Hydra Island (or Ydra or Idra) is a shocking Greek island off the mainland coast. It’s small however packs many issues to do in Hydra for all guests. It’s the proper island in Greece to loosen up, take pleasure in a couple of scrumptious meals, and luxuriate in all the gorgeous seashores.
You may simply go to for at some point and really feel happy, or keep a whole week and by no means get bored. Nonetheless lengthy you keep, we promise you received’t be dissatisfied!
The place is Hydra?
Hydra, pronounced Ýdra (like ee-dra) is a part of the Saronic Islands group of Greece and probably the greatest locations to go to within the nation. It’s separated from the Peloponnese by a slender strip of water and takes lower than one hour by way of ferry to get to from the mainland.
It’s a preferred Greek Island to go to, particularly with Athenians, since it’s only a brief day journey away from Athens. Hydra is a scenic island well-known for its artsy scene, many galleries, whitewashed homes, and lack of motorized autos.
Sure, you learn that proper. The one inside combustion autos on the island are the few city-owned vehicles 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, shortly changing into certainly one of our favorites.
Easy methods to Get to Hydra
Earlier than we dive into the most effective issues to do in Hydra, let’s talk about transport. So far as Greek Islands go, Hydra is fairly straightforward to get to, due to 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 finest to verify Ferry Hopper to see ferry schedules.
These ferries will guide up within the warmth of summer time, so it’s finest to guide on-line beforehand. All ferries will drop you off in Hydra City. For those who aren’t close to Athens, it’s also possible to 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 are not any motorized autos or forms 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 Finest 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 High quality 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 dwelling to collections of vintage furnishings. If somebody is round a property, ask if you happen to can have a peek. You by no means know, they could supply a tour!
Attend the Miaoulia Pageant
The Miaoulia Pageant is likely one of the greatest occasions on Hydra and unofficially marks the beginning of summer time. It’s probably the greatest 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 reveals, and tributes to notable neighborhood members.
There are numerous areas on the island to benefit from the competition, but it surely’s principally round the primary village. For those who can’t attend your complete competition, verify the schedule and plan your itinerary so you’ll be able to see as many distinctive occasions as potential. The competition is free!
Kick Again at Hydronetta Seashore Cafe
You may say that Hydronetta Seashore Cafe is extraordinary. It’s definitely not like any strange cafe and spending a day is likely one of the finest 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 loosen up 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 reside jazz music fills the air.
The meals is nice too! Suppose scrumptious salads and native delicacies comparable to octopus, locally-caught fish, and parfaits. For a soothing day, spend a whole day at Hydronetta sipping espresso, consuming cocktails, swimming, assembly locals, and listening to reside music.
Location: Mandrakiou-Molou, Idra, Hydra City 18040
Price: Costs range relying on what you order, however the value vary ranges from €4 for a drink to €35 for a delicacy.
Catch a Present at Hydrama Theatre & Arts Centre
Among the best methods to expertise Greek tradition is thru theater. The Hydrama Theatre showcases trendy theatrical and dance performances in a shocking venue on a plot of land overlooking the ocean.
The theatre is situated 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 it’s essential to do whereas in Hydra, it’s swim within the Mediterranean Sea. There’s no scarcity of lovely seashores with beautiful surroundings. In close by Spilia and Hydronetta, there are swimming platforms that you could dive or bounce off.
Avlaki Seashore is just 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 Seashore and luxuriate in a number of the finest snorkeling. You’ll discover Mandraki Bay, which is Hydra’s solely sandy seaside, north of the primary city. Just about all alongside the coast, you’ll find incredible locations to swim! Spend money on some water footwear 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 Pretty 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 best way, you’ll see beautiful 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 seaside close to an previous fortification and a number of other eateries and retailers. The trail is west of Hydra Harbour, and Kamini is a 15-minute stroll alongside the coast if you happen to hold strolling alongside the coast previous Kamini to achieve 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 probably conscious of the water taxis, however you might marvel how individuals 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 affords ten totally different excursions that final from half-hour to eight hours. Some widespread journeys embrace Agios Fotini Monastery and City and St. Konstantinos.
Excursions vary from €25 to €175 relying on the size and kind of tour you select. For one thing totally different out of your typical horseback driving journey, go for the tour that permits you to go swimming along with your horse.
Hang around with Some Pleasant Cats
There’s a motive Hydra is sometimes called The Island of Cats. There’s a lot of cats roaming round, notably close to the harbor the place they will get a simple feed of fish.
