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

Should you visit Hydra or Santillana?

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

Should I visit Hydra or Santillana? 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 Santillana?

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.

Santillana

A quaint town outside of Santander in northern Spain, Santillana de Mar is renowned for its medieval architecture. One of Spain's prettiest villages, Santillana del Mar and its cobbled streets are lined with palaces, churches, and balconies full of flowers. There are plenty of traditional shops selling local specialties, and it is nearby the UNESCO world heritage site of the Altamira Caves for something a little different.

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 Santillana, we can see that Santillana 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 Santillana Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Hydra or Santillana?

Santillana has a larger population, and is about 77% larger than the population of Hydra. When comparing the sizes of Hydra and Santillana, 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 Santillana?

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 Santillana in the Summer?

Both Santillana and Hydra are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Hydra because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Hydra is a little warmer than Santillana. Typically, the summer temperatures in Hydra in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Santillana averages at about 19°C (66°F).

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

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

Should I visit Hydra or Santillana in the Autumn?

Both Santillana and Hydra during the autumn are popular places to visit. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Hydra this time of year.

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

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

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

Should I visit Hydra or Santillana in the Winter?

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

Hydra is a little warmer than Santillana in the winter. The daily temperature in Hydra averages around 10°C (51°F) in January, and Santillana fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).

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

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

Should I visit Hydra or Santillana in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Hydra as well as Santillana. Many visitors come to Hydra in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Hydra is a little warmer than Santillana. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hydra in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Santillana averages at about 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 Santillana. Hydra gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Santillana receives 148 hours of full sun.

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

Typical Weather for Santillana and Hydra