An Insider’s Guide to the Best things to do in Hydra 

Last Updated on 23rd January 2024 by Sophie Nadeau

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The small and incredibly gorgeous Hydra Island is a Greek gem on the Argo-Saronic Gulf. It is a perfect destination for a short getaway from Athens as it’s easy to reach with a short ferry ride. In this guide we’ll detail the best things to do in Hydra, as well as what to know before you go.

If you’re planning a summer escape in Athens but would like to discover what island life looks like in Greece, then this guide is perfect. It offers you an insight into the island, practical details to visit, and a list of the best things to do in Hydra.

General Information about Hydra

Hydra is a tiny island on the Aegean Sea, part of the Saronic group of islands. It is located off the eastern coast of the Peloponnese, not far from the city of Ermioni. Hydra is situated less than 70 kilometers from Athens.

The island is relatively small, no more than 65 square kilometers, yet, it’s home to some of the most picturesque landscapes in the country, with crystalline seas and rugged cliffs. 

The highest point on the island is Mount Eros, about 590 meters high. One of the most interesting activities on the island is to hike or ride a donkey or horse up the hilly terrain to obtain amazing views of the surrounding sea and other small islands in the area.

The main settlement on the island is located around the port. Known as Hydra Town, this small harbor settlement is amphitheatrically built around the small port, It features characteristic stone-built houses, cobblestoned streets, and an elegant waterfront dotted with cafes and small boutique shops.

Along Hydra’s coast, you will find shores with rocky and pebbles, natural small harbors, and a few hidden coves that you can explore by boat. For more Greece inspiration, check out our top Greece travel tips, how to spend a honeymoon in Greece, and the best-kept secrets of Greece.

When is the Best Time to Visit Hydra? 

As with most Greek islands, the best time to visit is between summer and spring. Summer (from June to September) is the most popular season with hot days and almost no rain. These are the most popular months to visit, therefore, expect crowds and higher prices.

If you still want to enjoy pleasant weather but are not an enthusiast of crowded places, visit in the spring (April to June) or in the fall (September to October) seasons.

These periods still offer pleasant weather, with more comfortable temperatures than summer, but also fewer crowds, and a more relaxed atmosphere. Prices tend to be a bit more convenient too.

During winter,  Hydra is a very quiet island. All crowds are gone and you might experience a shortage in accommodation as many hotels close during the cold season. The weather is mildly cold and rain is not uncommon. 

Sometimes, connections with the mainland might be interrupted due to storms or high tides.

How to Get to Hydra

The most common way to get to Hydra from Athens is by ferry. Regular ferries reach Hydra several times per day. The journey is from 90 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the boat. High-speed ferries, (hydrofoils) are faster but more expensive and don’t depart in rough sea conditions.

Flying dolphins (locally known as Delphinia) are high-speed catamarans that connect the Piraeus Port to Hydra in about an hour. These high-speed boats are faster but more expensive and don’t depart in rough sea conditions.

If your budget stretches a lot more, you can even hire a private boat that takes you to Hydra from Athens. This more expensive service often leaves the small harbor of Marina Zeas, an exclusive marina not far from Piraeus.

Moving around in Hydra

One of the most distinctive traits of the island is that it’s a car-free destination. On the island, motorized vehicles are not allowed, the same goes for motorbikes and bicycles. 

As a result, moving around on the island can be primarily made by donkeys or water taxis, although most people prefer to walk.

Best Beaches in Hydra

The island features a rocky coastline with some pebbled beaches, however, its crystal-clear water with turquoise hues attracts hundreds of visitors every year.

These are some of the beaches you should not miss on the island:

• Mandraki: This is a small shore a few steps from Hydra Town, easy to access by foot or by hiring a private water taxi. The small beach has pebbles and is quite shallow, making it a great choice for families or for those who don’t excel in their swimming skills.
• Vlychos: This is another popular pebble beach near the small settlement of Vlychos, featuring a beautiful coastline and a few traditional taverns nearby.
• Avlaki: The beach is located near the settlement of Kamini and it is a tiny shore featuring colorful pebbles and clear waters.
• Bisti: The beach is located on a lesser-visited area of the island, on the western coast, it is a tranquil shore surrounded by cliffs and lush vegetation.
• Kamini: This is another small pebble beach with a relaxing vibe, offering some organization (sunbeds and umbrellas to rent) as well as a few seaside taverns.

Nearby Islands

There are several islands close to Hydra worth a visit. For instance, it is possible to visit Hydra, Poros, and Aegina, from Piraeus on a daily cruise that visits the three islands, or you can hire a water taxi to reach them from Hydra.

Other islands part of the Saronic Gulf that are close to Hydra include Spetses and Angistri.

Best Things to Do in Hydra

Explore Hydra Town

Small and picturesque, the main town of Hydra is a typical Greek coastal settlement with a beautiful port that shelters dozens of small boats as well as luxury yachts that come to Hydra from everywhere in the Mediterranean.

A walk along the port is a favorite thing to do in the afternoons, before sitting at one of the many seaside coffee shops to enjoy the sunset while sipping a glass of cold coffee or tasting a portion of delicious baklava.

Walking along the winding alleys of the village opposite the sea, it’s possible to breathe in the tranquil atmosphere of a provincial settlement, be amazed at the stone houses and winding cobbled alleys, many of them uphill, and often trafficked by donkeys taking tourists (or their luggage) from the port to their accommodation.

Check out Hydra’s Museums

Despite being a small town, the island has a few interesting museums to visit during your stay which provide insights into the island’s history and past that has always been closely related to Greece’s marine activities.

