Hydra island things to do: A Complete Travel Guide to Greece's Most Charming Car-Free Isle Where Donkeys Still Rule the Streets
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Hydra is an amazing place in Greece, located 35 miles south of the port of Piraeus. The main attraction of the island is the small town of the same name, built around the harbor and resembling a horseshoe.
While mooring in the harbor, there is a circular view. Looking around the town from aboard a yacht, you feel like an actor on the stage of a natural amphitheater, where the walls and the audience are houses, majestically cascading down from the mountains, which have been watching the harbor since the middle of the XVIII century.
Today I want to tell you about this place where time seems to have stopped. I will tell you what to do on the island, how to visit it, what you can see here and so on.
Hydra Island (Idra, Greece): is it worth a visit?
Today the island has become much more popular among tourists, travelers and yachtsmen, but still retains the status of a hard-to-access colorful place where not everyone can reach.
There is a serene and relaxing atmosphere everywhere. In this cozy and charming corner no one is in a hurry – the perfect place for a relaxing vacation.
The island seems to be isolated from the rest of the world. Time stands still when a string of loaded mules rides past, clattering with horseshoes.
Despite the medieval identity, the infrastructure of the city is well developed. A lot of boutique stores with handmade jewelry and souvenirs. Cafes and restaurants where you can taste authentic Greek cuisine and get acquainted with national culinary traditions.
View of Hydra Island from the observation deck
Hydra is a long and narrow island, with a mountainous terrain where pine forest is replaced by rocky hills. Explorers who aim to climb to the top of Mount Eros (590 meters) will be able to fully appreciate this landscape.
The route starts at the embankment and smoothly passes through an ancient monastery where you can take a break and replenish your water supply before the steep climb. At the top, the reward is an exceptional view of the sea and the surrounding islands.
Houses cascading majestically down the mountainsides of Hydra Island
The capital of the island of Hydra, which bears the same name, is set in the shape of an amphitheater on a hillside overlooking the Saronic Gulf. It is one of the most romantic places in Greece.
Traditional stone mansions, narrow cobbled streets, secluded squares and, above all, a total ban on the use of cars are the distinctive atmosphere of Hydra.
Only a couple of miniature garbage trucks can be seen on the streets. Donkeys are the old-fashioned means of public transportation on the island.
The town is delightful and timeless. You can see for yourself at the Koundouriotis family home or at the archive museum, where photographs and paintings bear witness to the beauty that has reigned here for generations.
The whitewashed narrow alleys that turn into cobblestone streets will lead the tireless traveler along winding paths to the observation deck with an incredible panoramic view from the upper terraces of the amphitheater city.
In the 60’s of the 19th century, Idra was famous in bohemian circles of artists and poets. Fans of folk music will enjoy sitting on the seafront at Café Rolo, where Leonard Cohen himself was a regular.
View of Hydra Island from the sea
A little history of Hydra Island
In ancient times, the population of Hydra was very small. According to the records of Herodotus, the island was inhabited by the peoples of mainland Greece, who were engaged in animal husbandry, agriculture and fishing. Subsequently, the Peloponnesian inhabitants settled on the island and began to actively develop seafaring and shipping on the island.
Gradually, the island became an important trading port. Due to its extensive naval and trade activities, the island experienced unprecedented economic growth. The local powerful navy participated in many decisive naval battles.
Hydra is still of great importance to the Greek state. This tiny island is home to one president and five Greek prime ministers!
The modern island of Hydra rose to fame in 1957, when the movie “The Boy on the Dolphin” with Sophia Loren was filmed here. Soon various foreign figures (including the famous composer and writer Leonard Cohen) began buying and restoring local real estate, following the wealthy Greeks, who, by then, had long appreciated all the charms of the island.
The luxurious mansions, built by Italian craftsmen and owned by important Greek families (Voulgaris, Tombazis, Bountouris, etc.) point to the rich past of the island. Today, most of these mansions have been turned into museum houses.
The island of Hydra was and is one of the main centers of artistic creation. In the 50s, the island hosted and inspired many artists not only from Greece, but also from abroad.
Despite its small size, Hydra is home to about 300 churches and 6 monasteries, adding to the very romantic atmosphere of life “out of time” that flows on this island.
Despite its widespread popularity, the island remains untouched by time: being an architectural reserve, Hydra is practically devoid of new constructions – it is forbidden on the island.
The ancient narrow streets of Hydra wind between the “toy” houses of Hydra Town
Where is the island of Hydra and its geography
The island of Hydra is located on the northwestern side of the Peloponnese peninsula, between the gulfs of Saronic and Argolikos, and is separated from the Peloponnese by the Strait of Hydra. The island is mountainous and stretches from east-northeast to west-southwest. All settlements are located on the north-northwest coast facing the Peloponnese.
The largest settlement on the island, as well as its capital, is the city of Hydra. Its quarters are located around the harbor, forming a crescent shape. On the harbor promenade there are hotels, restaurants, markets and stores that cater to tourists and locals. There is no automobile traffic on the island except for garbage trucks. Horses, donkeys, and mules are used as transportation.
