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

Should you visit Hydra or San Sebastian?

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

Should I visit Hydra or San Sebastian? 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.

San Sebastian

San Sebastian is a splendid, outdoorsy, and fun-filled city. It's also known for beaches, shopping, and museums.

Hydra and San Sebastian: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hydra or San Sebastian?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Hydra. Although Hydra and San Sebastian are popular destinations, Hydra has more sights and attractions for tourists. Hydra is very popular for its museums, scuba diving & snorkeling, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while San Sebastian attracts visitors for its food, nightlife, and beaches. 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. San Sebastian is famous for its many Michelin-starred restaurants, its world class beaches, and its beautiful buildings.

How is Hydra different from San Sebastian?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Hydra is notable for its sights and museums. Also, San Sebastian is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around San Sebastian. Head to Castillo de la Mota for nice views and walks. Museo San Telmo offers an overview of Basque culture and Palacio de Miramar is another interesting place to visit.

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

San Sebastian 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, San Sebastian is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. It is a famed culinary capital of not just Spain, but the entire world. The city has many Michelin-starred restaurants where you can experience modern or traditional recipes prepared by world class chefs. There are also pintxo bars, food markets, and gourmet food shops, that sell local ingredients and dishes. Much of the cuisine includes seafood, but you'll also find a local twist on traditional tapas. Dining is a true experience in this town.

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 San Sebastian Better for Nightlife?

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

The people in San Sebastian know how to have a good time. You can expect a lively nightlife scene around town with many bars and places to hang out. Some of the best nightlife is found in and around Parte Vieja, Centro, Reyes Católicos and Gros.

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 San Sebastian Better for Resorts?

Hydra and San Sebastian offer a relatively similar set of nice luxury resort options.

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.

With a selection of resorts, San Sebastian makes a nice vacation spot. It's both a city and a resort vacation destination with many beachside resorts that are popular during the summer months.

Is Hydra or San Sebastian Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Hydra is a nice place to visit for its diving and snorkeling. However, San Sebastian is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Hydra has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. There are some snorkeling spots around the island - most notably Bisti Beach, which is pebbly and has some interesting sea life.

San Sebastian is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Hydra or San Sebastian Better for Beaches?

San Sebastian is a great destination for its beaches. Also, Hydra is still popular, but not quite as popular for the beache.

San Sebastian is considered a top beach destination. The city has three urban beaches that are a huge attraction during the summer months. For surfing and a lively atmosphere, head to the Playa de la Zurriola. The playa de la Concha is the most photographed and famous beach in town and Ondarreta is another beautiful option.

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 San Sebastian Better for its Old Town?

Hydra is notable for its old town. However, San Sebastian does not have a historic 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.

San Sebastian does not have a historic old town.

Is Hydra or San Sebastian Better for Hiking?

Hydra is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, San Sebastian 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.

San Sebastian is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hydra or San Sebastian?

Shopping is a popular activity in both San Sebastian and Hydra.

Hydra is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Charming shops fill the town and sell local items such as handmade jewelry and traditional embroideries.

San Sebastian is well-known for its shopping. A mix of familiar brands and locally made items make shopping a fun activity. You'll also find many artisan food shops around town where you can take home some local wine or other culinary treats.

Is Hydra or San Sebastian Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Hydra or San Sebastian.

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, San Sebastian is very family-friendly. This city is surprisingly family-friendly. Not only is there the beach, but there are playgrounds everywhere. There's also the fun Monte Igueldo San Sebastian Amusement Park and the San Sebastian Aquarium. You could also take a boat ride or explore the many parks and gardens around town. And, of course, there are the many ice cream shops to check out.

Is Hydra or San Sebastian Better for Couples?

Hydra is very popular for its romantic activities. Also, San Sebastian is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

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.

San Sebastian makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With its nice beaches, stunning view points, and world class restaurants, this city makes an excellent couple's destination. There are Michelin star restaurants to dine in and many parks and gardens where you can take a stroll as well.

