Which place is cheaper, Gran Canaria or Hydra?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Hydra or Gran Canaria?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Hydra or Gran Canaria? 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.
Where Should I go: Hydra or Gran Canaria?
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.
Gran Canaria
Gran Canaria is one of Spain's Canary Islands, located just off the coast of northwestern Africa. It is the third largest of the islands, and is known for its variety of volcanic beaches. This island is sometimes called a "Miniature Continent" due to the different climates and variety of landscapes found, which allow for a range of activities like hiking, biking, surfing, and scuba diving.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in Greece, The Best 10-Day Tours in Greece, The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain, and The Best Adventure Tours to Spain.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHydra €97Gran Canaria €125
The average daily cost (per person) in Hydra is €97, while the average daily cost in Gran Canaria is €125. 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 Hydra and Gran Canaria in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHydra €51Gran Canaria €63
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHydra €102Gran Canaria €126
Compare Hotels in Hydra and Gran Canaria
Looking for a hotel in Hydra or Gran Canaria? 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.
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.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Hydra €26Gran Canaria €46
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Gran Canaria
Also for Gran Canaria, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Buggy Tour of 2 hours in the afternoon with Transfers only South Zone: $71
- El Salobre: Horse Riding Adventure with Transfer Options: $32
- From Playa del Inglés: Guided Jet Ski Tour & Hotel Transfers: $160
- Gran Canaria Airport (LPA) to Playa del Ingles - Arrival Transfer: $33
- Gran Canaria Private Transfer from El Salobre to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $47
- Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Fataga to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $79
- Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Gáldar to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $64
- Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Ingenio to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $31
- Gran Canaria Private Transfer from La Milagrosa to Las Palmas (LPA) airport: $43
- Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Las Palmas airport (LPA) to Agüimes: $31
- Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Las Palmas airport (LPA) to Amadores: $61
- Gran Canaria Private Transfer from Las Palmas airport (LPA) to Anfí del Mar: $61
Is it cheaper to fly into Hydra or Gran Canaria?
Prices for flights to both Gran Canaria and Hydra 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 dayHydra €30Gran Canaria €34
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Hydra €11Gran Canaria €20
Tours and Activities in Gran Canaria
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Gran Canaria.
- Walking tour Vegueta (old town Las Palmas): $7.49
- Walking tour old town Las Palmas Vegueta: $7.64
- Las Palmas: Old Town Highlights Self-Guided Walking Tour: $8.45
- Agüimes: Cocodrilo Park Zoo Entry Ticket: $11
- Banana Plantation Guided Tour & Tasting: $13
- Angry Birds Activity Park Entry Ticket: $14
- Holiday World Maspalomas Wooland Ticket: $14
- Skip the Line: Holiday World Maspalomas Wooland Ticket: $14
- Maspalomas: Bowling Session Entry Ticket at Holiday World: $15
- Taurito: Lago Taurito Water Park Entrance Ticket: $17
- Puerto de Mogan: Friday Market Experience: $24
- Winery Tour, Wine Museum, and Tasting: $24
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayHydra €11Gran Canaria €7.14
Sample the Local Flavors in Gran Canaria
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Gran Canaria:
- Spanish Tapas and Wine Tasting Tour in Mogan: $52
- Spanish Cured Meats & Wine Tasting Tour in Mogan: $60
- Gran Canaria Picnic Experience & Wine Tasting: $102
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hydra and Gran Canaria, we can see that Gran Canaria 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 Gran Canaria would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Gran Canaria 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 Gran Canaria Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Hydra or Gran Canaria?
Gran Canaria has a larger population, and is about 370 times larger than the population of Hydra. When comparing the sizes of Hydra and Gran Canaria, 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 Gran Canaria?
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 Hydra or Gran Canaria in the Summer?
Both Gran Canaria and Hydra during the summer are popular places to visit. 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, Hydra is generally a little warmer than Gran Canaria. Daily temperatures in Hydra average around 27°C (81°F), and Gran Canaria fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
In Gran Canaria, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Hydra. In the summer, Hydra often gets more sunshine than Gran Canaria. Hydra gets 357 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gran Canaria receives 293 hours of full sun.
Hydra usually gets more rain in July than Gran Canaria. Hydra gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Gran Canaria receives 0 mm (0 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyHydra 27°C (81°F)Gran Canaria 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Hydra or Gran Canaria in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Hydra and Gran Canaria. 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.
Hydra is cooler than Gran Canaria in the autumn. The daily temperature in Hydra averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Gran Canaria fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Gran Canaria this time of the year. In Hydra, it's very sunny this time of the year. Hydra usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Gran Canaria during autumn. Hydra gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Gran Canaria receives 213 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Hydra usually receives more rain than Gran Canaria. Hydra gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Gran Canaria receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberHydra 19°C (67°F)Gran Canaria 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Hydra or Gran Canaria in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Hydra as well as Gran Canaria. Many travelers come to Hydra for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
In the winter, Hydra is much colder than Gran Canaria. Typically, the winter temperatures in Hydra in January average around 10°C (51°F), and Gran Canaria averages at about 18°C (64°F).
In the winter, Hydra often gets less sunshine than Gran Canaria. Hydra gets 143 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Gran Canaria receives 187 hours of full sun.
Hydra usually gets more rain in January than Gran Canaria. Hydra gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Gran Canaria receives 25 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryHydra 10°C (51°F)Gran Canaria 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Hydra or Gran Canaria in the Spring?
Both Gran Canaria and Hydra are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Hydra in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.
In April, Hydra is generally cooler than Gran Canaria. Daily temperatures in Hydra average around 16°C (60°F), and Gran Canaria fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).
It's quite sunny in Gran Canaria. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hydra. Hydra usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Gran Canaria during spring. Hydra gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Gran Canaria receives 225 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Hydra usually receives more rain than Gran Canaria. Hydra gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Gran Canaria receives 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilHydra 16°C (60°F)Gran Canaria 19°C (66°F)
Typical Weather for Gran Canaria and Hydra
| Hydra | Gran Canaria | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 10°C (51°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 25 mm (1 in) |
| Feb | 11°C (51°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) |
| Mar | 12°C (54°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (60°F) | 25 mm (1 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| May | 20°C (68°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 1 mm (0 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (76°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 0 mm (0 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 0 mm (0 in) |
| Aug | 27°C (81°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 0 mm (0 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (76°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (67°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) |
| Nov | 16°C (60°F) | 51 mm (2 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 22 mm (0.9 in) |
| Dec | 12°C (54°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.