Things
To Do
What to do
Known as the 'museum island' Hydra has been kept as it was since the 1800s (bar a few mod cons)!
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Everything is a mix of old meets new. The museum's the old slaughterhouse, hotels are old captain's homes, cars are donkeys, musicians record in old sponge factories and luxury yachts moor next to half sunken fishing boats overfilled with nets and cats.
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Due to its relatively small size and one main path around the island's edge. Water taxis, muleteers, and kind locals always know which direction to point you in, otherwise simply enjoy being completely lost & soak it all in!
Getting Around
Don't worry, even without bikes and cars it's easy and fun getting around Hydra!
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The cheapest option is of course walking, but sometimes the heat can be preeeetty intense. If so, just catch a local 'taxi mule' - particularly fun for kiddos otherwise they're amazing if you have cumbersome luggage (more details below).
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Our absolute favourite way of getting around is on a boat! You can easily catch a shared boat to any part of the island, they run like buses.
Little boats line the harbour day & night with a sign out the front saying when and where they're going. If you can't see any don't worry they'll be back soon, grab a drink instead!
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Water taxis are available day and night, and can always be found on the east side of the harbour (where the ferries moor).
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Depending on how many of you there are, sometimes it's cheaper to get a taxi and other times it's better to share.
Best Beaches
Most beaches on Hydra are pebble-strewn bays, but these tucked away, rocky coves are in picturesque surroundings with crystal clear, sparkling blue water.
You may want some water shoes to help your battered feet (or risk looking like a goblin while avoiding sharp, hot rocks). Snorkels & goggles are also fun!
Some spots are buzzy with gentle music, others are completely secluded. Take your pick!
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Below are some of our favourites:
Avlaki/Spilia/
Hydronetta
Just outside the main harbour (50m), these are the closest swimming spots to town. You can't miss them!
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Hanging off the sides of rocky cliffs and down a few narrow steps are some concrete platforms - just jump in, float around & cool off!
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Parasols, sun beds, food and drinks are available at Hydronetta and Spilia.
Mandraki
The only sandy beach on Hydra!
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~1.5km walk from town otherwise grab a quick water taxi or jump on one of the many 'Mandraki' boats in the harbour.
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Beds & umbrellas start at €10, including chilled water & a towel. There's a handy call button for drinks plus a restaurant.
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The Mandraki Resort offers a free boat service after 8pm if you book dinner with them.
+(30) 22980 52110
Bisti
Only accessible by boat, Bisti is secluded and removed from the 'day trippers'.
A scenic and relaxed boat trip is €12 return from the harbour & takes ~20mins.
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Covered in green pine trees against the blue water, it's very pretty! You can easily spend a whole day here.
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Umbrellas, sun beds, toilets, food and drinks available.
Paralia Vlichos
Enjoy a pretty coastal walk which takes around 30 minutes, or jump on their shuttle boat from the harbour.
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If you get hungry, there is a gorgeous Greek taverna called Marina close by, it's an amazing spot for a cold beer and swim!
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Beach lounges, umbrellas, toilets and food all available here.
Best Hikes
Personally we think the best hike is from your accom to any bar in town... buuut for our more active pals, these walks will reward you with incredible views!
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While hiking is a key attraction, keep in mind that it'll be hot! Avoid the middle of day (or you might die) & remember it's still light at 10pm here! In fact, it will almost be the Summer solstice.
Paths are mostly worn down by donkeys & goats so have decent shoes on (i.e not your busted pluggers), loads of bottled water and sunscreen.
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You can find more detailed hiking maps in the harbour.
Profitis Ilias Monastery
This hike will take you to a small, but still used monastery with gorgeous views across the island. It's super tranquil, plus there's a little shop where you can grab a rewarding beer!
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Much of the walk is on a stone path with a few steep stairs & is partly shaded by pine trees.
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The monks (and cats) are friendly and welcoming. They will often offer you cool water at the top (well, the cats won't...).
If you want to see this but don't like hiking, locals can arrange a mule/horse ride here (see below).
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~3 hrs return from the harbour.
(level 1)
Mount Eros
Full disclosure, we haven't actually done this trek! As it's Hydra's highest point it seems fitting to recommend this for those into hiking though.
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You can couple this option with the one to Prophet Elias Monastery as it's pretty much half way. After the monastery just keep going up! The path will get steeper and rockier but the views get grander!
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When you make it to the peak, you can take fantastic photos as the whole island will be laid out before you.
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~5 hours return.
(level 2)
Zourva Lighthouse
If you're a bit of a psychopath and feel like a challenge, you may like this one!
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This hike takes you to the remotest Monastery of Hydra and then onto Zourva lighthouse on the eastern most tip with views over the Aegean Sea.
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if you only want to walk one way, you can arrange to be picked up from the lighthouse or monastery by sea-taxi and taken back to town. Do this before you start your hike though!
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~7 hours return/13kms.
(level 3)
Historical Walks
Due to the laws not allowing any changes to Hydra's archaeological style, the island is a time capsule so if hiking feels like too much effort go for a historical stroll instead!
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Maria Voulgari is the local history expert and offers walking tours from €35.
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+(30) 6976 901 736
Art & Culture
Alongside the creatives who sit along cliff edges sketching sunsets here, five of Greece's prime ministers were born in Hydra too!
Hydra played a major role in Greece's independence and trade. You can still see the old walls and cannons surrounding the port and where the island was ravaged during WWII. There's lots of history, art and culture to explore - if you so desire.
