Discover the best things to do in Hydra, Greece, on a weekend trip to the island.
Hydra has been a home to artists, rich shipowning families, and prominent figures of the Greek Revolutionary War. It’s the previous residence of Leonard Cohen, and a current favorite for long weekend trips from Athens, thanks to Hydra’s proximity to the Greek capital.
Hydra has an aristocratic charm and enough beauty to draw people back to its shores again and again. A fair amount of writers, artists, and other creatives have also spent months here, drawing inspiration from the hilly landscape, historic town, and magnificent sea.
It’s one of the few islands that’s equally popular for international and local travel. The fact that it’s only a two-hour ferry ride from Athens helps as well. Read ahead to discover the best things to do in Hydra when you visit!
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Main Menu
- Intro to Hydra, Greece
- Things To Do in Hydra, Greece
- Day Trips to Other Saronic Islands
- How to Get to Hydra
- When to Visit Hydra
- FAQs About Hydra
Intro to Hydra, Greece
Hydra is one of the Saronic islands found just south of Athens, along with Aigina, Poros, Salamina, Spetses, and Agkistri. Greeks call it Ydra – ᾽Υδρα – which comes from the Greek word for water.
Sail through the Saronic Gulf, and in two hours, you will get to Hydra Port, also the main town. Once you disembark, you will be greeted by a beautifully pedestrianized town basking in the Greek summer sun.
You will see donkeys waiting right off the main port, as transport by donkey and mule is common for local Hydra residents. I generally don’t recommend tourists pay for animal rides, as the animals are often treated cruelly. However, the donkeys here seem well taken care of and are kept in the shade.
One tip: don’t walk too closely behind the donkeys, as they have a tendency to kick if they feel something behind them. If you forget that fact, don’t worry; the donkeys’ handlers will sternly warn you.
One of the reasons this beautiful Greek island is so beloved is because there are no cars allowed. The odd exception is a sanitation vehicle or fire truck.
Your transportation while on Hydra will either be a boat from the main port that gets you to remote beaches, water taxis, or for the most part, your own feet along one of the island’s walking paths.
Things To Do in Hydra, Greece
Visit the Historical Archives Museum of Hydra
To get an overview of the history of Hydra, and it’s important role in the Greek Revolution, visit the Historical Archives Museum of Hydra. You will learn about local heroes and legends that fought against the Ottoman Empire.
Wealthy, shipowning residents of the Saronic Islands gave up everything to support Greece’s fight for independence after almost 400 years of occupation. This historical archive dives into that revolutionary history, as well as the island’s history in general.
Have Brunch at Plakostroto
Tucked into one of the pedestrian alleys of Hydra Town, Plakostroto is one of the best brunch places around. Browse the healthy, somewhat West Coast-inspired brunch dishes, plus traditional Greek items like the egg dish strapatsada.
The shady stone terrace also offers a relaxing respite from the summer heat. Get a smoothie, classic Greek freddo, or α cocktail. You can drop by for lunch or dinner as well, but the brunch here is especially popular.
Swim at Bisti Beach
If you want to completely disconnect and enjoy the Mediterranean water, head to Bisti Beach. A boat leaves from Hydra Port a few times a day to make the trip out to the gorgeous beaches on the northwest coast of the island. Bisti Beach is one of the last stops, but entirely worth it.
The pine forests of the island come up right against the start of this pebbly beach. The beach has a small cantina, and not much else. Heads up, you probably won’t get much cell service or Internet on this beach. Which makes it an even better experience, in my opinion.
You will also find umbrellas and lounge chairs, which you can use for a fee. The sea here gets deep relatively quickly, but its clear blue-green shades make it a great spot to swim for hours.
There are private bathrooms you can use, tucked behind the forest trees. However, be warned that they are quite…basic. And sometimes don’t have toilet paper. So perhaps take some wipes in your beach bag.
