Hydra Island - a complete travel guide

HYDRA ISLAND, GREECE - TOP PLACES TO VISIT AND ACTIVITIES

Hydra, also known as Idra or Ydra, is located in the Saronic Gulf, at a short distance from Athens. Numerous celebrities have been attracted by the beauty of the island over the years, and today it is considered one of the most bohemian and elegant locations in Greece.

There are no cars, scooters or bicycles on the island, so the only way to get around, besides walking, is by boat. Although it is not a large island, it is almost impossible to walk around it in a single day, especially since it is quite hilly and has differences in level.

Whether you choose to visit Hydra as a day trip from Athens or spend your entire vacation there, I am sure you will find this article useful. Here you will find useful information for planning your trip, as well as ideas for activities, places to visit and accommodations.

HOW DO YOU GET TO HYDRA?

As I said above, Hydra is a completely pedestrian island, so, as expected, it is not served by its own airport.

The easiest way to get there is by ferry from the Port of Piraeus. Ferry tickets are a bit more expensive than those to other islands. To find the best deal, I recommend comparing prices from several companies, both online and directly at the port counters. We found the cheapest option at €95/ 2 people, round trip with the company Magic Sea Ferries.

Another option to reach Hydra is also by ferry, but departing from locations such as the Poros and Spetses Islands or from the mainland, from the ports of Ermioni or Porto Heli.

You can also get to Hydra as part of organized excursions. You can opt for an excursion that includes only visting this island or excursion that includes stops on few islands.

WHERE DO YOU STAY IN HYDRA?

Below are some of the locations that caught my attention and are listed on most major accommodation platforms:

• Loukia's Apartments - apartment-type accommodation unit, which has options with one or two bedrooms. It has a terrace. This unit is listed on 3 of the largest platforms, so you can compare prices on any of them: Booking, Agoda and Tripadvisor;

• Hotel Miranda - 4-star accommodation unit, which has single, standard/twin, or apartment-type rooms. This unit is listed on 3 of the largest platforms, so you can compare prices on any of them: Booking, Agoda and Tripadvisor;

• Angelica Traditional Boutique Hotel - 4-star accommodation unit, which has double, triple, or suite rooms. This unit is listed on 2 of the largest platforms, so you can compare prices and book on any of them: Booking or Agoda;

PLACES TO VISIT IN HYDRA

Hydra Port is the first location we come across once we leave the ferry. Although it is a fairly small port, it is very picturesque, so it is worth taking it slow and exploring. I recommend that you dare to climb the stairs near the Hydra Museum to admire the view from the viewpoint. For me it is my favorite place on the whole island.

Hydra Historical Archives Museum

After enjoying the view of the harbor, it's time to learn some interesting facts about Hydra. As the name suggests, the museum focuses on the historical part, especially the 18th century, highlighting the role the island played in the war of independence.

Hydra town, which blends into the port area, is the liveliest part of the island. Here we can enjoy the holiday vibe of the cobblestone streets, full of tourists, but also the multitude of terraces, cafes and restaurants that "invite" you to relax.

Exploring the historic area, we can't miss the pharmacy that has been open since 1890 and owned by the same family.

Kaminia is a small fishing village, with absolutely gorgeous picturesque landscapes. It is located about 20 minutes walk from the port. In the immediate vicinity is Kamini Beach, a rocky beach.

Agios Nikolaos Beach is worth considering, if you are willing to take a boat ride of about 35 minutes. This beach is not on Hydra Island, but on a nearby islet. As with the beaches in Hydra, it is not a fine sand beach, but a rocky one, so proper footwear is essential. It is equipped with sun loungers, umbrellas and a tavern. The price of the return boat trip is 20 euros/person and the same is the price of a set of sun loungers.

Vlychos Beach is a slightly wider beach than the rest on the island, with pebbles and a gentle entrance to the water. It is equipped with sun loungers and umbrellas, and there is a bar and a restaurant nearby. The water is crystal clear and there's a ladder on the concrete shoreline for easy entry. It is located about 30 minutes away from the port and can also be reached by water taxi.

Spilia Beach is the closest swimming area to the port, so it can get crowded very quickly. The term beach might be a bit of an overstatement, considering it is made of concrete and is very narrow. There is a taverna nearby.

Avlaki Beach is our favorite swimming spot. It is divided into two parts, a very narrow rocky beach area and a concrete area. The water is clean, crystal clear, and when seen from above, it has an absolutely gorgeous turquoise color. It is a short walk from the port and can get quite crowded during the day.

To visit more beaches, you can either opt for a boat tour, details here, either for renting a private boat, for which you don't need a skipper license, details here.

TOP RESTAURANTS AND PLACES TO EAT IN HYDRA:

• Piato Restaurant is the ideal location to try good authentic Greek food at reasonable prices. It is located right in Hydra Port;

• Techne Restaurant & Social is one of the most recommended restaurants on the island. To have dinner at sunset it is recommended to make a reservation in advance. The cuisine is Mediterranean. The prices do not exceed the average prices on the island by much;

• Omilos falls into the category of somewhat more expensive restaurants, but both the food and the location are highly appreciated by tourists. It is located on the coast, with a view of the sea, and the cuisine is Mediterranean;

  
  

CONCLUSIONS ABOUT HYDRA

Hydra is a relaxing destination, offering enough options in terms of places to visit, activities and sights to cover from a full day of exploring to a few days. Although it can get very crowded in high season, I consider it the ideal location for people who want a quiet holiday, without the hustle and bustle of big cities.

Hydra is definitely worth exploring, especially as a day trip from Athens, even if the price of the ferry ticket may tip the balance towards choosing other, more affordable locations.

On our vacation in Athens, we visited in a different day Aegina Island.

Read about other locations in Greece, such as Zakynthos Island, Meteora or Athens.

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