travel zone

Hydra

See also...HydraHydra Map

If you've read any of the other sections in this site, you might have noticed something about me: I'm a very stiff person when it comes to the things I decide. Whenever I decided to visit a Greek island, I knew I had to spend the days that needed to be spent in order to explore it, discover what it's about. If I visited an island when I was a kid, it didn't count, because I didn't know back then and didn't pay much attention to the things surrounding me. If I spent every day just relaxing with my friends, without visiting the sites, it didn't count either. I had to know the island.

This brings me to Hydra's case. I first visited Hydra about seven years ago. But when I think about when I visited Hydra, I don't count this trip. Why? Well, just as soon as my wife Leela, my friends (Chris and his girlfriend Maria, Evelena and her boyfriend George) and I arrived. I got sick. I had fever and I spent all of our days there lying on a bed, watching TV or sleeping, one friend taking care of me each time, taking turns.

One year later, of course, I decided I had to visit Hydra again. So, I took Leela with me and we did what I wasn't able to do the last time: discover the island.

hydra greece - hydra island map

Hydra Hotels

If you search for accommodation in Hydra I recommend you to visit Hydra Hotel Online Bookings. There, you can make your reservations directly to the hotels and find rooms in low prices and useful guest reviews.


Pergamo turquia

What does Hydra look like?

Hydra is a very unique island. Hydra town was built in a brief period of prosperity in the late 18th and early 19th centuries and it has retained its beauty thanks to an architectural preservation order which has kept the town's appearance as it was in the 1820s. More than a dozen three- or four-storeyed mansions survive around the port. Most of the action is concentrated around the waterfront cafés and shops. Visitors must walk virtually everywhere on Hydra.

hydra island - greece hydra island - greece

Are there any places I should not miss in Hydra?

hydra greece - hydra Historical Archives Museum

First of all, there's the Lazaros Koundouriotis Historical Mansion. Former home of one of the major players in the Greek Independence struggle, it's a great example of traditional architecture at the end of the 18th century. The main reception rooms on the second floor have been restored to their full splendor, furnished with all the finery from the period. The top floor houses traditional costumes and jewelery, while the ground floor has a collection of paintings by Periklis and Constantinos Byzantios.

Then there's the Historical Archives Museum of Hydra, on the eastern side of the harbor. The museum houses a collection of portraits and naval oddments with an emphasis on the island's role in the War of Independence.

Finally, the Byzantine Museum can be found upstairs at the monastery of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary and it houses a collection of icons and assorted religious paraphernalia.

hydra greece - Byzantine Museum hydra greece - lazaros kountouriotis

What about the historical and archaeological sites of Hydra?


Unfortunately, I can't think of a historical or archaeological place in Hydra that you can visit. The only places that come to mind are the museums and the mansion that I've already mentioned.


Are there any good beaches in Hydra?


To be completely honest, Hydra is not the best place to visit if you're looking for great beaches to take a dive in. There is only one sandy beach, Mandraki, and most of the beaches are crowded and kind of noisy. Nevertheless, you can visit some of the good beaches and have a good time.

The prettiest beach in Hydra for example is Limnioniza, without a doubt. It's peaceful, with shady trees and pebbles. Then there's Vrahakia, located on the western edge of town. If you don't mind its crowdedness, you'll be able to dive into clear, deep water from rocks that have been leveled with concrete for sun bathing.

Mandraki, as I said, is a sandy beach. It's nothing great, but it has facilities and sea sports.

Finally, there's Kastello, a beach with lots of pebbles and. well, children. As for Agios Nikolaos, it's ideal for a day excursion.

hydra greece - hydra island beach hydra greece - hydra island beach

Where should I eat in Hydra?

hydra greece - greek food

Hydra has dozens of tavernas and restaurants. Most of them are good and reasonably priced.

First of all, there's Taverna Geitoniko (neighboring), also known as Manolis and Christina (the names of the owners). Geitoniko is a favorite with locals who seem to enjoy the seemingly not-so-special dishes. No wonder, since the food might be traditional but it's exquisite.

Veranda is a restaurant with excellent views and dishes like spaghetti marina or pork fillet with gorgonzola cheese. Pirofani Restaurant is an amazing restaurant; the dishes are all great, but what the owner specializes in are the desserts like lemon meringue pie and chocolate or pea cake.

Kondylenia Restaurant is outstanding as well, with views over the harbor. I remember hearing that the squid in tomato sauce is rather delicious.


What about Hydra's nightlife?


Hydra's nightlife is surprisingly intense; one could describe it as a miniature of one of the more famous islands, like Mykonos. Most of the famous and popular bars are gathered around the harbor. Among them you will find Nautilus Bar, the Pirate Bar and Saronicos Bar, all of them very good. The Pirate Bar plays mostly rock music.

Hydronettas is a beautiful café-bar hanging from the rock, overlooking the sea. It plays relaxing ambiance music and serves various cocktails.


hydra - Pirate Bar


How do I get to Hydra?


Ferries connect Hydra with the other Saronic Gulf islands several times per day. There are up to 20 hydrofoils and catamarans daily from Piraeus (Zea Marina or the main port). There are also frequent hydrofoil connections to Poros and Spetses and Nafplio.

Book online your ferry tickets to the greek islands and have them delivered at home easily.

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