WHERE TO PLAY IN THE SUN.
WHERE TO PLAY IN THE SUN.
Pronounced Eid-rah. This relaxed and utterly charming island is an easy 60 - 90min ferry from Athens' harbour, Piraeus.
Often referred to as Greece's answer to Italy's Capri, the Island is protected by an archaeological law where nothing can be changed, even extending to no motorised vehicles & bikes being allowed. Instead you must use your feet, a boat or the local taxi - a friendly mule! It's a pretty special time capsule.
Give yourself time to soak this island in. It's filled with cicadas endlessly chanting, horses trotting, seas lapping and local bells tolling - and us getting married.
Our favorite restaurants
Prepare to eat a lot of delicious Greek food.
Do as the locals do, and unwind at one of the many tavernas & watch the world go by. Enjoy the vaguely chaotic service, warm weather and being immensely full by the time you leave!
Hydra has local restaurants & cafes ranging from modern and trendy to tiny, hidden places where YiaYia cooks.
Dinner could be a bowl of fresh mussels and orzo pasta on a rooftop, or a potato filo pie eaten hot from a paper bag overlooking the port.
Mikra Agglia
Fresh new wave Greek food, great drinks.
Il Casta
Stunning little spot for a romantic Italian dinner.
Omilos
Gorgeous cliffside restaurant.
Téchne
Amazing food, service and views.
Veranda
Romantic terrace restaurant with views across the port & mountains.
Our favorite drinks spots
While you won't find huge nightclubs on Hydra, you can visit any harbour side drinking den and easily lose several hours! The whole harbour essentially turns into an outdoor bar every evening.
Be warned, bar staff are often generous with their measures so don't blame us if you crawl home!
Hydronetta
Hydronetta bar has been voted one of the World's best bars with absolutely epic views.
Amalour & Bar 1821
These two spots have delicious cocktails and are fun street side bars with some jazz, reggae & soul on the dance floor.
*Our welcome party will be at Amalour
Pirate Bar
A must visit is the famous 'Pirate Bar'. Open from morning until late, it's been around for donkey's years and is an institution for strong drinks and fun.
Discovering the island
Alongside the creatives who sit along cliff edges sketching sunsets here, five of Greece's prime ministers were born in Hydra too!
Hydra played a major role in Greece's independence and trade. You can still see the old walls and cannons surrounding the port and where the island was ravaged during WWII. There is a lot of history, art and culture to explore.
PS. It's worth keeping a fun eye out for A-list celebs too, many hide out here in the Summer!
DESTE Foundation
In 2008, the Municipality of the Island of Hydra granted DESTE the island’s old slaughterhouse as an additional space for exhibitions. The recently restored and renovated building retains the features and traits of the past, preserving the original elements of its old identity while serving as a unique exhibition space. Every summer the Foundation hosts a series of contemporary art exhibitions on the island, including the assignment of the space to a single artist or team invited to stage a unique, site-specific exhibition.
This year they are pleased to present The Mad and the Lonely, an exhibition of works by George Condo.
Hydra on Horseback
Donkeys, mules & horses are essential to Hydra. They're not under-loved tourist props! Instead they're real working animals, transporting everything from fridges to building materials. They just so happen to moonlight as suitcase butlers too!
When the animals aren't needed for island work, they're there to help transport your luggage and/or provide leisurely rides.
If you'd like a short, novelty ride through the back streets, ask anytime.
15-25min is ~€15-20.
If you'd prefer a proper, guided horse ride through mountains, monasteries & beaches use 'Harriet's Horses'. She's not in the port & often books out! She prefers text/whatsapp.
Harriet: +30.6980.323347
Museum of Hydra
The Historical Archive Museum of Hydra, tells you everything you need to know about Hydra's history.
It's right on the harbour, and there's a big roof terrace which often has live music during the summer.
Open everyday
09:00 - 16:00
19:30 - 21:30
€5 per person
Leonard Cohen
'Now I've heard there was a secret cord... It's a cold and it's a broken Hallelujah,
Hallelujah, Hallelujah'
Yeah, you know it.
Leonard Cohen lived on Hydra and wrote this song (and many others) here, and he is one of the island's icons!
You can visit his home, hang out at Rolo Cafe where he had his first concert, or enjoy a cocktail at the Pirate Bar and go back to the 60s.
Where to soak up the sun
Most beaches on Hydra are pebble-strewn bays, but these tucked away, rocky coves are in picturesque surroundings with crystal clear, sparkling blue water.
You may want some water shoes for comfort and snorkels & goggles are also fun!
Some spots are vibey with gentle music, others are completely secluded. Take your pick!
Avlaki/Spilia/Hydronetta
Just outside the main harbour (50m), these are the closest swimming spots to town. You can't miss them!
Hanging off the sides of rocky cliffs and down a few narrow steps are some concrete platforms - just jump in, float around & cool off!
Parasols, sun beds, food and drinks are available at Hydronetta and Spilia.
Mandraki
The only sandy beach on Hydra!
~1.5km walk from town otherwise grab a quick water taxi or jump on one of the many 'Mandraki' boats in the harbour.
Bed & umbrella rentals include chilled water & a towel. There's a handy call button for drinks plus a restaurant.
Paralia Vlychos
Enjoy a pretty coastal walk which takes around 30 minutes, or jump on their shuttle boat from the harbour.
If you get hungry, there is a gorgeous Greek taverna called Marina close by, it's an amazing spot for a cold beer and swim!
Beach lounges, umbrellas, toilets and food all available here.
Some key Greek terminology to make your visit easier…
Yamas: It means cheers in Greek and trust us, you'll be saying it a lot!
Good morning: Kalimera (kah-lee-MER-ah)
Good afternoon/evening: Kalispera: (kah-lee-SPER-ah)
Goodnight: Kalinichta (kah-lee-NEEKH-tah):
Thank you: Efcharisto (eff-kha-ri-STOE)
Please/You're welcome: Parakalo (para-kah-LOE)
Food:
Horiatiki: Greek salad, we're pretty sure you know this one
Dolmades: Ground lamb/beef with lemony rice wrapped up in steamed grape leaves
Dips: Taramasalata (fish roe), Tzatziki (yoghurt, cucumber, garlic), Fava (creamy split pea) & Melitzanosalata (like baba ghanoush)
Moussaka & Pastitsio: The greek versions of lasagna
Kolokythokeftedes: Fried balls filled with courgettes
Saganaki: Halloumi or feta baked in pastry and drizzled with honey and sesame seeds
Spanakopita: Pastry filled with feta & spinach
Gyros/Souvlaki: Sliced, grilled meat wrapped up in pita filled with onion, dip, chips, salad and sauces
Keftethes: Meatballs drowning in sauce
Desserts:
Baklava or Kataifi: Nuts, butter, sugar, pastry...
Amygdalota: Almond cookies, normally served with coffee
Loukoumades: Greek doughnuts
Pasteli: Like a sesame bar