Life on the Greek island of Hydra moves at a slower pace. You won’t find any cars on the island, or motorcycles or bicycles for that matter.
Today, the population of Hydra is just under 2000, but in the 19th century, Hydra was home to 10,000 sailors – and the island became prosperous due to the shipping industry. After the shipping industry in Hydra collapsed (due in part to missing out on the steamship industry that made ports like Piraeus prosperous), fishing for sea sponges became the main industry. Even today when you wander around the town you’ll see sponges for sale everywhere! It’s a Greek island where, if you take some time to chat with the locals, you’ll be blessed with a hundred stories you’ve not heard yet.
Life on the Greek island of Hydra moves at a slower pace. You won’t find any cars on the island, or motorcycles or bicycles for that matter. The primary form of transportation is by foot and we are big believers that the best way to properly experience the island is by dedicating some time to walking it. Or, if you need to move something heavy, by donkey.
Its rustic beauty has attracted world-famous celebrities like Leonard Cohen and Sophia Loren, as well as creative travellers of all kinds who seek inspiration on these shores and never end up leaving.
The island architecture is stunning. The streets of Hydra are very authentic and are covered with cobblestones and many of the buildings are covered with traditional and elegant red-tiled roofs and overlook the port and the sea. You can spend a whole day exploring all the narrow alleyways of Chora.
Hydra town is the capital and main harbor of the island of Hydra. It is a wonderful little town, hidden in a small, natural harbor that is only visible from a perpendicular angle. The settlement of Hydra Town has been declared to be a traditional and protected settlement, full of beautiful mansions built during the 19th century by wealthy ship owners and merchants.
On Hydra island, you won’t see any cars! Everyone uses their foot, boats, or donkeys to get around the island. The banning of cars, along with the elegant stone mansions of the island, creates a charming atmosphere and makes the island one of the most serene destinations near Athens.
Yes, we know it is right at the port and yes, it will be full of tourists but Pirate bar is an institution on the island of Hydra and we can’t think of a better lazy morning than one spent people-watching here. Grab a freddo cappuccino and gaze at the docked boats gently rocking on the water and well-fed cats lounging in the shade.
An Italian trattoria located in a dreamy courtyard in Hydra’s alleyways. It serves traditional Italian recipes made with fresh Greek ingredients. Excellent handmade pasta or, if you want ‘fancy dinner party’ vibes, as you travel Greece, make sure to order the Octopus carpaccio with ginger – excellent!
Vlychos Beach is a lovely pebbled beach in the picturesque town of the same name, just 2km west of Hydra Town. You can reach the village by water taxi or on foot. Its waters are crystal clear, and visitors can enjoy a drink nearby from the few tavernas surrounding it. Ideal for those who love quiet and undisturbed beaches.
Discover Hydra on horseback with treks led by Harriet’s Hydra Horses to the monasteries, mountains, and beaches of Hydra Island, Greece. Run by Harriet Jarman who has been a local of Hydra since childhood, this company runs horseback riding excursions varying from 45 minutes to the whole day.
For a beautiful walking route, head out of buzzy Hydra Town west to the picturesque fishing village of Kamini. As well as soaking up beautiful azure views on the stroll, once in the village, you can explore the parish church of John the Baptist and find stunning mansion ruins. A great time for this walk is in the evening when you can combine it with a drink at dusk and the spectacular view from the Sunset Restaurant.
As one of the best restaurants on the island, Techne uses only the freshest seasonal ingredients. Its delicious ‘casual gourmet’ Greek-with-a-twist dishes are accompanied by a gorgeous garden with a view of the Saronic Gulf and lit only by the stars or the lights of the boats. During the day, when looking down from the concrete deck, you’ll see Avlakiou beach just below.
Would you like to find out more about this destination or speak with one of our Epicureans about the best options in Greece? Reach out to one of our experts who can tailor an unforgettable experience that will be the envy of your friends.