A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Hydra vs. Hondarribia for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Hydra or Hondarribia?

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

Should I visit Hydra or Hondarribia? 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 Hondarribia?

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.

Hondarribia

The characteristic Spanish buildings painted in the brightest, most vibrant of colors only match the true spirit of the town, Hondarribia, Spain. Hondarribia is located on the west shore of Bidasoa river's mouth in Gipuzkoa of Basque Country. The town is rich in its Spanish history, holding both an ancient old quarter with walls and a castle within. Hondarribia is also known for its gorgeous beach of bright blue water across the Bidasoa alongside the fertile, roaming mountain of Jaizkibel. What's more, Hondarribia faces the border of Hendaye, France, so if you are yearning to expand your cultural learning, take a service boat over to Spain's friendly neighbor! No matter if you want to explore the ancient architecture or enjoy the cooling waters of the bay, Hondarribia is definitely a location known for its beauty and activity!

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

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

Which is Bigger, Hydra or Hondarribia?

Hondarribia has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Hydra. When comparing the sizes of Hydra and Hondarribia, 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 Hondarribia?

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 Hondarribia in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Hydra as well as Hondarribia. Most visitors come to Hydra for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Hydra is a little warmer than Hondarribia in the summer. The daily temperature in Hydra averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Hondarribia fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hondarribia. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hydra this time of the year. In the summer, Hydra often gets more sunshine than Hondarribia. Hydra gets 357 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hondarribia receives 209 hours of full sun.

Hydra usually gets less rain in July than Hondarribia. Hydra gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Hondarribia receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hydra or Hondarribia in the Autumn?

Both Hondarribia and Hydra are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. 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.

In the autumn, Hydra is a little warmer than Hondarribia. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Hydra in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Hondarribia averages at about 16°C (60°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hydra. Hydra usually receives more sunshine than Hondarribia during autumn. Hydra gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Hondarribia receives 144 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Hondarribia. In October, Hydra usually receives less rain than Hondarribia. Hydra gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Hondarribia receives 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Hydra or Hondarribia in the Winter?

Both Hondarribia and Hydra during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Hydra this time of year.

In January, Hydra is generally a little warmer than Hondarribia. Daily temperatures in Hydra average around 10°C (51°F), and Hondarribia fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Hydra often gets more sunshine than Hondarribia. Hydra gets 143 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hondarribia receives 85 hours of full sun.

Hondarribia gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Hydra usually gets less rain in January than Hondarribia. Hydra gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Hondarribia receives 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hydra or Hondarribia in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Hydra and Hondarribia. Many travelers come to Hydra for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

Hydra is a little warmer than Hondarribia in the spring. The daily temperature in Hydra averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Hondarribia fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In Hydra, it's very sunny this time of the year. Hydra usually receives more sunshine than Hondarribia during spring. Hydra gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Hondarribia receives 141 hours of full sun in the spring.

Hondarribia receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Hydra usually receives less rain than Hondarribia. Hydra gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Hondarribia receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Hondarribia and Hydra