How to Get to Bisti Beach:
Check the day’s schedule for the boats to Bisti Beach early in the morning by walking up to them. They leave from the port opposite Hydra’s clock tower. The ride takes about 20 minutes each way, and costs 15 Euros round trip.
You could also hike to Bisti, but that will take over an hour in the scorching summer sun, so I generally don’t recommend it. One last option is a water taxi, but unless you have a big group with you, these tend to be quite expensive.
Visit the DESTE Foundation Space
Many people who explore Hydra never set foot in DESTE, and that’s a shame. Paying homage to the legacy of art and culture on Hydra island, the DESTE Foundation Space is located in a former slaughterhouse.
Though the original venue is perhaps one of the least artistically oriented venues imaginable, DESTE has transformed it into an impressive exhibition space. Artists from Jeff Koons to Kiki Smith and George Condo have set up shows here.
Every time you’re back on the island, Deste Project Slaughterhouse – I know, the name isn’t the most appealing – offers something new to see.
Enjoy a Nearby Dip at Avlaki Beach
If you’d rather save money on the ferry and walk to a beach near the port, head to Avlaki Beach. It’s about a ten-minute walk on the footpath leading west out of town.
The actual “beach” part of this beach is very small, so get there early to get a spot. Otherwise, you may have to lay out on the stone platform right next to the pebbles. However, the water is just as beautiful as any beach on Hydra, Greece.
Visit the Lazaros Koundouriotis Historical Mansion
Lazaros Koundouriotis was an important figure in the revolution, a wealthy shipowner who donated his ships, crew, and a large chunk of his fortune to help Greece achieve independence. In 1979, his descendant donated his old house to the Historical and Ethnological Society of Greece.
When you visit the Koundouriotis Historical Mansion, you get the opportunity to see many different sides of Hydra’s history.
On the one hand, you get to explore a classic Hydriote mansion, with antique heirlooms and works of the time. On the other, you also get to see paintings from local artists who eventually found success abroad, both of Hydra and other subjects, and discover the art the island has inspired and exported.
Enjoy the Sunset from Spilia Beach Bar
One thing you will discover about Hydra is that it gives you multiple opportunities to experience a magical sunset. One of the best spots from which to view the setting is is Spilia Beach Bar.
Relax in one of the many lounge chairs facing the water and the other side of the town’s bay. Order a cocktail, and watch the sky get tinged with pink and purple hues. It’s a great place to stop for happy hour before heading to one of the island’s many incredible restaurants.
Dine at Techne or Castello Hydra
Both Techne and Castello are top-rated restaurants, located right next to each other. Follow the island’s coastal path west out of town, and in about 10-15 minutes you will find yourself by these gourmet Mediterranean restaurants.
Castello is perched right on the water, while Téchnē Restaurant is set a little further back, but higher up. Honestly, I would recommend one dinner at each during your Hydra weekend, as they’re both exceptional. Thanks to its location, Castello is also a great sunset restaurant to book.
Both have a mix of traditional Greek food and more international, upscale cuisine. Make reservations in advance, as tables can fill up quickly.
Shop at the Boutique Shops in the Port Area
Since Hydra attracts a lot of upper-class Athenians, you will find plenty of cute, but perhaps pricy, boutique shops along the port, especially walking from the clock tower westwards. Buy clothes, jewelry, local souvenirs, and any other Hydra things you can imagine.
My personal recommendations: Maramenou is a great jewelry store and also one of the best souvenir shops on Hydra. Turquoise is a charming little clothing boutique I also love.
But the best thing about exploring the small town of Hydra on foot is that you can probably pass by most of the local shops within an hour, and stop and browse whatever store looks interesting to you.
Hike Up to Profitis Ilias and Mount Eros
Yet another activity that many visitors to the island of Hydra don’t end up undertaking is hiking. Which is a shame, because I think the long hike up to Profitis Ilias – i.e. Prophet Elias – is one of the best hiking trails on the island.
The main route leads to the only male monastery on the island, established in 1813. When you’re almost there, if you take a small detour to the right, you can also check out the neighboring nunnery of Agia Efpraxia. The hike takes 1.5 to 2 hours, covering a distance of 1.6 miles (2.6 kilometers).