The island is connected to the mainland, particularly the port of Piraeus and other islands, by ferry.
Location of Hydra Island on the map
How to get to Hydra Island
There are two classic ways to choose from:
- By cruise sailing yacht or catamaran, rented in the port or during an exciting excursion.
- Or by city ferry or meteor from Athens, which has regular connections to the island. From the mainland to Hydra, water transportation runs from the port of Piraeus.
The main yachting anchorage of the island is the port of Hydra. It is a small fishing port, constantly crowded with yachts and local fishing boats. Yachts are parked at the waterfront stern or bow to the pier or on the inside of the breakwater at their own anchor.
There are several other anchorages on the island. One is located about a mile east of Hydra harbor. Another very nice and quiet anchorage is on the west end of the island.
Hydra is frequented by almost all yachtsmen who charter yachts in Athens. Therefore, be aware that in Hydra harbor it can be difficult to find a place to park your yacht at the pier, even in low season.
On the way to Hydra Island by boat
What to see and do on Hydra Island
Many of the city’s mansions, once owned by ship captains, have become museum houses. These are large stone structures with exterior staircases and expensive foreign furniture inside.
Check out the Historical Archives Museum – here you can see national costumes, old prints and various military artifacts.
The Church Byzantine Museum of Hydra operates at the Monastery of the Virgin Mary, built in the mid-17th century. Here you can admire ancient church vestments and relics.
On the highest point of the island is the Monastery of Elijah the Prophet (Profitis Ilias), which offers beautiful views of the Aegean coast.
One important feature of Idra is that it is the only island in Greece where the use of motorized land vehicles, from the car to the smallest scooter, is completely prohibited. There are not even bicycles here.
May be useful: see options for hotels, villas and apartments in Hydra, at this link
One of the main modes of transportation on the island are donkeys
What to see on the island
The Greek island of Idra, or as it is more commonly called – Hydra, is located in the Saronic Gulf. It is a wonderful vacation spot, where, in addition to the beautiful landscape, tourists can calmly walk along the cobblestone streets and sit in one of the coastal restaurants.
Since the area of the island is only 55 square meters, there is no automobile traffic. The locals travel by horse or donkey and offer tourists to get to their destination in this way.
Your visit to the island will most likely start with its capital, Idra. It will captivate you with its snow-white houses, which in the old days were inhabited by captains and sailors, and Idra is also considered a center of pilgrimage for artists, writers and world celebrities. Thanks to this, various festivals and cultural events are often held on the island.
Monastery of St. Eupraxia
The monastery is nestled on the slope of Mount Eros, in a picturesque setting surrounded by centuries-old pine and cypress trees. The building was constructed in the 19th century and its main cathedral temple is characterized by simple architectural forms.
People come here for the atmosphere of peace and tranquility. The journey from the capital to the Monastery of St. Eupraxia takes about an hour, and donkeys can help shorten the journey.
St. Elijah Monastery
This monastery is located within walking distance of the convent of St. Eupraxia. It is a picturesque location offering impressive panoramic views of the Saronic Gulf.
From here, you can reach the top of Mount Eros to increase the view and see even more beautiful scenery.
The monastery is also noted in Greek history. A hero of the national revolution was imprisoned here. T. Kolokotronis.
St. Elias Monastery
Historical and Archival Museum
You can learn the history of the island at the museum, which is located on the eastern quay. There are exhibits and artifacts that belong to different eras – clothes, figures decorating the bows of ships, weapons, etc., on display here.
Koundouriotis House
Another museum where you can view works of Greek paintings. The mansion itself is sure to impress with its interior decoration. Members of the Koundouriotis family, at various times, participated in the country’s wars of independence and also commanded the Greek navy.
Cathedral
The temple is located in the capital of the island and is considered one of its main attractions. The first church and several cells were built on this site in the 17th century.
During the earthquake that struck the island in the 18th century, the buildings were badly damaged. The restoration work was carried out by Venetian architects.
The main cathedral temple is made in Byzantine style. The interior of the cathedral strikes attention with beautiful frescoes, marvelous chandeliers and a large number of icons in gold and silver frames.
Hydra Cathedral
St. Nicholas Monastery
This place of Christian pilgrimage is located four kilometers from the capital. The exact date of the foundation of the monastery is unknown. The holy place is located on Mount Obori.
The road to the monastery is quite difficult and stony. The church of the monastery is built in Byzantine style, inside it is decorated with a wooden iconostasis. Now there is a nunnery functioning here.
“Boy on a dolphin”
It is safe to say that the island became popular after the world premiere of the movie “The Boy on the Dolphin”. Thanks to the actors’ performance, movie-goers took a liking to the beauty of the island, and thus, the movie made it famous all over the world.
Frequent guests of the island were such famous artists as Marc Chagall, Picasso, as well as actress Audrey Hepburn, singer Maria Callas and others. The statue of the boy was installed on the island in 2006.
Statue Boy on a dolphin
Which beaches to choose on Hydra?
There are many beautiful sandy beaches on the island. Some of them are crowded and some are perfectly secluded.
