20 BEST Things to Do in Hydra Island (2023)

Hydra Island (or Ydra or Idra) is a shocking Greek island off the mainland coast. It’s small however packs many issues to do in Hydra for all guests. It’s the proper island in Greece to chill out, take pleasure in a couple of scrumptious meals, and revel in all the gorgeous seashores.

You could possibly simply go to for at some point and really feel glad, or keep a complete week and by no means get bored. Nonetheless lengthy you keep, we promise you received’t be disillusioned!

The place is Hydra?

Hydra, pronounced Ýdra (like ee-dra), is a part of the Saronic Islands group of Greece and probably the greatest locations to go to within the nation. It’s separated from the Peloponnese by a slender strip of water and takes lower than one hour by way of ferry to get to from the mainland.

It’s a well-liked Greek Island to go to, particularly with Athenians, since it’s only a brief day journey away from Athens. Hydra is a scenic island well-known for its artsy scene, many galleries, whitewashed homes, and lack of motorized automobiles.

Sure, you learn that proper. The one inner combustion automobiles on the island are the few city-owned vans and a fireplace truck. Aside from that, you’ll have to stroll, take a donkey, or sea taxi to get round Hydra. We visited Hydra this previous summer season. It was the fifteenth Greek Island we had visited, shortly turning into one in all our favorites.

E-book a tour from Athens: Day Journey – Hydra, Poros, and Aegina Day Cruise with Lunch

The right way to Get to Hydra

Earlier than we dive into one of the best issues to do in Hydra, let’s focus on transport. So far as Greek Islands go, Hydra is fairly straightforward to get to, due to its fast, direct ferries from Athens. There are frequent ferries between Piraeus and Hydra that take two hours. There are additionally slower ferries which are a bit cheaper. It’s greatest to examine Ferry Hopper to see ferry schedules.

These ferries will e book up within the warmth of summer season, so it’s greatest to e book on-line beforehand. All ferries will drop you off in Hydra City. In case you aren’t close to Athens, you may as well catch a ferry from mainland Greece on the ports of Ermioni and Porto Cheli throughout the excessive season.

Getting Round Hydra

As talked about, there are not any motorized automobiles or forms of transportation on Hydra. This implies no automobiles, no mopeds, no quads. Getting round the primary harbor is straightforward on foot. If you wish to discover the island, you’ll have to rent a donkey or boat taxi from Hydra city.

The Greatest Issues to do in Hydra

Admire The Captains’ Mansions of Hydra

Many sea captains lived on the island of Hydra, and their good-looking salaries allowed them to construct lavish mansions, lots of which have been donated to varied organizations that preserve them. 

As you enter the harbor space, you’ll discover the Tsamadou Mansion to the left. A piece of The Athens College of Superb Arts is housed in The Tombazis Mansion. The previous mansion of Lazaros and George Kountouriotis is a part of the Nationwide Museum of Historical past. 

A number of different mansions, together with Voulgaris, Miaoulis, and Boudouris, are dwelling to collections of vintage furnishings. If somebody is round a property, ask if you happen to can have a peek. You by no means know, they could supply a tour!

Attend the Miaoulia Pageant

The Miaoulia Pageant is likely one of the largest occasions on Hydra and unofficially marks the beginning of summer season. It’s probably the greatest issues to do in Hydra. This vibrant pageant takes place in June and options historic re-enactments, conventional dance reveals, musical performances, naval fireworks, lectures, sporting occasions, parades, artwork displays, and tributes to notable neighborhood members. 

There are numerous areas on the island to benefit from the pageant, nevertheless it’s principally round the primary village. In case you can’t attend your complete pageant, examine the schedule and plan your itinerary so you possibly can see as many distinctive occasions as attainable. The pageant is free!

Kick Again at Hydronetta Seashore Cafe

You could possibly say that Hydronetta Seashore Cafe is extraordinary. It’s definitely not like any atypical cafe and spending a day is likely one of the greatest issues to do in Hydra! For one, what number of cafes have you ever been to the place you possibly can stroll down a couple of steps and swim within the Mediterranean Sea?

For a caffeine jolt earlier than you head out on the day’s journey, strive a Freddo Cappuccino. Afternoons in Hydra get very popular, and Hydronetta is a good place to chill out within the breeze whereas sipping a well-known peach Daiquiri.

At sundown, sit exterior with a cocktail, beer, or glass of wine because the solar slips beneath the waves and reside jazz music fills the air.

The meals is sweet too! Assume scrumptious salads and native delicacies equivalent to octopus, locally-caught fish, and parfaits.   For a calming day, spend a complete day at Hydronetta sipping espresso, ingesting cocktails, swimming, assembly locals, and listening to reside music. 

