Hydra, Greece’s Charming Small Island Getaway

Looking from one of Hydra Town Harbour to the other

A short ferry from Athens is the small but beautiful island of Hydra. Part of the Argo Saronic group, this picturesque place has attracted a number of famous faces over the years and is known for not having cars or any vehicles on the island. In this article we’ll take you through what Hydra has to offer and why it is perfect for a day trip from Athens or a great place to experience the traditional side of Greece and relax. 

How to get there
Hydra is far too small to have an airport.  As it is near to Athens though it is easy to fly into there and get a ferry from Piraeus. Athens has many direct flights from the UK including the four major London Airports, Birmingham and Edinburgh. 

a small Greek ferry

Hydra Town
Hydra Town is the only large settlement on the island and is where most of the accommodation and things to do on the island are. The town climbs up the hillside like an amphitheatre offering a great view whether you have just gotten off the ferry or are looking down from above. Something you’ll notice pretty quickly is that there are no vehicles, this peace and quiet takes you back in time and offers a serene setting for you to relax and take in everything this island has to offer. Whereas when you get off the ferry on most islands you are greeted with taxis and cars to pick up guests and take them to hotels, on Hydra you are met by a man holding a donkey. This will be taking your luggage to your accommodation. Walking is the only way to explore the island by land.

Looking down on Hydra Town

Walking through the town you can see the beautiful architecture of its buildings from elegant mansions built from stone to white walled buildings topped with red tiles that scales the hills surrounding the harbour. For a small island, it has plenty to see and do, especially if you like museums. Attractions such as the Historical Archives Museum, Merchant Marine Academy and Ecclesiastical Museum can be found in town and give history lovers plenty to get their teeth stuck into. The best of these is the Bastions, forts built at the port entrance that used to protect the island from attackers.
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Soak up the atmosphere in one of the many tavernas and cafes that line the waterfront. Here you can watch the boats and ferries come and go and get a feel for what a traditional Greek Island is like. 

The donkeys of Hydra

Beaches 
Whilst not an island known for its beaches, there are some good ones, many of which are very secluded. You can only get to a few by foot so you have to travel by boat if you want to go to the others. Most of the beaches on the island are pebbled and unorganised but the larger ones closer to the town have tavernas and sunloungers nearby so that you aren't fully isolated. Tours around the island go from the harbour and take you around the sights of the island showing small coastal villages such as Kaminia and Vlychos both which can also be reached by a walk along the coastal path.
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We hope this has given you some insight into the island of Hydra. It's relaxed and quiet atmosphere is the reason those such as Leonard Cohen have come here to get away it all. To find out more about Hydra or the rest of Greece, take a look around our website or call us on 01156547795. If you know where you’re wanting to book, call us, email [email protected] or fill in our contact form with what you’re looking for. Don't forget to follow us on social media to find out the next Destination of the Week and for all your Greek Holiday needs. If you've been to Hydra, where was your favourite place? What was the best thing you did, or do you think we missed anything? Let us know in the comments or on social media, just click the buttons below which take you to our social pages.

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