If you continue after reaching the monastery, you will reach the top of Mount Eros. It’s only 30 minutes, but it’s a steep climb. However, the panoramic views of the town and harbor below are worth it. You will also get photo opportunities most Hydra tourists never experience.
I recommend you do this hike either very early in the morning just after dawn, to avoid the midday heat. You can try doing it a couple of hours before sunset, but in the summer, it will still be pretty warm. Depending on how long the hike takes you, you might also end up descending the path after dark.
Stop By Leonard Cohen’s House
Leonard Cohen is one of the most famous previous residents of Hydra. His love for the island was unmatched, and he established a permanent residence in town. You can’t enter, and many visitors miss it because the house is unmarked.
But if you go to Leonard Cohen Street, you will spot a white house with a pale blue door. That’s the musician’s former residence, which is still owned by his family today.
Take Photos by the Cannons and Andreas Miaoulis Monument
Another monument from the Greek War of Independence is the statue of Andreas Miaoulis. Born on the island of Hydra, he went on to become a distinguished admiral during the water. He led the Greek navy to victory against the Ottoman Empire.
The statue, located on the eastern point of Hydra Town bay, is surrounded by old cannons used during the war. It’s a great place to get picture-perfect views of the rest of the town below you.
Visit the Fishing Village of Kamini
Most visitors to the small Greek island of Hydra never venture beyond the main town, with the exception of exploring a couple of beaches. However, if you walk 20 minutes along the coastal paths to the west of town, you will come across the small fishing village of Kamini.
Even in the peak season of the summer months, Kamini tends to be more relaxed and peaceful than the main town. Relax nearby while watching the fishing boats in the tiny harbor, or sit down at a cafe or restaurant in the village.
Many restaurants here feature a fresh catch of the day, thanks to the fishermen who supply them. Another cozy little place you can chill at is kam.in Hydra, an all-day cafe/bar.
Have a Nightcap at Amalour
Unlike islands like Mykonos, Hydra isn’t known for crazy nightlife. But it has its share of pretty great cocktail bars. On the top of that list is Amalour, located in one of the alleys leading uphill from the west side of the port.
The bar is at a fork in the road, with tables taking up the space out front. Even though it has a fair amount of space, on a busy Hydra weekend you might have trouble getting a seat if you show up too late. Unless it’s a slow day, Amalour usually stays open until 3 or 4 AM.
For a more “party” vibe, you can usually count on Pirate Bar Hydra. Since it opened all the way back in 1976, it’s become known as the place to dance the night away on Hydra if you’re up for a late night.
Stay at a Remodeled Old Hydra Mansion
To fully experience the charm of Hydra, stay at one of many remodeled-Hydriote-mansions-turned-hotels.
Not only will you get a charming boutique hotel experience – and if you’ve read my blog for a while, you know I love a great locally-owned boutique – but you can actually stay inside a traditional house that used to be occupied by a family in Hydra.
One of my favorites is the Cotommatae 1810 Guest House, an old captain’s mansion that’s now a four-star hotel. It’s slightly uphill from the port, a few streets into the town, but still a very convenient spot for exploring your surroundings.
If you want a beach resort feel, try Mandraki Beach Resort, about a ten-minute walk east of town. It’s one of the few such hotels on Hydra.
Day Trips to Other Saronic Islands
If you spend more time on Hydra, you can take day trips to another Saronic destination or the coastal resort town of Porto Heli, on the Peloponnese.
The ferry to Porto Heli takes about an hour. Explore the beaches and luxurious dining opportunities of this area of Greece, then head back to your Hydra hotel by the end of the night.
Otherwise, take a ferry to nearby Poros, which is small enough to be explored on a day trip. The ferry to Poros only takes 30 minutes.
How to Get to Hydra
In the summer season, ferries leave Athens’ Piraeus Port five to seven times a day for Hydra. Ticket prices vary by demand and season, but usually cost 30 to 60 Euros each way.