Location: Mandrakiou-Molou, Idra, Hydra City 18040

Price: Costs range relying on what you order, however the value vary ranges from €4 for a drink to €35 for a delicacy. 

Catch a Present at Hydrama Theatre & Arts Centre

Among the best methods to expertise Greek tradition is thru theater. The Hydrama Theatre showcases trendy theatrical and dance performances in a shocking venue on a plot of land overlooking the ocean. 

The theatre is positioned beneath the Mycenaean Settlement in Vlychos, and through July and August, performances are free.

Go for a Dip within the Mediterranean Sea

If there’s one factor you have to do whereas in Hydra, it’s swim within the Mediterranean Sea. There’s no scarcity of lovely seashores with beautiful surroundings. In close by Spilia and Hydronetta, there are swimming platforms you can dive or soar off. 

Avlaki Seashore is simply 100 meters from the island’s most important city. You’ll discover Kamini, Vlychos, and Plakes Seashores simply south of city. Bisti, Agios Nikolaos, and Limnionizia Seashores are additional down the coast. 

For some added journey, take a water taxi to Bisti Seashore and revel in a few of the greatest snorkeling. You’ll discover Mandraki Bay, which is Hydra’s solely sandy seaside, north of the primary city. Just about all alongside the coast, yow will discover unbelievable locations to swim! Put money into some water footwear as a result of many of the seashores are rocky. Lots of the retailers round city promote them. 

Take a Stroll Alongside the Coast to Pretty Kamini

Heading west from Hydra Harbour is a coastal path resulting in the fishing village of Kamini. The stroll takes about quarter-hour, and alongside the way in which, you’ll see beautiful vistas, a historic windmill, and a statue of a boy on a dolphin. The village is straight away recognizable by the colourful boats within the harbor.

As you discover Kamini, you’ll discover a small seaside close to an previous fortification and several other eateries and retailers. The trail is west of Hydra Harbour, and Kamini is a 15-minute stroll alongside the coast if you happen to maintain strolling alongside the coast previous Kamini to achieve the seashores of Vlychos and Plakes. 

Embark on a Horseback Driving Journey 

An attention-grabbing truth about Hydra is the island doesn’t have any automobiles. You’re doubtless conscious of the water taxis, however you might marvel how individuals get round on land. Properly, they’ve a number of options to this dilemma, one being using donkeys, horses, and mules.     

At Harriet’s Hydra Horses, Harriet Jarman gives ten completely different excursions that final from half-hour to eight hours. Some standard journeys embody Agios Fotini Monastery and City and St. Konstantinos.  

Excursions vary from €25 to €175 relying on the size and kind of tour you select.  For one thing completely different out of your typical horseback using journey, go for the tour that permits you to go swimming along with your horse.

Hang around with Some Pleasant Cats

There’s a cause Hydra is sometimes called The Island of Cats. There’s a lot of cats roaming round, notably close to the harbor the place they’ll get a simple feed of fish.

Whereas many are feral, they’re fairly pleasant, and most will will let you give them a pet. A good way to hang around with the island’s cats is to take a stroll round the primary city close to the place the boats are available in.  

Residents and a charity group known as Hydra Ark take care of the cats, and you’ll even volunteer to assist throughout your keep.

Deal with Your self to One thing Particular at Techne Restaurant

Laid again however subtle. Trendy, however classic. Techne is a world of contrasts, however if you happen to’re searching for an incredible meal, that is the place to be. Its location is sufficient to attract you in. A historic constructing on Avlaki Seashore with a beautiful courtyard with tables below palm bushes. 

Conventional Greek and Mediterranean recipes with a contemporary spin made with solely the freshest components obtainable are on the menu. Aegean sea bass, beef rib, a variety of starters, salads, and pasta dishes are only a sampling of what’s obtainable. 

Menu gadgets value between €7 and €32, and it’s value attempting not less than one of many scrumptious signature cocktails, together with the favored Aegean Breeze.

Go to the Prophet Elias Monastery

To go to the Prophet Elias Monastery, you’ll have to do some work. Simply consider the 12-mile trek up Mount Eros as your steps for the day, and apart from, the beautiful views will take your thoughts off the climb so long as you begin early within the morning to beat the noon warmth.

At 1,640 ft above sea stage, you’ll discover the gorgeous monastery and its cobblestone environment, gardens, and artwork. The Agia Efpraxia Nunnery can also be positioned on Mount Eros. Simply comply with the indicators!

See the Island from a Boat

One other method to see the island is from a ship, and Alma Libre Day by day Cruises sails from the Hydra Port every day. You may embark on a non-public six-hour cruise of the waters surrounding the island in a standard Greek boat.