You can check out the Historical Archives Museum of Hydra which is hosted inside an impressive former mansion that belonged to Andreas Miaoulis, an important Greek admiral. 

This is the place to visit if you’re interested in the maritime history of the island since it features ship models, traditional costumes, and documents related to the Greek War of Independence. 

On the other hand, the Ecclesiastical and Byzantine Museum of Hydra houses an important collection of religious art, including Byzantine-style icons, vestments, and other religious items. 

Hike the Coastal Path to the Beaches

As we have mentioned before, Hydra is a car-free island, which means that the most popular way to move around is by walking. Although there are several trails you can follow to discover Hydra, probably the most popular one is the path that from the island’s harbors heads along the coast and passes through some of the island’s beaches.

Start early in the morning to avoid the hottest part of the day and walk east to explore Kamini and Vlychos beaches. If you walk west, instead, you can reach the gorgeous beach of Mandraki.

If walking under the sun takes a toll on you, don’t worry! You can take a cooling dip in the crystal-clear waters once you arrive and then lie on the small pebbles for a restoring break.

Visit the Monastery of Profitis Ilias

There are several monasteries on the island you can visit, however, since they are often located up the hills of Hydra, you will need to hike some of the mountain trails to discover them.

For that reason, it’s a good idea to visit before sunset, this way you will avoid the hottest hours of the day, and also enjoy spectacular views during the golden hours.

In particular, Profitis Ilias Monastery is at the end of one of Hydra’s most popular trails, and the place offers some inspiring views since it is located on top of Hydra’s highest peak, Mount Eros. 

The monastery, which is situated about 6 kilometers from Hydra Town was built back in the seventeenth century and it features traditional Orthodox architecture, housing a central church with beautiful paintings and icons. 

The hike to the monastery is a difficult ascent quite steep. The hike is about 2 hours, so carrying enough water with you and wearing the right hiking shoe is a must.

Enjoy the Local Cuisine

As in many other islands in Greece, Hydra is a fantastic place to taste the most famous staples of Greek cuisine. However, fresh fish and seafood are the best things you can have in Hydra. 

Think grilled octopus, marinated anchovies, or fried calamari paired with a glass of cold beer sitting by the sea… can it get any better?

In Greece, it can!

On Hydra, staple dishes include the local shrimp (Hydriotika Garida), served sauteed in olive oil with abundant herbs, lemon, and garlic. Another delicious dish is savoro, a tasty appetizer made with sardines, and marinated in a tangy sauce made with vinegar, olive oil, onions, and spices. 

On the island, you can also splurge on other specialties, including chickpea fritters, local pork sausage (a bit spicy), and delicious cheese. 

If you prefer sweet flavors, you can never go wrong with baklava, deep-fried loukoumades soaked in honey syrup, or galaktoboureko cake with creamy custard and crispy phyllo dough.

Grab a Cocktail at a Legendary Pub

Not everyone knows that Hydra is the island chosen by popular singer Leonard Cohen as the place where he would spend long seasons. He even has a house on the island… and also his favorite pub, The Pirate Bar. 

The place is located on the waterfront and is a legendary refuge where to listen to music and enjoy a classic cocktail while watching the sea.

Check out Hydra’s Bastion

The hilltop fortifications overlooking the port and the town were remarkably advantageous points with a commanding view of the sea that played a key role in protecting Hydra from frequent sea attacks providing early warning signals to the inhabitants.

Famous for its cannons, the bastions were used to protect the harbor against the frequent attacks suffered by the Turkish fleet. The bastion with its high stone walls and watchtowers respects the main traits of Venetian defensive architecture.

Today, however, they have become one of the most popular spots on the island to enjoy the breathtaking sunset views over the Aegean.

Enjoy the Sunset at the Marina

If hiking up the short but winding (and rather steep) trail to the Bastion is not your priority, watching the sunset from the marina is a valid alternative. 

When the sun goes down, the whole harbor looks truly amazing in golden to reddish tones. 

For excellent photo opportunities, don’t just look at the sea, but turn your head to the hill and admire the gorgeous stone houses that seem to catch fire with the colors of the sun. 

Shop for Souvenirs

Finally, no visit to Hydra can be complete if you don’t shop for a few souvenirs. Among the best things to purchase, I recommend local jewelry, cotton towels that dry fast and are perfect for the beach, and natural sponges for your bathroom.

Where to Stay in Hydra

Since you will be walking most of the time when visiting Hydra, pay special attention to the area you choose for accommodation to avoid excessive water taxi fees to reach the main port (the place where you will spend most of the evenings for good food, a walk, a drink or an ice cream).

These are the most convenient areas to stay in Hydra:

• Hydra Town: Staying right by the sea or simply close to the port is the best idea. This is a convenient location to reach different beaches and to be close to the main town, its restaurants, cafes, convenience stores, shops, and other amenities. Recommended hotel: Angelica VIP Boutique Hotel
• Kamini: If you don’t mind walking a bit (about 20 minutes from the port) Kamini is a small but picturesque settlement, ideal for those who want a most isolated location to stay. The area has just a few restaurants, a gorgeous beach, and several guesthouses to pick from. Recommended hotel: Onos Residence
• Mandraki: This is another interesting coastal village, not far from the port, where you will also find several guesthouses, family-run hotels, and studios to rent. Recommended hotel: Villa Mandraki

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Gabi Ancarola is a journalist and travel writer who has lived over 20 years in Italy, and has been living in Crete for the last five years. She hosts culinary tours, translates and writes for her Crete travel blog The Tiny Book. She’s written for Greek Reporter and published several travel guides about Greece.