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

Should you visit Hydra or Madrid?

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

Should I visit Hydra or Madrid? 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 picturesque, charming, and accessible island. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Madrid

Madrid is a compact, friendly, and authentic city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. It's also known for food, shopping, and museums.

Hydra and Madrid: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hydra or Madrid?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Madrid. Although Hydra and Madrid are both popular with visitors, Madrid has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Madrid is more popular for its food, nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Hydra is known for its museums, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Hydra is popular for its picturesque setting, car-free setting, and beautiful old town. Madrid is popular for its art and architecture, its tapas and culinary scene, and its lively flamenco dancing. It is also home to The Prado Museum.

How is Hydra different from Madrid?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Hydra is a great island for its historical sights. Also, Madrid is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into 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.

Madrid offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are a number of cultural sights in the city including Museo Nacional del Prado, the Royal Palace and Gardens, and Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía.

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

Madrid 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, Madrid is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The city has a mix of flavors that come from all of Spain. There are amazing markets where you can grab a meal or snack. There are also many high quality restaurants around town where you're guaranteed a good meal. Local favorites include roast suckling pig, Spanish omelette, and meat and chickpea stew.

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 Madrid Better for Nightlife?

Madrid is a great destination for nightlife. However, Hydra is a island with minimal options for nightlife and partying.

The people in Madrid know how to have a good time. Many tourists and international students hang out in the Huertas area, while Malasaña has a bohemian, hipster vibe with small clubs that play indie music. Chueca is a fun area that's known for being gay-friendly with many good bars. Finally, you'll find that the area around Avenida de Brasil is where famous DJs often perform.

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 Madrid Better for Music?

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

Madrid is a world class music destination. Rock, jazz, and flamenco are all popular in the city. Some of the most well known music venues include Sala Caracol, Sala Clamores, and Costello Club.

Hydra is not a live music destination.

Is Hydra or Madrid Better for Resorts?

Hydra is a island with good options for its luxury resorts. However, Madrid 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.

Madrid is not a resort destination.

Is Hydra or Madrid Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Hydra is a island with good options for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Madrid 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.

Madrid is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Hydra or Madrid Better for Beaches?

Hydra is a island with good options for its beaches. However, Madrid is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Hydra. 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.

Madrid is not a beach destination.

Is Hydra or Madrid Better for its Old Town?

Hydra is a great island for its historic old town. However, Madrid does not have a historic old town.

Hydra is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. 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.

Madrid does not have a historic old town.

Is Hydra or Madrid Better for Hiking?

Hydra is a great island for hiking. However, Madrid is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Hydra for the hiking trails. 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.

Madrid is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hydra or Madrid?

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

Madrid is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. Gran Vía is a main thoroughfare in Madrid that is also popular for shopping. Calle Fuencarral is where you'll find the fashion shops and Calle Preciados is a fun pedestrian area to explore.

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 Madrid Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Hydra or Madrid.

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, Madrid is very family-friendly. Kids love splashing around at Madrid Río, taking a ride on the cable car (Teleférico), and exploring the city's many parks and playgrounds. There's even a maze at Sabatini Gardens. Restaurants around the city are also very kid-friendly.

Is Hydra or Madrid Better for Couples?

Hydra is renowned for romance. Also, Madrid is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Madrid is a very popular place to visit for couples. Fun and romantic activities around town include taking a boat ride at Casa de Campo, riding a bike in one of the many parks, and enjoy dinner and show in the evening.

Is Hydra or Madrid Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Madrid 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 Madrid. The many hostels around town make it easy for backpackers to find affordable accommodation while also meeting other travelers.

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 Madrid Better for Students?

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

Many students frequent Madrid. With several great universities, this city is popular with international and study abroad students. The city also has a diverse population and an active nightlife that appeals to students.

Hydra is not popular with students.

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

Madrid is a world-class destination for its public transit. However, Hydra is a island with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

With a huge network, the transit system in Madrid can get you around easily. The system includes the Madrid Metro, buses, and a light rail system.

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

Is Hydra or Madrid a more walkable city?

Hydra and Madrid both are terrific when exploring on foot.

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.

Madrid is a very easy island to get around on foot. Most tourists stay in the central part of Madrid where it's compact and relatively easy to walk to most tourist sights.

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

Should I spend more time in Madrid or Hydra?

How long in Hydra or Madrid?

In either Hydra or Madrid, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Madrid than Hydra because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Hydra, and 2-5 days is enough time in Madrid.

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

One day in Hydra or Madrid?

Hydra might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

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

Hydra is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Madrid. 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 Madrid?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hydra. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

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

A week in Hydra or Madrid?

Hydra is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the authentic big city of Madrid. 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 Contiki Tours to Spain, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain.

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

Which is Bigger, Hydra or Madrid?

Madrid has a larger population, and is about 1370 times larger than the population of Hydra. When comparing the sizes of Hydra and Madrid, 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.