Picturesque, full of history, cosmopolitan and classy, it is no surprise that Hydra is Leonard Cohen’s (and ours) favourite island. Even better, Hydra is the closest island to our Live-Bio property (barring Poros right across) and an amazing day or two-day excursion.
There is so much to like about Hydra: the stone built mansions hanging over the sea, the tiny cobblestoned streets filled with flowers and life, and one of the most picturesque harbours in the Aegean, not to mention the numerous boutique shops, the stunning galleries and the inviting restaurants.
The harbour of Hydra
Sun setting over the Northern entrance of the harbour
Hydra is one of only three islands to have been left free from Ottoman rule. As a consequence, it developed its own architecture, traditions and commercial strength, thus inviting a unique blend of culture, beauty and history.
Walk through the cobblestoned streets, weave inbetween the alleyways and the traditional doors, sit on the stunning cliffside benches and enjoy one of Greece’s most spectacular sunsets. While you do so, beware of donkey traffic, as Hydra is the largest Greek island where no cars or motorbikes are allowed; enjoy this rare opportunity for tranquillity and exercise! Navigate your way through excellent restaurants, impressive art galleries, posh jewellery shops and enjoy the unspoilt landscape, like hundreds of people did for the previous centuries.
And when the sun has finished its journey over the celestial sphere, enjoy the velvet heat emitted from the stone-dressed streets. The nights in Hydra have a different energy that one cannot describe with words. We strongly recommend that you experience it!
The most popular mode of transport on the island
Aegean blue
The harbour
Waiting for the sunset
Hydra by night
Restaurants
Douskos – The “dry olive tree” restaurant
Restaurants
Don’t miss Douskos’ “Dry Olive Tree”, maybe the only restaurant we will ever recommend without a view to the sea. A more detailed review to follow.
Hydra is also home to one of our most favourite bakeries, right at the edge of the harbour opposite the Pirate Bar, with the tastiest sourdough we have ever tasted. The pies, cakes and other deserts are also to die for.
Activities
Hydra cannot boast Greece’s best beaches or most beautiful forests. As a matter of fact, part of the island’s unique attraction is the fact that it is a dry rock on the Aegean, deprived of beaches and vegetation (Hydra receives its water by boat from Poros!) Local sea taxis (remember, there are no cars, therefore no land-taxis) can take you to a couple of beaches, however our favourite refreshing spot is the stony cove 50 meters away from the harbour.
It is worth visiting the Museum of Koudouriotis, one of the most important admirals of the Greek independence struggle, housed in his emblematic mansion overlooking the harbour. The museum is full of original artefacts from the 1800s, including some stunning wood-carved furniture and an impressive firewood operated kitchen.
If you are lucky enough to visit Hydra by sailing boat (hint: be nice to us and pray for the wind to be mild), you can also visit the unpopulated island of Dokos, host to a magnificent bay and some of the bluest waters you have ever seen in your life.
How to visit Hydra
During the summer months, there are several daily ferry or catamaran connections between Poros and Hydra. An alternative (and more cost effective) option is to drive to the village of Metochi, about 20 minutes drive from our property, and cross with the local ferry service.
Hydra can be enjoyed on a day trip but if you would like to overnight there we can organise your accommodation there as well. It will be a visit you will not forget.