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

Should you visit Hydra or Setubal?

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

Should I visit Hydra or Setubal? 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 Setubal?

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.

Setubal

Setubal is a busy working port and major commercial fishing center. Setubal is a city that has always had a close connection to the seas, and this is celebrated along the newly rejuvenated waterfront, which encompasses the colorful fishing harbor, the popular urban park and the Troia Peninsula ferry terminal. Within the charming historic center is a maze of narrow alleys, hidden plazas, and family-owned shops, along with Portugal's largest fish market. Setubal is primarily an industrial city, but is situated in a region of immense beauty; to the east is the stunning Serra da Arrabida, to the north is historic Palmela, while to the south are the paradise beaches of the Troia Peninsula. Setubal may not be a conventional holiday destination, but there is a surprising amount to see and do within the city and the surrounding region.

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 Portugal, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Portugal.

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

Which is Bigger, Hydra or Setubal?

Setubal has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Hydra. When comparing the sizes of Hydra and Setubal, 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 Setubal?

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 Setubal in the Summer?

Both Setubal and Hydra during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Hydra this time of year.

Hydra is a little warmer than Setubal in the summer. The daily temperature in Hydra averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Setubal fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

In Setubal, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Hydra. In the summer, Hydra often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Setubal. Hydra gets 357 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Setubal receives 352 hours of full sun.

Hydra usually gets more rain in July than Setubal. Hydra gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Setubal receives 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hydra or Setubal in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Hydra and Setubal. Many travelers come to Hydra for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Setubal 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 Setubal during autumn. Hydra gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Setubal receives 213 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Hydra usually receives less rain than Setubal. Hydra gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Setubal receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Hydra or Setubal in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Hydra as well as Setubal. Many visitors come to Hydra in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Hydra is generally cooler than Setubal. Daily temperatures in Hydra average around 10°C (51°F), and Setubal fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In the winter, Hydra often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Setubal. Hydra gets 143 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Setubal receives 144 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Setubal. Hydra usually gets less rain in January than Setubal. Hydra gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Setubal receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hydra or Setubal in the Spring?

Both Setubal and Hydra are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Hydra for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months.

Hydra is around the same temperature as Setubal in the spring. The daily temperature in Hydra averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Setubal fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

It's quite sunny in Setubal. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hydra. Hydra usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Setubal during spring. Hydra gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Setubal receives 235 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Hydra usually receives less rain than Setubal. Hydra gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Setubal receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Setubal and Hydra