Hydra
Discover Hydra
Hydra (Greek: 'Υδρα Ydra or Idhra, pronounced "EE-thra") is one of the Saronic Gulf Islands in central Greece. The port of Hydra has a scenic location in a deep harbour, with whitewashed houses rising on the hills on both sides from an azure blue sea. Hydra is deservedly one of the most popular day-trip destinations from Athens. An enlightened policy of development has meant that there are absolutely zero high-rise houses, cars, or motor-bikes — the only internal combustion vehicles on the island are the few city-owned trucks and a fire truck — and while the main port boulevard is packed full of tourists in season, only a few minutes away are quiet back alleys with nary a soul, and many of those visitors are day trippers, leaving the town relatively peaceful by night.
What to Experience in Hydra
Taste of Hydra...
Hydra offers many restaurants. Most prominently feature seafood, but little asterisks in the menu note that pretty much all of it is imported frozen from far away. Only a few restaurants offer local fish, and they charge accordingly. For a more local experience, head down to Kamini, which has a few distinctly unhip tavernas populated mostly by grizzled Hydriots. There are plenty of small hotels and guest houses in Hydra Island for those who don't want to limit their visit to a day trip. Note that some Hydra accommodations may be accessible only by climbing stairs, so if this is a problem for you, ask when booking. As of Aug 2022, the main town has 4G from all Greek carriers, but there's no signal elsewhere on the island. 5G has not reached this area. The flip side to Hydra's environmentally friendly transportation policy is the presence of large amounts of what might be termed "donkey exhaust", so watch your step when walking around. The nearest mainland regions are Attica and Peloponnese. Many ferries stopping in Hydra continue on to Spetses island, just 30 min away.
Essential Information
Getting There
Multiple OptionsThere are frequent boats between Piraeus and Hydra. You can opt for either a slow car ferry (around 3 hours) or a fast catamaran (1.5 hours). As of 2019, Hellenic Seaways appears to be the only online bookable option with up to half a dozen daily charging €29.50 one way. Due to the popularity of Hydra, it's possible for some of the Hellenic Seaways boats, which are small, to sell out during peak periods, especially the ones at the most convenient hours. Tickets for all boats may be bought from agencies at the harbour. Motorized transportation is forbidden on Hydra. Getting around the town centre on foot is easy enough, but for going elsewhere the only options are by donkey or boat taxi, both of which congregate at the centre of the port. For the boat taxis, there's a sign (in Greek only) listing fixed fares for popular destinations, ranging from €9 for the short hop to Kamini to €120 for a circuit around the whole island....
Getting Around & Staying
Getting Around
Motorized transportation is forbidden on Hydra. Getting around the town centre on foot is easy enough, but for going elsewhere the only options are by donkey or boat taxi, both of which congregate at the centre of the port. For the boat taxis, there's a sign (in Greek only) listing fixed fares for popular destinations, ranging from €9 for the short hop to Kamini to €120 for a circuit around the whole island. Hydra doesn't have much in the way of sandy beaches, but there are plenty of smooth rocks and pebbly bays for sunbathers. The water is clear and local daredevils show off by diving off the cliff on the road to Kamini — don't try this unless you know what you're doing! The only good swimming spot within easy access of town is the rocky shore called Spilia in the Kamini district on the west edge of town; just walk along the main coastal road leading west for about twenty minutes, and it's just past the large cafe-bar.
Where to Stay
There are plenty of small hotels and guest houses in Hydra Island for those who don't want to limit their visit to a day trip. Note that some Hydra accommodations may be accessible only by climbing stairs, so if this is a problem for you, ask when booking. As of Aug 2022, the main town has 4G from all Greek carriers, but there's no signal elsewhere on the island. 5G has not reached this area. The flip side to Hydra's environmentally friendly transportation policy is the presence of large amounts of what might be termed "donkey exhaust", so watch your step when walking around. The nearest mainland regions are Attica and Peloponnese. Many ferries stopping in Hydra continue on to Spetses island, just 30 min away.
Money & Budget
Hydra has a bit of a reputation as an artist's haven, and there are plenty of galleries around. Hydra offers many restaurants. Most prominently feature seafood, but little asterisks in the menu note that pretty much all of it is imported frozen from far away. Only a few restaurants offer local fish, and they charge accordingly. For a more local experience, head down to Kamini, which has a few distinctly unhip tavernas populated mostly by grizzled Hydriots. There are plenty of small hotels and guest houses in Hydra Island for those who don't want to limit their visit to a day trip. Note that some Hydra accommodations may be accessible only by climbing stairs, so if this is a problem for you, ask when booking.
Safety Information
Safety Overview
The flip side to Hydra's environmentally friendly transportation policy is the presence of large amounts of what might be termed "donkey exhaust", so watch your step when walking around. The nearest mainland regions are Attica and Peloponnese. Many ferries stopping in Hydra continue on to Spetses island, just 30 min away.
Glimpses of Hydra
aerial view of city near body of water during daytime
a group of donkeys tied to a lamp post
city buildings near body of water during daytime
white and brown concrete houses under cloudy sky during daytime
white and brown concrete buildings near blue sea under blue sky during daytime
green grass covered mountain beside body of water during daytime
a white bird is standing in the grass
General Research Division, The New York Public Library. "Lhydre, la coupe, le corbeau." The New York Public Library Digital Collections. 1795. https://digitalcollections.nypl.org/items/510d47dc-888b-a3d9-e040-e00a18064a99
Greece
a group of people walking along a stone wall next to a body of water
aerial view of city near body of water during daytime
a group of donkeys tied to a lamp post
city buildings near body of water during daytime