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

Should you visit Hydra or Malaga?

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

Should I visit Hydra or Malaga? 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. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and food.

Malaga

Malaga is a historic, beautiful, and friendly port city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and food.

Hydra and Malaga: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hydra or Malaga?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Hydra. Although Hydra and Malaga are popular destinations, Hydra has more sights and attractions for tourists. Hydra is very popular for its museums, resorts, hiking, shopping, and small town charm, while Malaga attracts visitors for its food, nightlife, and music. Hydra is famous for its picturesque setting, car-free setting, and beautiful old town. It is also well known for The Monastery of the Assumption of Virgin Mary. Malaga is famous for its perfect blend of sandy beaches, beautiful culture, fascinating history, and a lively nightlife scene.

How is Hydra different from Malaga?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Hydra is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Malaga 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.

Malaga does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Malaga 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, Malaga makes for a great culinary experience. Head to any of the local food markets and seafood shops to try local cuisine. Also make sure you try tapas and a filling Andalusian breakfast.

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 Malaga Better for Nightlife?

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

People head to Malaga just to party. The city has some of the most active nightlife in Europe. There are plenty of opportunities to party in Malaga and you'll find the most vibrant nightlife in the Centro Historico.

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 Malaga Better for Music?

Malaga is a great destination for live music. However, Hydra is not a live music destination.

Malaga has become a hotbed of musicians and artists. The city has venues that offer pop, rock, blues, soulful, and more. Some of the most popular include ZZ club, Clarence Jazz Club, and Velvet Club.

Hydra is not a live music destination.

Is Hydra or Malaga Better for Resorts?

Hydra is a good destination for its resorts. However, Malaga is not a resort destination.

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.

Malaga is not a resort destination.

Is Hydra or Malaga Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

There's nice scuba diving or snorkeling available in both Hydra and Malaga.

Hydra has a few good snorkeling spots. There are some snorkeling spots around the island - most notably Bisti Beach, which is pebbly and has some interesting sea life.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in Malaga. Water temperatures are mild enough for diving or snorkeling near Malaga. For the best diving, head to Cala del Canuelo Beach. Closer by, Penon del Cuervo Beach offers diving and snorkeling as well.

Is Hydra or Malaga Better for Beaches?

For a relaxing beach holiday, both Hydra and Malaga are nice 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 Malaga to enjoy the beach. There are some nice beaches around Malaga, but for the best options you'll have to travel further outside of the city.

Is Hydra or Malaga Better for its Old Town?

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

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 Malaga. The city's old town is compact and small, making it a fun place to walk. There are historic buildings, museums, churches, and squares, as well as many restaurants and shops.

Is Hydra or Malaga Better for Hiking?

Hydra is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Malaga 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.

Malaga is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hydra or Malaga?

Hydra is a well-known place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Malaga is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its shopping areas.

Hydra is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Charming shops fill the town and sell local items such as handmade jewelry and traditional embroideries.

Malaga has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There are a number of shopping areas in the city with both local boutiques and name brands.

Is Hydra or Malaga Better for Families?

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

Hydra is a very kid-friendly island. 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.

Malaga is a family-friendly island. The city has castles that you can explore as well as a waterpark.

Is Hydra or Malaga Better for Couples?

Hydra is a must-visit destination for its romantic activities. Also, Malaga is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for couples.

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.

Malaga is a good island for couples to visit. It has a beautiful coastline and a rich history that makes it unique.

Is Hydra or Malaga Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Malaga is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. From an endless supply of hostels to plenty of opportunities to meet other backpackers, this is a very backpacker friendly area.

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 Malaga Better for Students?

Malaga is a great destination for students. However, Hydra is not popular with students.

Malaga is a very popular port city for students and younger travelers. The city has many opportunities to learn Spanish. It's also an affordable city with a young population and a lively atmosphere that appeals to international students.

Hydra is not popular with students.

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

Malaga 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 Malaga, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is an efficient bus system as well as a light metro system.

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

Is Hydra or Malaga a more walkable city?

Hydra is a must-visit destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Malaga is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its ease of walking around.

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.

Malaga is a very walkable destination. It has a very compact and walkable historic center with most of the tourist attractions easily accessible on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Malaga or Hydra?

How long in Hydra or Malaga?

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

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

One day in Hydra or Malaga?

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.

In Malaga, many people enjoy the live music and food that this friendly destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the nightlife. This port 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 Malaga?

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 Malaga. 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 Malaga?

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.

Malaga is a fun place to experience. In Malaga, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping that this destination offers. Lots of people come for the nightlife. 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 Malaga?

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.

In Malaga, many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife that this historic destination offers. 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. Lots of people come for the nightlife. 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 Budget Tours to Spain, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Spain.

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

Which is Bigger, Hydra or Malaga?

Malaga has a larger population, and is about 240 times larger than the population of Hydra. When comparing the sizes of Hydra and Malaga, 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 Malaga?

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 Malaga in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Hydra and Malaga. 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 Malaga because of the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Hydra is around the same temperature as Malaga. Typically, the summer temperatures in Hydra in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Malaga averages at about 25°C (77°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Malaga 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 Malaga during summer. Hydra gets 357 hours of sunny skies, while Malaga receives 348 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Hydra usually receives more rain than Malaga. Hydra gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Malaga receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Hydra or Malaga in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Hydra as well as Malaga. 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 shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Malaga this time of year.

In October, Hydra is generally around the same temperature as Malaga. Daily temperatures in Hydra average around 19°C (67°F), and Malaga fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Malaga. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hydra this time of the year. In the autumn, Hydra often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Malaga. Hydra gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Malaga receives 213 hours of full sun.

Hydra usually gets less rain in October than Malaga. Hydra gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Malaga receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hydra or Malaga in the Winter?

Both Malaga and Hydra are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Hydra this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Malaga for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Hydra is cooler than Malaga in the winter. The daily temperature in Hydra averages around 10°C (51°F) in January, and Malaga fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Hydra usually receives less sunshine than Malaga during winter. Hydra gets 143 hours of sunny skies, while Malaga receives 171 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Hydra usually receives less rain than Malaga. Hydra gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Malaga receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Hydra or Malaga in the Spring?

Both Malaga and Hydra during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Hydra for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Malaga in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Hydra is around the same temperature as Malaga. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hydra in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Malaga averages at about 16°C (60°F).

In Malaga, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Hydra. In the spring, Hydra often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Malaga. Hydra gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Malaga receives 220 hours of full sun.

Hydra usually gets less rain in April than Malaga. Hydra gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Malaga receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Malaga and Hydra