Is Hydra or San Sebastian Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

San Sebastian 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 San Sebastian. There are a number of hostels around town, and you'll find enough other backpackers looking to meet up so you'll never be lonely.

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 San Sebastian Better for Students?

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

San Sebastian is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. There are good educational programs in town, as well as nice beaches and a good student population. The locals are also welcoming and friendly.

Hydra is not popular with students.

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

San Sebastian 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 San Sebastian, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There's a comprehensive bus system around town that's operated by Dbus.

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

Is Hydra or San Sebastian a more walkable city?

Hydra is very popular for its high level of walkability. Also, San Sebastian is not as famous, but is still a good 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.

San Sebastian is a very walkable destination. It's a great city for walking, with many pedestrian areas and places where you can take a stroll along the river or seaside.

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

Should I spend more time in San Sebastian or Hydra?

How long in Hydra or San Sebastian?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Hydra and San Sebastian. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in San Sebastian than in Hydra. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Hydra, and 2-3 days is enough time in San Sebastian.

Families should spend more time in Hydra than San Sebastian. 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 San Sebastian. 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 San Sebastian 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 San Sebastian.

One day in Hydra or San Sebastian?

Even though Hydra is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

In San Sebastian, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this outdoorsy destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. Lots of people come for the food. 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 San Sebastian?

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. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in San Sebastian. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 San Sebastian?

Hydra is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

San Sebastian is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of San Sebastian. Lots of people come for the food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Hydra or San Sebastian?

Hydra is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

You'll find food and shopping around the beautiful destination of San Sebastian. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the food. 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 Sightseeing Tours in Spain, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Spain.

When comparing the travel costs between Hydra and San Sebastian, we can see that Hydra is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Hydra or San Sebastian?

San Sebastian has a larger population, and is about 80 times larger than the population of Hydra. When comparing the sizes of Hydra and San Sebastian, 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 San Sebastian?

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 San Sebastian in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Hydra and San Sebastian. Many travelers come to Hydra for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to San Sebastian in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Hydra is a little warmer than San Sebastian. Typically, the summer temperatures in Hydra in July average around 27°C (81°F), and San Sebastian averages at about 20°C (68°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in San Sebastian this time of the year. In Hydra, it's very sunny this time of the year. Hydra usually receives more sunshine than San Sebastian during summer. Hydra gets 357 hours of sunny skies, while San Sebastian receives 209 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Hydra usually receives less rain than San Sebastian. Hydra gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Hydra or San Sebastian in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Hydra as well as San Sebastian. 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. Additionally, most visitors come to San Sebastian for the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Hydra is generally a little warmer than San Sebastian. Daily temperatures in Hydra average around 19°C (67°F), and San Sebastian fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hydra this time of the year. In the autumn, Hydra often gets more sunshine than San Sebastian. Hydra gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Sebastian receives 144 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in San Sebastian. Hydra usually gets less rain in October than San Sebastian. Hydra gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hydra or San Sebastian in the Winter?

Both San Sebastian and Hydra are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Hydra for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to San Sebastian because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Hydra is a little warmer than San Sebastian in the winter. The daily temperature in Hydra averages around 10°C (51°F) in January, and San Sebastian fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Hydra usually receives more sunshine than San Sebastian during winter. Hydra gets 143 hours of sunny skies, while San Sebastian receives 85 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in San Sebastian. In January, Hydra usually receives less rain than San Sebastian. Hydra gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Hydra or San Sebastian in the Spring?

Both San Sebastian and Hydra during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Hydra because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Also, the beaches are the main draw to San Sebastian this time of year.

In the spring, Hydra is a little warmer than San Sebastian. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hydra in April average around 16°C (60°F), and San Sebastian averages at about 12°C (54°F).

It's quite sunny in Hydra. In the spring, Hydra often gets more sunshine than San Sebastian. Hydra gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Sebastian receives 141 hours of full sun.

San Sebastian gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Hydra usually gets less rain in April than San Sebastian. Hydra gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while San Sebastian receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for San Sebastian and Hydra