A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Hydra vs. Palma de Mallorca for Nightlife, Beaches, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Hydra or Palma de Mallorca?

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

Should I visit Hydra or Palma de Mallorca? 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 accessible, quaint, and picturesque island. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Palma de Mallorca

Palma de Mallorca is a cultural, historic, and beautiful island. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for live music, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Hydra and Palma de Mallorca: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hydra or Palma de Mallorca?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Palma de Mallorca. Although Hydra and Palma de Mallorca are both popular with visitors, Palma de Mallorca has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Palma de Mallorca is more popular for its food, nightlife, music, resorts, and beaches, while Hydra is known for its museums, historical sights, hiking, shopping, and small town charm. Palma de Mallorca is more touristy than Hydra and is popular for its strikingly blue waters, sandy beaches, all-inclusive resorts, and vibrant towns. It is also home to the turquoise water and white sand beaches. Hydra is popular for its picturesque setting, car-free setting, and beautiful old town.

The turquoise water and white sand beaches

How is Hydra different from Palma de Mallorca?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Palma de Mallorca 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 Palma de Mallorca?

Hydra is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Palma de Mallorca does not have museums and landmarks.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Hydra can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

Palma de Mallorca does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Hydra or Palma de Mallorca? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Palma de Mallorca 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, Palma de Mallorca makes for a great culinary experience. Food here is centered around pork, fish, and vegetables. It is flavored with garlic and olive oil and it offers that feeling of comfort that comes with home cooking.

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 Palma de Mallorca Better for Nightlife?

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

People head to Palma de Mallorca just to party. Head to Magaluf and Palma for the most popular places.

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 Palma de Mallorca Better for Music?

Palma de Mallorca is a great destination for live music. However, Hydra is not a live music destination.

Palma de Mallorca has become a hotbed of musicians and artists. Live concerts, international DJs, and a diverse range of styles have put the island's music scene on the map.

Hydra is not a live music destination.

Is Hydra or Palma de Mallorca Better for Resorts?

Palma de Mallorca is a great destination for its resorts. Also, Hydra is still popular, but not quite as popular for its luxury resorts.

Palma de Mallorca is known as a popular and fun resort destination. Top resorts on the island include The St Regis Mardavall, Viva Cala Mesquida Resort and Spa, and Nixe Palace Hotel.

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.

Is Hydra or Palma de Mallorca Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

There's good scuba diving or snorkeling available in both Hydra and Palma de Mallorca.

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 Palma de Mallorca. Head to Cala Santanyi on the south side of the island for the best snorkeling. For scuba diving, National Park of Cabrera is one of the most popular spots.

Is Hydra or Palma de Mallorca Better for Beaches?

Palma de Mallorca is a world-class destination for its beaches. Also, Hydra is still popular, but not quite as popular for the beache.

Travelers come from around the world to visit the beaches in Palma de Mallorca. The island is lined with sandy beaches and rocky coves, which have contributed to it becoming one of Europe's most popular beach destinations.

Many people head to Hydra to enjoy the beach. 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.

Is Hydra or Palma de Mallorca Better for its Old Town?

Hydra is an excellent place to visit for its historic old town. Also, Palma de Mallorca is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its old town.

Many visitors go to Hydra to see the historical old town. 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.

Many people head to Palma de Mallorca to see the old town. Alcudia is the best old town on the island. It has cobblestone streets and historic walls that give it charm and history.

Is Hydra or Palma de Mallorca Better for Hiking?

Hydra is an excellent place to visit for its hiking trails. Also, Palma de Mallorca is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its hiking experiences.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Hydra. 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.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Palma de Mallorca. There are many beautiful hikes along the water and through the countryside that offer beautiful views and pass by quaint towns.

Is the Shopping Better in Hydra or Palma de Mallorca?

Hydra is an excellent place to visit for shopping. Also, Palma de Mallorca is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Hydra. Charming shops fill the town and sell local items such as handmade jewelry and traditional embroideries.

Palma de Mallorca offers some nice shopping areas. Head to Palma for some of the areas best shopping.

Is Hydra or Palma de Mallorca Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Hydra or Palma de Mallorca.

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, Palma de Mallorca is very family-friendly. The beaches are large and sandy with beautiful blue waters. There's also many activities that both adults and kids can enjoy around the island including waterparks, aquariums, and amusement areas.

Is Hydra or Palma de Mallorca Better for Couples?

Hydra is a must-visit destination for romance. Also, Palma de Mallorca is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Hydra has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. 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.