You’ll go to Zourva Lighthouse, Dokos Island, and plenty of seashores, together with Mandraki and Bisti Seashores throughout this cruise. Snacks and drinks, together with beer and wine, are included. Excursions are €133 per grownup and go away from Hydra’s most important port.

Discover Leonard Cohen’s Home

Sure, it’s true. The late nice Leonard Cohen as soon as lived on the island of Hydra. Climb a number of flights of stairs and wander by means of some again alleys to search out Leonard Cohen Avenue and the three-story whitewashed dwelling. If you wish to discover it shortly, it’s greatest to ask somebody for instructions as it may be arduous to search out.

Go to the Historic Archives Museum

A good way to find out about Hydra’s historical past is to go to the Historic Archives Museum. That is the place you’ll discover many donated gadgets of cultural and historic significance, together with artworks, paperwork, and artifacts. The associated fee is €5 per particular person.

Take a Day Journey to Dokos Island

If you wish to get away from Hydra for the day with out touring too far, the small island of Dokos, which is simply 2.5 miles away, is a good alternative. Accessible solely by water taxi. As soon as there, you’ll have entry to seashores and the stays of previous settlements relationship again to the thirteenth century BC. 

The water taxi from Hydra Harbour to Dokos prices €90, so it’s greatest to seize a gaggle and go collectively to share the prices. Contemplate a hike to the best a part of the island and benefit from the spectacular views. 

Be Among the many First to See the Morning’s Catch

Fishing is a large a part of life on the island of Hydra. Regardless of this, there are not any fish markets on the island. As an alternative, the fishermen pull their boats as much as the wharf and show their catch for anybody who needs to purchase one thing recent from the ocean on the Hydra Harbor. In order for you an opportunity to take a look at the scene, head right here early within the morning.

Discover the Again Streets of Hydra City

Hydra City is laid out in order that it’s enjoyable to discover. With so many little alleys, again roads, and steps resulting in little nooks on hills, you by no means know what you’ll discover alongside the way in which. The perfect half is you received’t have to fret about site visitors as a result of there are not any automobiles. Simply quaint pedestrian streets with colourful homes, little cafes, and retailers tucked away in random locations. 

Don’t set an itinerary, go for a stroll and get misplaced. It’s solely a small place, and you discover essentially the most attention-grabbing issues whenever you get misplaced!

Rent a Donkey as a Tour Information

The opposite technique of transportation round Hydra is by donkey. Give your drained ft a relaxation and lease a donkey to take you across the city. You’ll tour some again roads earlier than returning to your place to begin. You may see the donkeys on the steps at Alpha Financial institution in Hydra City. A 15-minute experience prices €15. 

Hike to the Greek Flag

On the left aspect of city, there’s a Greek flag on prime of a hill, and plenty of guests wish to problem themselves to hike up this steep hill to achieve this flag. It’s probably the greatest issues to do in Hydra. On the way in which up, you’ll discover a number of viewing platforms the place you possibly can relaxation and admire the surroundings.  You’ll take pleasure in much more beautiful views of the harbor and city if you happen to attain the highest.  

To start out, discover the steep white steps on the left aspect of the harbor. Take a proper on the first t-junction and the subsequent set of stairs you see, and maintain climbing! Ensure to put on correct strolling or mountaineering footwear.

Pay Homage to Leonard Cohen

Leonard Cohen has a lot admired on Hydra Island, and the area people paid tribute to him with a particular bench manufactured from wooden and stone. It overlooks the ocean to the left aspect of the primary harbor.

Discover the Fairly Village of Vlichos

One other picturesque fishing village value visiting close to Hydra City is Vlichos. Take a stroll alongside the path to achieve it and get an genuine Greek expertise away from the crowds of the primary harbor. Take pleasure in a beautiful seaside and delightful surroundings throughout your go to. 

That is only a 15-minute stroll alongside the trail from Hydra City. Celebrities and well-known artists love to hang around within the tiny villages of Hydra, and Vlichos is a well-liked one, so maintain a watch out!

The place to Keep on Hydra

We stayed at Hydra Icons, only a brief stroll away from Hydra Port, and beloved it. Not solely was the property stunning and trendy, nevertheless it has essentially the most superb personal terrace (see above). It was our favourite spot to benefit from the sundown on Hydra!

When is the Greatest Time to Go to Hydra?

The perfect time to go to Hydra is between June and September. I notably love visiting Greece in June and September when the temperatures are decrease, and the crowds aren’t at their peak. A lot of the pictures on this article have been taken in July.

When is the Greatest Time to Go to the Greek Islands?

READ MORE GREECE TRAVEL TIPS

I hope you loved this information on what to do on Hydra! Hopefully, you discovered it helpful. Listed here are a couple of related articles for extra journey round Greece!