FYI: It's worth keeping a fun eye out for A-list celebs too, many hide out here in the Summer!
Museum of Hydra
The Historical Archive Museum of Hydra, tells you everything you need to know about Hydra's history.
It's right on the harbour, and there's a big roof terrace which often has live music during the summer.
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Open everyday
09:00 - 16:00
19:30 - 21:30
€5 per person
Lazaros Kountouriotis Mansion
This bright yellow building was built in 1780 & was a family home for over 200 years. It's also where the Greek revolution was born, and later modern Greek government!
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We've been told to request Annemarie Rabias for a tour. She is the curator and has a way of describing life as it was lived in the 1800's that makes it come to life!
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Annemarie +(30) 22980 52421
Open Tuesday - Sunday
10:00 - 14:00 / 17:30 - 20:30
€4 entry.
Art
Exhibitions
Contemporary artists including David Shrigley, Juergen Teller & David Hockney have all held exhibitions on the island.
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In 2022 Jeff Koons will be showing at the old slaughterhouse (it's now a renovated exhibition gallery - don't worry!).
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Open Monday - Sunday
(closed Tuesday)
11:00-13:00
19:00-22:00
Leonard Cohen
'Now I've heard there was a secret cord... It's a cold and it's a broken Hallelujah,
Hallelujah, Hallelujah'
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Yeah, you know it.
Leonard Cohen lived on Hydra and wrote this song (and many others) here, and he is one of the island's icons!
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You can visit his home, hang out at Rolo Cafe where he had his first concert, or enjoy a cocktail at the Pirate Bar and go back to the 60s.​
Explore the town
The slow pace and long, warm days will make you feel blissfully chilled out and lazy. Once you pick a spot to relax, enjoy having very little to do!
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Eat, sleep, drink, swim, read, say hello to the cats, and potter around the harbour.
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Hydra is unhurried and artsy. Shops are open late, the sun sets late, locals eat late, and you'll wake up late, there's no rush here!
Get Lost
You won't fully realise how beautiful the island is until you start exploring the twisting alleyways & narrow backstreets.
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There are no street names so enjoy getting totally lost!
The town/harbour is charming & petite. There's no cars or bikes hurtling around corners so exploring is very easy and relaxed.
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The maze of tiny, cobbled streets are filled with cafes, restaurants, tavernas, bars, shops and a lot of animals!
Shopping
There's aren't any big name shops here, but the harbour is filled with small, local boutiques selling charming homewares, clothing, sunglasses, jewellery, souvenirs and gifts.
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There's also all the essentials like ATMs, supermarkets, fresh fruit stalls, bakeries etc.
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The town tends to swell with 'day trippers', but the shops are open late so enjoy a cooler, more relaxed evening pottering around when they've all left!
Definitely visit Rafalias Pharmacy. It opened in 1890 and not much has changed since! The pharmacist is the Grandson of the founder & still reproduces his Mother's (the first female pharmacist in Greece) recipes using local florals & pretty packaging.
Visit an Artist's Studio
Hydra is known for attracting creatives, so why not visit a local artist's studio while you're here!
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Tom Powell allows visitors, but generally likes you to call and let him know first.
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+30 693 020 8228
Treat Yo-self
You're on holiday!
If you're feeling a touch seedy after the wedding or want to shake off a long flight. Enjoy a relaxing massage or facial in your room (or terrace) with the local experts.
Give these guys a call::
Rena: +30 6982 075511
Pagona: +30 6942 099 239
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Prices range from €20-50
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Armonia Wellness Center offer lots of holistic activities, plus super relaxing massages and high tech beauty treatments in town.
Yoga
If you feel like trying something different, Armonia Wellness Cente offer yoga on stand up paddle boards (SUP)! Held in a secret location, it also includes a private boat trip, SUP tour, snorkelling, food and drinks.
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Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun
10am-1pm & 2-5pm
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You'll find them tucked around the pretty back streets behind the harbour. Book via armonia.hydra@gmail.com
+30 22980 52477
Horse Rides
Donkeys, mules & horses are essential to Hydra. They're not under-loved tourist props! Instead they're real working animals, transporting everything from fridges to building materials. They just so happen to moonlight as suitcase butlers too!
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When the animals aren't needed for island work, they're there to help transport your luggage and/or provide leisurely rides.
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If you'd like a short, novelty ride through the back streets, ask anytime there's cared for animals in the port. 15-25min is ~€15-20.
Saddles are traditional wood so you'll definitely feel your ass...
If you'd prefer a proper, guided horse ride through mountains, monasteries & beaches use 'Harriet's Horses'. She's not in the port & often books out! She prefers text/whatsapp.
Harriet +30 6980 323347
1/2/8 hr rides ~€30/60/175
Night Cruises
Spend a balmy evening cruising along the coast, first enjoying a phenomenal
sunset and then cruise under a starry night sky with chill out tunes.
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If you're feeling a bit romantic after the wedding events you may like this option!
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Cruises start sometime ~8:00pm depending on the sunset time.
The boat departs from the harbour, you'll see a sign on their boat saying 'sunset and stars' just query when you go by.
€10 including your first drink.
Feeding time
If you're an early riser, try to time sitting in the harbour as the fishermen pull up and turn their boats into fresh catch of the day stalls (normally ~dawn/6:30-7am).
You'll know it's nearly time when the island's cats start to congregate on the harbour edge and the town bells ring.
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Sit back with a coffee and a warm, fresh pastry while watching with amusement as the kitties make their demands known!