You can usually find ferry tickets pretty close to the departure time, but if you know what day you’re going ahead of time, it’s best to book in advance.
There are still frequent ferries in the winter, though with fewer sea crossings than during the tourist season. Book with FerryScanner ahead of time to grab a seat!
When to Visit Hydra
Most people visit Hydra during the summer, so they can enjoy a quick dip in the sea along with the many other activities the island offers. Many places in Hydra are only open from early May to mid-October. Some of the restaurants and bars close down during the off-season as well.
If you want to experience Hydra when its warm enough to swim, but without huge tourist crowds, I recommend the shoulder months of June and September. There will always be fewer visitors during the week, as Hydra’s proximity from Athens means it’s a popular weekend destination for many Athenians.
However, some artists call Hydra home during the winter months as well, making it an interesting winter destination in Greece. That’s when the island is at its most tranquil, and quite a few creatives find inspiration in the wild seas, sparsely populated towns, and rugged hiking trails they can explore during this time on Hydra.
FAQs About Hydra
How Affordable is Hydra?
Hydra is one of the more expensive islands in Greece, thanks to the rich Athenians and luxury clientele it generally serves. Keep that in mind when planning your budget.
In the summer, most 3-star and 4-star hotels cost between $100-$200 a night, and some luxury suites can run way higher. You can find a few more budget-friendly deals in some portside hotels.
What Should I Pack?
Take good walking shoes with you! Remember, there are no cars on Hydra, so you will be walking quite a lot every day. I also recommend sunscreen and a good hat (or any other type of head covering) to protect against the strong Mediterranean sun.
I also recommend packing a couple of more “island chic” outfits, as people tend to dress up a little to go out at night. Flowy dresses for women, button-down shirts for men, etc.
What Should I Know Before Booking A Hotel?
No matter where you stay, try to book in advance. During the peak tourist months of July and August, the hotels in town fill up fast. And since Hydra is a small island, there are only so many lodging options available.
During summer weekends especially, Hydra has become a popular wedding destination. If you don’t reserve ahead of time then, you will have a hard time finding a room.
How Do I Hire a Water Taxi?
If you want to splurge on your own private sea transportation, hire a water taxi. They usually line up on the east side of the port, noticeable thanks to their distinct red hulls.
Water taxis should have their rates displayed inside the boat, which can vary based on the number of people in your group and the distance you want to travel. If you’re taking a taxi from Hydra Port to a remote destination, make sure you also tell the drive when you would like to be picked up.
You can either check in with the water taxis in person once on the island or call +30 22980 53690.
Should I Take a Day Trip to Hydra?
Many tourists to Greece with limited time for island hopping do take day trips to Hydra, as its nearby and easy to get to. There’s also the option to take a day trip to Aegina, Poros, and Hydra with Athens Day Cruise, starting early in the morning from Piraeus and returning around 8-9 PM.
However, I highly recommend at least 2-3 days on the island. The lack of cars and walkability puts you in “island” mode, but you can’t experience that part of Greece if you only have a few hours on Hydra.
How Do I Get to Hydra From Athens Airport?
If you want to get to Hydra directly from Eleftherios Venizelos Airport, take the metro or a taxi to Piraeus.
You can find a taxi waiting right outside the airport, and they cost between 50 to 60 Euros during the daytime, and 70 to 80 Euros if traveling at night. The journey to Piraeus takes 1-1.5 hours depending on traffic.
Otherwise, the Blue Line of the Athens Metro leaves the airport approximately every half hour and takes you directly to the port. The journey takes an hour and costs 9 Euros.
I don’t recommend renting a car as…well, you won’t be able to use it on Hydra anyway, so you’ll be forced to leave it at a parking lot near the port.
Enjoy your trip, and I hope this Hydra travel guide helps you on your journey!
Have you been to Hydra? If not, tell me your favorite Greek island you’ve ever visited below!