishes. Make sure you try the paella, croquettes, and jamon iberico. Many visitors enjoy taking a cooking class while they're in town as well.

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 Barcelona Better for Nightlife?

Barcelona is a world-class destination for nightlife. However, Hydra is a island with minimal options for nightlife and partying.

People head to Barcelona just to party. The city offers an amazing nightlife at a much more affordable price than many places in Europe. There are beach parties, boat parties, and bars that stay packed late into the night. The city also hosts many street fiestas and music festivals.

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 Barcelona Better for Music?

Barcelona is a world-class destination for live music. However, Hydra is not a live music destination.

Barcelona is a world class music destination. Popular music venues include Tablao de Carmen, Razzmatazz, and Jamboree.

Hydra is not a live music destination.

Is Hydra or Barcelona Better for Resorts?

Hydra is a island with good options for its resorts. However, Barcelona is not a resort destination.

Hydra has a handful of resorts to choose from. It's a popular day trip destination, but if you stay for a night or two, you'll find boutique hotels and charming pensions.

Barcelona is not a resort destination.

Is Hydra or Barcelona Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Hydra is a island with good options for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Barcelona is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life in Hydra. There are some snorkeling spots around the island - most notably Bisti Beach, which is pebbly and has some interesting sea life.

Barcelona is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Hydra or Barcelona Better for Beaches?

For a relaxing beach holiday, both Hydra and Barcelona are good 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 Barcelona to enjoy the beach. The city features long sandy beaches where you can soak up the Mediterranean sun right in the heart of town. Many of the beaches can get crowded during the warmer months, but if you're looking for a party, then this is the place. These are urban beaches, so don't expect the pristine coastal setting that you might find in a more remote areas. Popular beaches include Bogatell Beach, Barceloneta Beach, and Nova Icària.

Is Hydra or Barcelona Better for its Old Town?

It's fun to wander around the excellent old towns in both Hydra and Barcelona.

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 Barcelona. Dating back 2,000 years the Gothic Quarter remains a hub of life and activity. It's fun to explore the wandering streets or people watch in one of the plazas. There are also many fascinating boutique shops and restaurants. Many people consider the Gothic Quarter to be one of the best parts of Barcelona.

Is Hydra or Barcelona Better for Hiking?

Hydra is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Barcelona is not a hiking destination.

Hydra is a popular spot for hiking. 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.

Barcelona is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hydra or Barcelona?

Barcelona is a world-class destination for shopping. Also, Hydra is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Barcelona is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. Head to Portal De L'Angel, Rambla de Catalunya, or Passeig De Gracia for some of the city's best shopping districts.

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

Is Hydra or Barcelona Better for Families?

Hydra is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Barcelona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

Barcelona is a family-friendly island. The city has a bit of a party vibe, but there are also kid-friendly activities everyone. With a number of museums, an aquarium, and lots of parks, the whole family can stay entertained. There's also a playground with a great view right by Sagrada Familia. Also make sure you check out the Magic Fountain Show near Plaça d'Espanya, wander through the aquarium, or sample some chocolate at the Chocolate Museum.

Is Hydra or Barcelona Better for Couples?

Hydra is renowned for romance. Also, Barcelona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

Hydra is a great island for couples, as it 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.

Barcelona makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's an active city with a party atmosphere, so young couples will enjoy their time here. Couples can take a sunset cruise or enjoy a Flamenco show. There are also many great viewpoints around town.

Is Hydra or Barcelona Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Barcelona is a world-class destination for backpackers. However, Hydra is a island with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Barcelona is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. There are many hostels around town, each with its own personality. Many of the hostels also organize activities or dinners for guests so it's easy to meet other travelers. Backpackers will also appreciate the young vibe and late night party venues that keep the city fun and entertaining.

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 Barcelona Better for Students?

Barcelona is a world-class destination for students. However, Hydra is not popular with students.

Many students frequent Barcelona. This is a popular study abroad destination and you'll find international students from around the world. It's a beautiful city with plenty to see and do. It's also a lively city, but do expect the price tag to be higher than other Spanish cities.

Hydra is not popular with students.

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

Barcelona is a great destination for its public transit. However, Hydra is a island with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Barcelona. There's a metro, bus, and tram system that navigates the city. It's a huge city, and while many places are accessible by public transit, sometimes the trip can be hot and frustrating.

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

Is Hydra or Barcelona a more walkable city?

Hydra is renowned for its walkability. However, Barcelona is not a good city for its high level of walkability.

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

Barcelona is generally not a very walkable island. The city is more spread out than many other major European cities and you'll find wide roads with lots of car traffic. There are some neighborhoods and plazas that are fun to explore on foot and the city has designed "superilles," which are areas where car traffic has been directed around pedestrian-friendly plazas so visitors can explore, relax, or play.

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

Should I spend more time in Barcelona or Hydra?

How long in Hydra or Barcelona?

Both Hydra and Barcelona have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Barcelona than in Hydra. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Hydra, and 3-7 days is enough time in Barcelona.

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

One day in Hydra or Barcelona?

Even though Hydra is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Visiting the old town is also a must. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Hydra has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Each neighborhood in Barcelona has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. 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.

A weekend in Hydra or Barcelona?

Hydra is a small town where visitors enjoy the museums and food. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this island has to offer. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Barcelona. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Hydra or Barcelona?

Hydra is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Barcelona is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Barcelona has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Hydra or Barcelona?

Hydra is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Each neighborhood in Barcelona has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in Greece, The Best 10-Day Tours in Greece, The Best Contiki Tours to Spain, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain.

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

Which is Bigger, Hydra or Barcelona?

Barcelona has a larger population, and is about 690 times larger than the population of Hydra. When comparing the sizes of Hydra and Barcelona, 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 Barcelona?

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 Barcelona in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Hydra and Barcelona. Many visitors come to Hydra in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Barcelona for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Hydra is a little warmer than Barcelona in the summer. The daily temperature in Hydra averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Barcelona fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Barcelona this time of the year. In Hydra, it's very sunny this time of the year. Hydra usually receives more sunshine than Barcelona during summer. Hydra gets 357 hours of sunny skies, while Barcelona receives 308 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Hydra usually receives less rain than Barcelona. Hydra gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 22 mm (0.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Hydra or Barcelona in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Hydra as well as Barcelona. Most visitors come to Hydra for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Barcelona because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Hydra is a little warmer than Barcelona. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Hydra in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Barcelona averages at about 17°C (63°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hydra this time of the year. In the autumn, Hydra often gets more sunshine than Barcelona. Hydra gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Barcelona receives 181 hours of full sun.

Hydra usually gets less rain in October than Barcelona. Hydra gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hydra or Barcelona in the Winter?

Both Barcelona and Hydra are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Hydra because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Barcelona this time of year.

In January, Hydra is generally a little warmer than Barcelona. Daily temperatures in Hydra average around 10°C (51°F), and Barcelona fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Hydra usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Barcelona during winter. Hydra gets 143 hours of sunny skies, while Barcelona receives 146 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Hydra usually receives around the same amount of rain as Barcelona. Hydra gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Hydra or Barcelona in the Spring?

Both Barcelona and Hydra during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Hydra this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Barcelona for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

Hydra is a little warmer than Barcelona in the spring. The daily temperature in Hydra averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Barcelona fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In Barcelona, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Hydra. In the spring, Hydra often gets more sunshine than Barcelona. Hydra gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Barcelona receives 204 hours of full sun.

Hydra usually gets less rain in April than Barcelona. Hydra gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Barcelona receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Barcelona and Hydra