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

Should you visit Hydra or Rabat?

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

Should I visit Hydra or Rabat? 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 Rabat?

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.

Rabat

While not high on the tourist destination list, Rabat is a quiet gem of a city with stunning colonial architecture and palm-lined streets. This political capital is a laid-back, pleasant alternative to the more cosmopolitan Casablanca.

Located on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean at the mouth of the river Bou Regreg, Rabat plus the city of Temera are home to a combined metropolitan population of 2.6 million.

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 Morocco, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Morocco.


Which place is cheaper, Rabat or Hydra?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Hydra is €97, while the average daily cost in Rabat is €41. 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 Rabat in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Hydra 51
    Rabat 25
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Hydra 102
    Rabat 50
Compare Hotels in Hydra and Rabat

Looking for a hotel in Hydra or Rabat? 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.

Hotels in Hydra


Hotels in Rabat


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.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Rabat Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Hydra 26
    Rabat 1.97

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Rabat

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Rabat:


  • Taxi to Sale
    3.27

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rabat

Also for Rabat, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer From Rabat To Fez: $109
  • One-Way Transfer from Fez to Rabat via volubilis & meknes : $196
  • One-Way Transfer from Rabat to Fez : $154
  • One-Way Transfer from Rabat to Fez via meknes & volubilis : $196
  • Private Transfer from Rabat (RBA) Airport to Asilah: $272
  • Private Transfer from Rabat (RBA) Airport to Bouznika: $87
  • Private Transfer from Rabat (RBA) Airport to Kenitra: $109
  • Private Transfer from Rabat (RBA) Airport to Larache: $254
  • Private Transfer from Rabat (RBA) Airport to Skhirat: $76
  • Private Transfer from Rabat (RBA) Airport to Temara: $65
  • Private Transfer from Rabat City to Rabat (RBA) Airport: $44
  • Private Transfer from Rabat Sale Airport to Rabat City: $41

Is it cheaper to fly into Hydra or Rabat?

Prices for flights to both Rabat 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 day
    Hydra 30
    Rabat 12

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Rabat

For Rabat, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Small Group Cooking Classes with Tour of Rabat : $45
  • Join Best Moroccan Cooking Class with Chef Khadija ( Over 35 years Experience ): $49
  • Cooking Class in a Family Home: $66
  • Rabat Food Tour in the Old Town: $75
  • Rabat Food Tour Like a Local: $75
  • Rabat Family Cooking Class: $75
  • Walking Food Tour: $75
  • Private Market Tour and Authentic Moroccan Cooking Lesson with a Rabat Local: $120
  • Gourmet Cooking Class in Rabat: $189

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Hydra 11
    Rabat 2.66

Tours and Activities in Rabat

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Rabat.

  • Guided Bike Tour: $1.55
  • SUP Adventure Rabat (kayaking, stand up paddle , boating) VIP: $15
  • Private Cultural Walking Tour of Rabat with Licensed Tour Guide: $43
  • Private Surf Experience in Rabat: $44
  • Rabat tour ;Small Group Guided Walking tour in the City of Light: $44
  • Private Boat Tour of the Bouregreg River, a Traditional Boat: $45
  • Private Walking Guided Cultural Stroll with Licensed Tour Expert: $53
  • Private Guided City Walking Tour: $62
  • 4WD adventure Todra Gorge to Dades Valley - Aventures Verticales Maroc: $63
  • Private Boat Guided Tour in Rabat: $65
  • Private Guided Tour in Rabat City: $76
  • Best of Rabat Tour (half-day): $78

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Hydra 11
    Rabat -


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hydra and Rabat, we can see that Hydra is more expensive. And not only is Rabat much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Hydra is in Europe and Rabat is in Africa, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Rabat would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Rabat 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 Hydra would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Hydra than you might in Rabat.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Hydra Expensive? and Is Rabat Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Hydra or Rabat?

Rabat has a larger population, and is about 730 times larger than the population of Hydra. When comparing the sizes of Hydra and Rabat, 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 Rabat?

Hydra has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Rabat experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Hydra or Rabat in the Summer?

Both Rabat and Hydra during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Hydra in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Rabat year-round.

In the summer, Hydra is a little warmer than Rabat. Typically, the summer temperatures in Hydra in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Rabat averages at about 23°C (73°F).

In Rabat, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Hydra. In the summer, Hydra often gets more sunshine than Rabat. Hydra gets 357 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rabat receives 315 hours of full sun.

Hydra usually gets more rain in July than Rabat. Hydra gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Rabat receives 1 mm (0 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Hydra 27°C (81°F) 
    Rabat 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Hydra or Rabat in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Hydra and Rabat. Most visitors come to Hydra for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Rabat attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In October, Hydra is generally around the same temperature as Rabat. Daily temperatures in Hydra average around 19°C (67°F), and Rabat fluctuates around 20°C (67°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Rabat this time of the year. In Hydra, it's very sunny this time of the year. Hydra usually receives less sunshine than Rabat during autumn. Hydra gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Rabat receives 234 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Hydra usually receives more rain than Rabat. Hydra gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Rabat receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Hydra 19°C (67°F) 
    Rabat 20°C (67°F)

Should I visit Hydra or Rabat in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Hydra as well as Rabat. The winter months attract visitors to Hydra because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. The warm climate attracts visitors to Rabat throughout the year.

Hydra is cooler than Rabat in the winter. The daily temperature in Hydra averages around 10°C (51°F) in January, and Rabat fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In the winter, Hydra often gets less sunshine than Rabat. Hydra gets 143 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rabat receives 182 hours of full sun.

Hydra usually gets less rain in January than Rabat. Hydra gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Rabat receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Hydra 10°C (51°F) 
    Rabat 13°C (56°F)

Should I visit Hydra or Rabat in the Spring?

Both Rabat and Hydra are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Hydra this time of year. Plenty of visitors come to Rabat because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

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

It's quite sunny in Rabat. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hydra. Hydra usually receives less sunshine than Rabat during spring. Hydra gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Rabat receives 255 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Hydra usually receives less rain than Rabat. Hydra gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Rabat receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Hydra 16°C (60°F) 
    Rabat 16°C (60°F)

Typical Weather for Rabat and Hydra

Hydra Rabat
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (51°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 13°C (56°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Feb 11°C (51°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 14°C (57°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Mar 12°C (54°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 15°C (59°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 25 mm (1 in) 16°C (60°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
May 20°C (68°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 18°C (64°F) 25 mm (1 in)
Jun 24°C (76°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 20°C (69°F) 7 mm (0.3 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 23°C (73°F) 1 mm (0 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 23°C (73°F) 1 mm (0 in)
Sep 24°C (76°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 22°C (72°F) 6 mm (0.2 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 20°C (67°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Nov 16°C (60°F) 51 mm (2 in) 16°C (62°F) 97 mm (3.8 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 14°C (57°F) 102 mm (4 in)