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

Should you visit Hydra or Santander?

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

Should I visit Hydra or Santander? 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 Santander?

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.

Santander

Santander is the capital of the Cantabria Region which runs along the northern coast of Spain. Located right on the bay, it is a place of many historic churches and a handful of interesting museums that range from archaeological discoveries of the region, to maritime history, and cultural features like bullfighting. There is also a large selection of beaches for those looking for a more relaxing getaway in the sun and sand.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in Greece, The Best 10-Day Tours in Greece, The Best 10-Day Tours from Madrid, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Barcelona.

When comparing the travel costs between Hydra and Santander, we can see that Santander 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 Santander Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Hydra or Santander?

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

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 Santander in the Summer?

Both Santander and Hydra are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Hydra this time of year.

In July, Hydra is generally a little warmer than Santander. Daily temperatures in Hydra average around 27°C (81°F), and Santander fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

It's quite sunny in Santander. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hydra. Hydra usually receives more sunshine than Santander during summer. Hydra gets 357 hours of sunny skies, while Santander receives 213 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Hydra usually receives less rain than Santander. Hydra gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Santander receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Hydra or Santander in the Autumn?

Both Santander and Hydra during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Hydra for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Hydra is a little warmer than Santander in the autumn. The daily temperature in Hydra averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Santander fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

It's quite sunny in Hydra. In the autumn, Hydra often gets more sunshine than Santander. Hydra gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Santander receives 133 hours of full sun.

Santander gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Hydra usually gets less rain in October than Santander. Hydra gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Santander receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hydra or Santander in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Hydra and Santander. Many visitors come to Hydra in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Hydra is a little warmer than Santander. Typically, the winter temperatures in Hydra in January average around 10°C (51°F), and Santander averages at about 9°C (49°F).

Hydra usually receives more sunshine than Santander during winter. Hydra gets 143 hours of sunny skies, while Santander receives 91 hours of full sun in the winter.

Santander receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Hydra usually receives less rain than Santander. Hydra gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Santander receives 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Hydra or Santander in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Hydra as well as Santander. Most visitors come to Hydra for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Hydra is generally a little warmer than Santander. Daily temperatures in Hydra average around 16°C (60°F), and Santander fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hydra this time of the year. In the spring, Hydra often gets more sunshine than Santander. Hydra gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Santander receives 148 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Santander. Hydra usually gets less rain in April than Santander. Hydra gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Santander receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Santander and Hydra