20 BEST Issues to Do in Hydra Island (2023)

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

You might simply go to for in the future and really feel glad, or keep a complete week and by no means get bored. Nevertheless lengthy you keep, we promise you received’t be upset!

The place is Hydra?

Hydra, pronounced Ýdra (like ee-dra) is a part of the Saronic Islands group of Greece and one of many best places to visit in the country. It’s separated from the Peloponnese by a slender strip of water and takes lower than one hour through ferry to get to from the mainland.

It’s a preferred Greek Island to go to, particularly with Athenians, since it’s only a quick 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 inside combustion automobiles on the island are the few city-owned vans and a fireplace truck. Apart from that, you’ll have to stroll, take a donkey, or sea taxi to get round Hydra. We visited Hydra this previous summer time. It was the fifteenth Greek Island we had visited, rapidly changing into one among our favorites.

Tips on how to Get to Hydra

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

These ferries will ebook up within the warmth of summer time, so it’s greatest to ebook on-line beforehand. All ferries will drop you off in Hydra City. In the event 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 aren’t any motorized automobiles or varieties of transportation on Hydra. This implies no vehicles, 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, a lot of which had been donated to numerous organizations that keep them. 

As you enter the harbor space, you’ll discover the Tsamadou Mansion to the left. A piece of The Athens College of Fantastic 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 residence to collections of vintage furnishings. If somebody is round a property, ask in case you can have a peek. You by no means know, they might supply a tour!

Attend the Miaoulia Pageant

The Miaoulia Festival is without doubt one of the largest occasions on Hydra and unofficially marks the beginning of summer time. It’s among the best issues to do in Hydra. This vibrant competition takes place in June and options historic re-enactments, conventional dance exhibits, musical performances, naval fireworks, lectures, sporting occasions, parades, artwork displays, and tributes to notable group members. 

There are numerous areas on the island to benefit from the competition, nevertheless it’s largely round the primary village. In the event you can not attend all the competition, test the schedule and plan your itinerary so you’ll be able to see as many distinctive occasions as doable. The competition is free!

Kick Again at Hydronetta Seaside Cafe

You might say that Hydronetta Seaside Cafe is extraordinary. It’s definitely in contrast to any abnormal cafe and spending a day is without doubt one of the greatest issues to do in Hydra! For one, what number of cafes have you ever been to the place you’ll be able to 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, attempt a Freddo Cappuccino. Afternoons in Hydra get extremely 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 stay jazz music fills the air.

The meals is nice too! Suppose scrumptious salads and native delicacies reminiscent of octopus, locally-caught fish, and parfaits.   For a soothing day, spend a complete day at Hydronetta sipping espresso, consuming cocktails, swimming, assembly locals, and listening to stay music. 

• Location: Mandrakiou-Molou, Idra, Hydra City 18040
• Price: Costs differ relying on what you order, however the worth vary ranges from €4 for a drink to €35 for a delicacy. 

Catch a Present at Hydrama Theatre & Arts Centre

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

The theatre is positioned under 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 will need to do whereas in Hydra, it’s swim within the Mediterranean Sea. There’s no scarcity of lovely seashores with gorgeous surroundings. In close by Spilia and Hydronetta, there are swimming platforms which you can dive or leap off. 

Avlaki Seaside is simply 100 meters from the island’s essential 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 Seaside and revel in a few of the greatest snorkeling. You’ll discover Mandraki Bay, which is Hydra’s solely sandy seashore, north of the primary city. Just about all alongside the coast, you’ll find incredible locations to swim! Spend money on some water sneakers as a result of a lot of the seashores are rocky. Most of the retailers round city promote them. 

Take a Stroll Alongside the Coast to Beautiful 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 gorgeous 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 seashore 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 in case you preserve strolling alongside the coast previous Kamini to succeed in the seashores of Vlychos and Plakes. 

Embark on a Horseback Using Journey 

An attention-grabbing truth about Hydra is the island doesn’t have any vehicles. You’re possible conscious of the water taxis, however chances are you’ll marvel how folks get round on land. Nicely, they’ve a number of options to this dilemma, one being the usage of donkeys, horses, and mules.     

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

Excursions vary from €25 to €175 relying on the size and sort of tour you select.  For one thing totally different out of your typical horseback driving journey, go for the tour that lets you go swimming together with your horse.

Hang around with Some Pleasant Cats

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

Whereas many are feral, they’re fairly pleasant, and most will can help you give them a pet. An effective 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 referred to 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 refined. Trendy, however classic. Techne is a world of contrasts, however in case you’re searching for a tremendous meal, that is the place to be. Its location is sufficient to attract you in. A historic constructing on Avlaki Seaside with a beautiful courtyard with tables below palm timber. 

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

Menu objects price between €7 and €32, and it’s value attempting at the very least 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 moreover, the gorgeous 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 option to see the island is from a ship, and Alma Libre Daily Cruises sails from the Hydra Port day by day. You’ll be able to embark on a personal six-hour cruise of the waters surrounding the island in a conventional Greek boat.

You’ll go to Zourva Lighthouse, Dokos Island, and lots 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 depart from Hydra’s essential 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 seek out Leonard Cohen Avenue and the three-story whitewashed residence. If you wish to discover it rapidly, it’s greatest to ask somebody for instructions as it may be onerous to seek out.

Go to the Historic Archives Museum

An effective way to find out about Hydra’s historical past is to go to the Historical Archives Museum. That is the place you’ll discover many donated objects of cultural and historic significance, together with artworks, paperwork, and artifacts. The price is €5 per individual.

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 courting again to the thirteenth century BC. 

The water taxi from Hydra Harbour to Dokos prices €90, so it’s greatest to seize a bunch and go collectively to share the prices. Think about 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 aren’t 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. If you’d like 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 visitors as a result of there aren’t any vehicles. 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 while 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 hire a donkey to take you across the city. You’ll tour some again roads earlier than returning to your start line. You’ll be able to see the donkeys on the steps at Alpha Financial institution in Hydra City. A 15-minute trip prices €15. 

Hike to the Greek Flag

On the left facet of city, there’s a Greek flag on high of a hill, and lots of guests prefer to problem themselves to hike up this steep hill to succeed in this flag. It’s among the best issues to do in Hydra. On the way in which up, you’ll discover a number of viewing platforms the place you’ll be able to relaxation and admire the surroundings.  You’ll take pleasure in much more gorgeous views of the harbor and city in case you attain the highest.  

To start out, discover the steep white steps on the left facet of the harbor. Take a proper on the first t-junction and the following set of stairs you see, and preserve climbing! Be certain to put on correct strolling or mountaineering sneakers.

Pay Homage to Leonard Cohen

Leonard Cohen has a lot admired on Hydra Island, and the local people paid tribute to him with a particular bench manufactured from wooden and stone. It overlooks the ocean to the left facet 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 succeed in it and get an genuine Greek expertise away from the crowds of the primary harbor. Get pleasure from a beautiful seashore and exquisite 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 preserve an eye fixed out!

The place to Keep on Hydra

We stayed at Hydra Icons, only a quick stroll away from Hydra Port, and liked it. Not solely was the property stunning and trendy, nevertheless it has essentially the most wonderful non-public 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 images on this article had been taken in July.

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