From all the islands of the Saronic Gulf, Hydra is definitely my favorite one. I have already been there twice, and I will get back for sure! It’s even suitable for day trips from Athens, although both times I stayed on the island for a few days. I decided to write a travel guide to Hydra as I love it so much! Reasons why I love it:
- It’s really close to Athens – only 1 hour away
- It has the most picturesque port I’ve seen and the most gorgeous views all over the island
- It’s full of cats and donkeys 🐱 🐴
- Most importantly, there are no cars on the island – actually not even roads!! Yes, the transports in Hydra are only boats and donkeys! 😛
How to get there
It’s really easy to reach Hydra, as it’s only 1 hour away from Athens by ferry. You can catch it from Pireaus port for around 60€ round-trip. There is a ferry leaving almost every 2 hours, so you can get there at your own pace! Remember that you cannot bring your car in Hydra – besides, you don’t need it since everything is in walking distance.
The Port
The port is what I love most about Hydra. Honestly, I have never seen a more picturesque port! It is full of boats on the one side and donkeys on the other, and that makes it really colorful. Also, it is full of small colorful souvenir shops which lay their products outside, making the scenery so traditional! Take a look for smart buys if you are looking for straw hats, magnets and linen clothing. The port starts to get busy after 10 a.m. when the first ferries arrive. If you want to take photos without people, it’s better to get there earlier, around 8 or 9 a.m. max.
TIP: If you visit Hydra in the summer, it’s worth to search when the local “Miaoulia” event will take place and include it in your dates. A great celebration takes place in the port with lots of impressive fireworks!
The Streets
The best way to get a good view of Hydra is to start wandering inside its little streets. In spring and summer you will find lovely blossoms lying on top of white houses, and you will definitely make many new cat-friends in every corner you turn 🐱. Literally EVERY corner 😛. You can see cats relaxing under the hot sun, and they will accept with pleasure any treat you give them – so cat lovers, this is your place! 😉
TIP: Don’t miss to pass by Paradosiakon tavern with its royal-blue tables and chairs. Also, the beautiful bougainvillea of hotel Miranda offers great photo opportunities.
Kamini
Kamini is a village within walking distance from the port, which you need to explore. As I already mentioned, Hydra is a non-car island so you will get there on foot. It’s a 20-minute walk, which is hard in the summer under the hot sun, but the views will reward you. As you get away from the port towards Kamini, you’ll be able to get a panoramic view of Hydra port. Kamini itself is also really beautiful, and the highlight is a famous spot where a scene from the film “Gorgones & Magkes” was shot. The spot is located just underneath the balcony of Kodylenias Resto tavern. Choose sunset time for Kamini, as the light is better for photos and the temperature will be cooler for walking!
Beaches
Although Hydra is not famous for its beaches, it does have several swim spots which are worth exploring. Most of them are not organized and some even do not have sand to lay down – just some rocks instead – so be prepared with your own equipment e.g. a small chair or straw and fresh water.
- Plakes is a beautiful organized beach with crystal clear blue waters in the village of Vlichos, which has gorgeous views and magical sunsets. There is a hotel with bar and restaurant above the beach, so no need to bring any food with you. Keep in mind that Plakes needs a 40-minute walk from Hydra port, so be equipped with sunscreen if you don’t want to get burned while walking in the sun 😛
- Kamini is an organized pebble beach next to the port of Kamini village. The beach can be accessed on a 20-minute walk from Hydra port towards Kamini and there are plenty of taverns and beach bars available.
- Bisti is a more distant organized beach with green waters right next to a thick pine forest, which makes it the absolute excursion in the nature. The way to get there is to catch a boat from Hydra harbour during any time of the day and travel for about 20 minutes with a 12€ return ticket. There is a small snack bar on the beach selling sandwiches and more, but it is quite expensive, so I suggest that you bring your own snack with you 😉
Where to eat
A true travel guide must always include food 😛 So I will finish my travel guide to Hydra with the best places to eat:
- Start your day with a good breakfast from bakery To Stahi. They have delicious products in low prices.
- For a cheap eat, you can always grab some Greek traditional gyros in Psinese tavern – beware that it does not serve the classic wrapped souvlaki. Another choice very close to the port is Kremmydi tavern.
- Last but not least, you have to try at least one ice cream flavor from the Cool Mule! This is the absolute place for ice cream on the island and is located right on the port – you can see it even while you are arriving with the ferry! Flavors change every day and often more than once a day, so it’s not a wild guess that it became my favorite spot 😂
Should I include anything else in this travel guide to Hydra? Do not hesitate to contact me for more information and feedback!
