A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Hydra vs. Zaragoza for Couples, Attractions, Food, and Old Town

Should you visit Hydra or Zaragoza?

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

Should I visit Hydra or Zaragoza? 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. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Zaragoza

Zaragoza is a compact, authentic, and cultural city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Hydra and Zaragoza: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hydra or Zaragoza?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Hydra than Zaragoza, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Hydra is better known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and small town charm, while Zaragoza is more popular for its food and nightlife. Hydra is more touristy than Zaragoza and is known for its picturesque setting, car-free setting, and beautiful old town. Also, Hydra is famous for The Monastery of the Assumption of Virgin Mary. Zaragoza is well known for its grand landmarks, local cuisine, and rich cultural scene.

How is Hydra different from Zaragoza?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Both Hydra and Zaragoza have very good landmarks and museums for visitors.

Hydra offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

Many visitors head to Zaragoza specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. For such a small city, it really has a large number of cultural and historical attractions. The Basilica of Our Lady of Pilar is the most recognizable sight, but there's also the Museum of the Roman Forum of Caesaraugusta, the cathedral of Zaragoza, and the Aljafería Palace, among others.

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

Zaragoza is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Hydra is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Zaragoza makes for a great culinary experience. There are authentic restaurants that cater to locals and tourists alike. You'll also find some interesting food tours around town. Tapas are popular, as is chocolate and fresh, traditional recipes.

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 Zaragoza Better for Nightlife?

Zaragoza is a popular place for nightlife. However, Hydra is a island with minimal options for nightlife and partying.

Zaragoza has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The nightlife is at its best on weekends, when students and young locals head out on the town. Many evenings start with tapas and wine, but there are nightclubs and dancing as well.

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 Zaragoza Better for Resorts?

Hydra is a nice place to visit for its resorts. However, Zaragoza is not a resort destination.

Hydra has a few great resort options. It's a popular day trip destination, but if you stay for a night or two, you'll find boutique hotels and charming pensions.

Zaragoza is not a resort destination.

Is Hydra or Zaragoza Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Hydra is a nice place to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Zaragoza 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.

Zaragoza is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Hydra or Zaragoza Better for Beaches?

Hydra is a nice place to visit for the beach. However, Zaragoza is not a beach destination.

Hydra has a beach worth visiting. 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.

Zaragoza is not a beach destination.

Is Hydra or Zaragoza Better for its Old Town?

It's fun to wander around the very good old towns in both Hydra and Zaragoza.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Hydra. 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.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Zaragoza. The old town is small but filled with monumental buildings and an authentic atmosphere.

Is Hydra or Zaragoza Better for Hiking?

Hydra is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Zaragoza 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.

Zaragoza is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Hydra or Zaragoza?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Zaragoza 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.

Zaragoza is well-known for its shopping. The city has many local shops selling locally produced items and interesting souvenirs. There are also boutiques, markets, and vintage shops that are fun to browse though.

Is Hydra or Zaragoza Better for Families?

Hydra is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Zaragoza is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Hydra is known to be 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.

Zaragoza is a family-friendly island. When your kids get their fill of architecture and history, you can head to the Zaragoza Aquarium. Also worth a visit is the Emoz Museum, which is an origami museum. And if you need a break from sightseeing, take a kayak out on the Ebro River.

Is Hydra or Zaragoza Better for Couples?

Hydra is an amazing island to visit for couples. Also, Zaragoza is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.

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.

Zaragoza makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Filled with culture, beauty, and monumental buildings, this is a small and romantic city. It's particularly romantic at night when the streets are quiet and many of the buildings are lit up.

Is Hydra or Zaragoza Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Zaragoza is a popular place for backpackers. However, Hydra is a island with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Zaragoza. There are enough hostels around town to choose from, and while it's not the backpacker haven that some Spanish cities are, it still sees a good number of young travelers.

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 Zaragoza Better for Students?

Zaragoza is a popular place for students. However, Hydra is not popular with students.

Zaragoza is popular with students. International students enjoy this small city because it has a local vibe where they can practice their Spanish and enjoy an authentic experience.

Hydra is not popular with students.

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

Zaragoza is a great destination for its public transit. However, Hydra is a island with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Zaragoza. There are buses and trams around the city.

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

Is Hydra or Zaragoza a more walkable city?

Hydra is an amazing island to visit for its ease of walking around. Also, Zaragoza is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its walkability.

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.

Zaragoza is very walkable. The city center is very walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Zaragoza or Hydra?

How long in Hydra or Zaragoza?

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

Families should spend more time in Hydra than Zaragoza. 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 Zaragoza. 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 Zaragoza 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 Zaragoza.

One day in Hydra or Zaragoza?

Hydra is a small town where visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Zaragoza, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this compact destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Hydra or Zaragoza?

Hydra is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this island makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Hydra, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Zaragoza. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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 Zaragoza?

Hydra is a popular choice for travelers. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Zaragoza is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Zaragoza. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Hydra or Zaragoza?

Hydra is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This island offers something for everyone.

You'll find food and shopping around the historical destination of Zaragoza. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. 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 2-Week Tours from Barcelona, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Spain.

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

Which is Bigger, Hydra or Zaragoza?

Zaragoza has a larger population, and is about 280 times larger than the population of Hydra. When comparing the sizes of Hydra and Zaragoza, 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 Zaragoza?

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 Zaragoza in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Hydra and Zaragoza. 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 Zaragoza in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Hydra is generally around the same temperature as Zaragoza. Daily temperatures in Hydra average around 27°C (81°F), and Zaragoza fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Zaragoza 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 Zaragoza during summer. Hydra gets 357 hours of sunny skies, while Zaragoza receives 344 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Hydra usually receives less rain than Zaragoza. Hydra gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Zaragoza receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Hydra or Zaragoza in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Hydra as well as Zaragoza. 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 Zaragoza for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Hydra is a little warmer than Zaragoza in the autumn. The daily temperature in Hydra averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Zaragoza fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hydra this time of the year. In the autumn, Hydra often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Zaragoza. Hydra gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zaragoza receives 196 hours of full sun.

Hydra usually gets more rain in October than Zaragoza. Hydra gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Zaragoza receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hydra or Zaragoza in the Winter?

Both Zaragoza 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 Zaragoza because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Hydra is a little warmer than Zaragoza. Typically, the winter temperatures in Hydra in January average around 10°C (51°F), and Zaragoza averages at about 8°C (46°F).

Hydra usually receives more sunshine than Zaragoza during winter. Hydra gets 143 hours of sunny skies, while Zaragoza receives 131 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Hydra usually receives more rain than Zaragoza. Hydra gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Zaragoza receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Hydra or Zaragoza in the Spring?

Both Zaragoza 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 natural beauty are the main draw to Zaragoza this time of year.

In April, Hydra is generally around the same temperature as Zaragoza. Daily temperatures in Hydra average around 16°C (60°F), and Zaragoza fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

In Zaragoza, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Hydra. In the spring, Hydra often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Zaragoza. Hydra gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zaragoza receives 217 hours of full sun.

Hydra usually gets less rain in April than Zaragoza. Hydra gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Zaragoza receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Zaragoza and Hydra