Hydra Island

As you shall be approaching the port of Hydra it is definite that its picturesqueness in combination with the natural beauty of the gifted landscape will capture your sight. No wonder why Hydra is considered to be an ideal resort for your vacations.

Located at the southern part of the Saronic Islands cluster, at the Saronic Gulf, Hydra is situated at a close distance to Athens, the capital of Greece and that is why is regarded as an unique destination even for a weekend escapade. Hydra has approximately 2.300 inhabitants.

Hydra is an extremely scenic island that bears an extremely important nautical history that is reflected on the renovated mansions, the old picturesque port with the loopholes and the canons, the museums, the monasteries, the naval academy and other elements that show that Hydra is an island with important history.

Hydra Town, which is the only town of the island and which has been declared preservable, is outspread on two rocky hills and pulses with traditional houses with tiled rooftops, vivid blue-colored windows and doors, as well as flowered yards surrounded by fences.

If you are interested in spending your vacations at an extremely picturesque and traditional and at the same time cosmopolitan and much-frequented resort, seize the opportunity to visit the island of Hydra in order to relish an unforgettable experience.

Accommodation in Hydra

If you decide to include Hydra on the list of islands you are visiting during your vacation in Greece, rest assured that you will find the Hydra hotel that suits you best among all hydra accommodations available. In the Town of Hydra you can find charming and comfortable hotel accommodation in rooms and studios for rent, offering first rate services and up-to date facilities. Many accommodation units are roofed under beautiful restored mansions giving the sense of living in past eras and intensifying the traditional element.

Where to Stay in Hydra

The scenic town of Hydra which is amphitheatrically built above the port includes a plethora of hotels that will accommodate you while on the island, as it constitutes the only settlement and is the capital of Hydra, too. You may choose to stay in one of the Hydra hotels located nearby the port or pick a Hydra hotel a bit further up, which will definitely offer excellent panoramic view of the Saronic Gulf and the rest of the town. Whichever Hydra hotel you choose for your accommodation in the town of Hydra, your stay will be an unforgettable experience.

Hydra Nightlife & Events

Hydra is considered one of the islands addressing to people seeking for tranquility and a relaxing vacation away from the hustle and bustle of city life and crowded resorts. However, it has a rather lively nightlife with various options in dining and many entertainment venues. You will find a wide range of restaurants and traditional taverns serving indulging local foods that will satisfy your appetite, while you can enjoy a drink or an afternoon coffee in one of the many bars and cafés located around Hydra Town.

If you are fond of attending cultural events and festivals, do not miss the Epitaph procession on Good Friday, at Kaminia, and the “burning of Judas” on Easter Sunday. In summer time, you can attend “Miaouleia” Festival, in honor of admiral Miaoulis, in June, as well as the International Puppet Festival taking place in July.

Hydra Sights & Attractions

Hydra is a historical island and even nowadays reflects the glorious days that this naval place has experienced, as the moment you approach the island you see the rampart with the canons. Have a nonchalant walk around the narrow cobbled streets around the town and you will get acquainted with the imposing mansions of important figures. The Lazaros Kountouriotis mansion has been rendered into a branch of the National Historical Museum where you can see the family’s heirlooms, while at the Georgios and Pavlos Kountouriotis mansion you can exhibits of historical importance. Other interesting attractions are the Ecclesiastic Museum and the Historical Archive. For nature aficionados, there are beautiful paths all around the island waiting to be explored.

Hydra Beaches

The Island of Hydra is renowned for the lush vegetation around the shores and the great crystal clear waters of its beaches, which amaze tourists of all tastes due to their morphology which differs from one beach to the other. Hydra beaches range from sandy to pebbly, to rocky areas from where you can dive into deep refreshing water. Starting from Hydra Town southwards you can swim at Mandraki, Spilia, Hydroneta, Avlaki, Vlychos, Palamidas, Molos and Bisti, while in the southeastern part of the island you will find the beach of Agios Nikolaos, Nisiza, and Limioniza. Beaches are reached on foot, on donkeys or by sea-taxis, as cars are not allowed on the island.

Hydra Weather

Hydra has the typical Mediterranean climate that prevails through the rest of the Saronic Ιslands and Greece, in general. Winter months are temperate with long periods of sunshine and little rainfall, while summers are dry and warm creating a pleasing environment for holiday makers. This agreeable weather throughout the year makes Hydra an all-year round holiday destination.

Hydra Travel Info

You can reach the Island of Hydra by ferry boat or hydrofoil from Piraeus Port. There are daily departures to Hydra and the trip lasts about 3 hours by ferry boat and 1 ½ hour by hydrofoil. If you enjoy road trips, you may alternatively take the route Athens - Corinth via the National Highway and then continue towards Epidaurus - Galatas - Metohi. You can park your car at Metohi, which is just opposite Hydra, and get transferred to the island on a sea-taxi. The road trip usually takes up to 2 ½ hours. Whichever way you choose for your transfer to the island, make sure you get a good map of Hydra that will become your loyal companion throughout your stay.