Spilla Swimming Rocks Beach
The beach is under a hill with restaurants and taverns at the top. The beach is located near the capital of the island. Tourists like to gather here and have dinner in one of the restaurants in the evening and watch the spectacular sunset.
Avlaki Beach
The water in this place is deep and cool, and the beach itself is stony. It is not suitable for vacationing with children. This is a wild beach, so bring drinks and snacks with you when you go here on vacation.
Castello Beach
Cozy beach for couples with children. The coast is equipped with sun loungers and sun beds. In the cabin you can take a shower, and lunch is invited to one of the coastal restaurants.
Vlykos Beach
A beautiful beach that is located near the settlement of the same name. It is a beach with a sandy surface, which is mixed with pebbles. You can rent umbrellas and sunbeds on the beach and there are stores and cafes around.
Four Seasons Beach
A beach that is part of the hotel of the same name. The shoreline is perfect for vacationing with children. The most convenient way to get to the beach is by boat.
Molos Beach
Hard to access and turns out to be the most secluded beach on the island. It is located in a small, beautiful bay and is the perfect place for those who want to have a picnic by the sea.
Restaurants on the island
Dining here can be quite affordable – on the island you can find both luxury restaurants on the central promenade and snack bars popular with locals.
Places with home-cooked food are popular here – incredibly tasty and varied. Most of the city’s restaurants are open all year round.
Cafes and restaurants on the streets of Hydra
Take pictures of cats on city streets
Small four-legged creatures accompany you everywhere on the island.
During the island’s heyday, merchant ships brought rodents along with their goods. And later, to solve the mouse problem, cats were brought here as well.
Now, fluffy four-legged cats delight the residents and guests of the island every day. Cats are loved and cared for here. The duties of social workers even include feeding these animals.
In their turn, local fishermen, returning with their catch, treat the tailed cats with fish, gathering around them concerts consisting of two or three dozens of meowing cats. The feeding process is watched by an enthusiastic audience from nearby cafes.
Cats on the streets of Hydra are everywhere
For yachtsmen
Recommendations for a comfortable stay in Idra harbor.
Idra harbor is small and not commensurate with the number of yachts trying to enter it. It is appropriate to plan the time of arrival for 9-10 hours, at this time most of the yachts that have spent the night here leave, freeing up space at the quay wall or at the breakwater.
The entrance to the harbor is narrow, it is worth paying attention to the exiting vessels. Traffic is intense, besides sailing and motor yachts, pleasure boats, high-speed meteors and water cabs often enter the harbor. The latter only slow down before mooring.
Mooring in the harbor of Idra Island
Yachts are moored stern to the pier with the bow pulling back at anchor. Moorings in Greece are used in domestic marinas, otherwise, with few exceptions, be prepared to pull anchor.
During the yachting season, Idra is crowded and there is no choice of locations, but if you are lucky, plan according to wind direction.
When south winds are blowing – safely stand near the city embankment – it is easier to go ashore, closer access to the water tap and a strong wi-fi signal.
In north, north-west winds a rolling wave enters the harbor, the yacht is chattering. And if the anchor crawls (because of seaweed and stones in some places it holds weakly), it will pile up on the wall.
In this case it is better to stand to the northern breakwater. It is not worth to press against the wall, at the breakwater there is ballast under water, contact with which will damage the rudder feather and spoil the crew’s rest.
Mooring in the harbor of Hydra Island
Bay Specificity
When coming into the harbor in the afternoon be prepared to stand on the second and sometimes third side. Often there is a situation when another anchor is placed on top of the anchor and this is normal for Hydra.
The cargo barge in the center of the harbor is also anchored, be careful when mooring alongside . Anchor when hooked, can be removed only by a diver.
If there are no places and the weather is calm, moor to the barge, but with an additional anchor point.
Under no circumstances should you stand on the outer wall of the breakwater. There is 50-70 meters of chain on a charter yacht, but even with the chain out all the way, the risk of snagging the anchor on the rocks is not reduced.
It is not recommended to wait out stormy weather coming from the north and northwest in the harbor and on the island. Due to the increase of wind gusts and rolling waves, it becomes turbulent. It is better to take care of moving to a safe place in advance. For example, there is Ermioni harbor 10 miles away, it will be safer to wait there.
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Hydra Island Cove
Mandraki Bay
One mile east of the city harbor is Mandraki Bay. There is always a place to anchor there. When the winds are southerly, the bay is calm.
It happens that gusts of wind come from the mountains and the yacht twists around the anchor. Pulling ashore will help to avoid this. Standing will be more comfortable. Do not press close to the beach near the hotel.
At a depth of 5-8 meters along the bottom there are surprises in the form of thrown ropes, chains and plastic fences for swimming. The likelihood that the anchor will collect a lot of “artifacts” on itself will be great. After that, you can’t do without the help of a diver.
On the shore there is a tavern serving traditional cuisine. Here ask to order a water cab to the main harbor.
If you arrived in the evening, before sunset, I recommend a walk. You will walk only 2.5 km, and for this, as a bonus – aesthetic pleasure from contemplating the surrounding nature and sunset.