Whereas many are feral, they’re fairly pleasant, and most will let 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 known 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. Fashionable, however classic. Techne is a world of contrasts, however if you happen to’re in search of a tremendous meal, that is the place to be. Its location is sufficient to attract you in. A historic constructing on Avlaki Seashore with a stunning courtyard with tables underneath palm timber.
Conventional Greek and Mediterranean recipes with a contemporary spin made with solely the freshest elements out there are on the menu. Aegean sea bass, beef rib, a spread of starters, salads, and pasta dishes are only a sampling of what’s out there.
Menu objects price between €7 and €32, and it’s value attempting not less than 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 apart from, the beautiful 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 degree, you’ll discover the gorgeous monastery and its cobblestone environment, gardens, and artwork. The Agia Efpraxia Nunnery can also be situated on Mount Eros. Simply comply with the indicators!
See the Island from a Boat
One other method to see the island is from a ship, and Alma Libre Every day Cruises sails from the Hydra Port day by day. You possibly can embark on a personal six-hour cruise of the waters surrounding the island in a standard 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 go away 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 way of some again alleys to search out Leonard Cohen Avenue and the three-story whitewashed dwelling. If you wish to discover it shortly, it’s finest to ask somebody for instructions as it may be exhausting to search out.
Go to the Historic Archives Museum
An effective way to study Hydra’s historical past is to go to the Historic 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 particular person.
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 just 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 relationship again to the thirteenth century BC.
The water taxi from Hydra Harbour to Dokos prices €90, so it’s finest 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 are not any fish markets on the island. As a substitute, the fishermen pull their boats as much as the wharf and show their catch for anybody who needs to purchase one thing contemporary from the ocean on the Hydra Harbor. If you need 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 best way. The perfect half is you received’t have to fret about site visitors as a result of there are not 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 whenever you get misplaced!
Rent a Donkey as a Tour Information
The opposite methodology 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 possibly can see the donkeys on the steps at Alpha Financial institution in Hydra City. A 15-minute experience 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 achieve this flag. It’s probably the greatest issues to do in Hydra. On the best way 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 beautiful views of the harbor and city if you happen to attain the highest.
To begin, 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 hold climbing! Be sure that to put on correct strolling or mountaineering footwear.
Pay Homage to Leonard Cohen
Leonard Cohen has a lot admired on Hydra Island, and the area people paid tribute to him with a particular bench made 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 achieve it and get an genuine Greek expertise away from the crowds of the primary harbor. Take pleasure in a stunning seaside 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 hold an eye fixed out!
The place to Keep on Hydra
We stayed at Hydra Icons, only a brief stroll away from Hydra Port, and beloved it. Not solely was the property lovely and trendy, but it surely 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 Finest 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. Many of the pictures on this article had been taken in July.
When is the Finest Time to Go to the Greek Islands?
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I hope you loved this information on what to do on Hydra! Hopefully, you discovered it helpful. Listed below are a couple of related articles for extra journey round Greece!
Greek Journey Planning Sources
‘Hi there’ and ‘Thank You’ in Greek: “Yasou” and “Efharisto”Forex: Euro – (EUR) – €Visa: Schengen visa. Which is 90 days within the European Union out of 180. Many nationalities are granted this on arrival totally free. Test along with your embassy to see if that’s you.Climate: The climate in Greece is a Mediterranean local weather. This implies winters are gentle and wet, whereas summers are heat and dry with loads of sunshine all year long.What to Pack: Heat climate garments and a swimsuit, don’t neglect a very good pair of garments to go and a jacket for cool nights. Examine what to put on in Greece.Finances: For those who’re within the preliminary levels of planning, try our superior put up that breaks down how a lot a visit to Greece prices.Lease a Automotive: We propose most guests contemplate renting a automobile for the most effective journey potential. Strive Uncover Automobiles to match quotes from totally different rental businesses. Test Value Right here!Shield Your Journey: Don’t neglect to buy journey insurance coverage! We all the time carry journey insurance coverage to guard us from damage, theft, or a canceled journey. We use HeyMondo for our insurance coverage wants.Excursions in Greece: Take a look at our checklist of the most effective excursions you’ll be able to take pleasure in in Greece!Journey Adapter: Be sure you discover a good adapter to maintain your private electronics charged. In any other case, you might be paying for an inexpensive one when you land. Buy one right here.