Palma de Mallorca makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With beautiful beaches and a fun Spanish flare, Mallorca makes for a memorable honeymoon.

Is Hydra or Palma de Mallorca Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Palma de Mallorca 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 Palma de Mallorca. There is no shortage of hostels in Mallorca so it's easy to find an affordable place to stay and a young crowd to hang out with.

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 Palma de Mallorca Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Palma de Mallorca 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 Palma de Mallorca, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is an efficient bus system that can get you around the island, but trips are less frequent on weekends. Pick up the Intermodal Card which can get you from town to town.

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

Is Hydra or Palma de Mallorca a more walkable city?

Hydra is a must-visit destination for its walkability. Also, Palma de Mallorca is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

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

Palma de Mallorca is a somewhat walkable place. It is a larger island that is not walkable, but Palma is generally a walkable area. If you stay in the central area you should be fine to explore on foot but if you want to get out into more rural areas, you'll need access to some type of transportation.

For even more information, also check out Is Hydra Worth Visiting? and Is Palma de Mallorca Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Palma de Mallorca or Hydra?

How long in Hydra or Palma de Mallorca?

In either Hydra or Palma de Mallorca, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Palma de Mallorca than Hydra because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Hydra, and 3-5 days is enough time in Palma de Mallorca.

Couples should spend more time in Hydra than Palma de Mallorca. 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 Palma de Mallorca 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 Palma de Mallorca.

One day in Hydra or Palma de Mallorca?

Even though Hydra is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One day is often enough time to do most activities. It offers something for everyone.

In Palma de Mallorca, many people enjoy the live music and food that this stunning destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This island 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 Palma de Mallorca?

Hydra is a small town where visitors enjoy the museums and food. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Palma de Mallorca. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 Palma de Mallorca?

Hydra is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Palma de Mallorca is a fun place to experience. In Palma de Mallorca, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping that this destination offers. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Hydra or Palma de Mallorca?

Hydra is a popular choice for travelers. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the historic destination of Palma de Mallorca. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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 2-Week Tours in Spain, and The Best 3-Week Tours in Spain.

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

Which is Bigger, Hydra or Palma de Mallorca?

Palma de Mallorca has a larger population, and is about 160 times larger than the population of Hydra. When comparing the sizes of Hydra and Palma de Mallorca, 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 Palma de Mallorca?

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 Palma de Mallorca in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Hydra as well as Palma de Mallorca. Many travelers come to Hydra for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Palma de Mallorca in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Hydra is a little warmer than Palma de Mallorca in the summer. The daily temperature in Hydra averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Palma de Mallorca fluctuates around 24°C (76°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Palma de Mallorca. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hydra this time of the year. In the summer, Hydra often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Palma de Mallorca. Hydra gets 357 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Palma de Mallorca receives 334 hours of full sun.

Hydra usually gets less rain in July than Palma de Mallorca. Hydra gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Palma de Mallorca receives 7 mm (0.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hydra or Palma de Mallorca in the Autumn?

Both Palma de Mallorca and Hydra are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Hydra in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Palma de Mallorca for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Hydra is around the same temperature as Palma de Mallorca. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Hydra in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Palma de Mallorca averages at about 19°C (66°F).

It's quite sunny in Palma de Mallorca. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hydra. Hydra usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Palma de Mallorca during autumn. Hydra gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Palma de Mallorca receives 204 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Hydra usually receives less rain than Palma de Mallorca. Hydra gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Palma de Mallorca receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Hydra or Palma de Mallorca in the Winter?

Both Palma de Mallorca and Hydra during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Hydra for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Palma de Mallorca because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.

In January, Hydra is generally around the same temperature as Palma de Mallorca. Daily temperatures in Hydra average around 10°C (51°F), and Palma de Mallorca fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the winter, Hydra often gets less sunshine than Palma de Mallorca. Hydra gets 143 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Palma de Mallorca receives 164 hours of full sun.

Hydra usually gets more rain in January than Palma de Mallorca. Hydra gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Palma de Mallorca receives 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hydra or Palma de Mallorca in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Hydra and Palma de Mallorca. The spring months attract visitors to Hydra because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Palma de Mallorca this time of year.

Hydra is a little warmer than Palma de Mallorca in the spring. The daily temperature in Hydra averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Palma de Mallorca fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Palma de Mallorca 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 Palma de Mallorca during spring. Hydra gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Palma de Mallorca receives 210 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Hydra usually receives less rain than Palma de Mallorca. Hydra gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Palma de Mallorca receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Palma de Mallorca and Hydra