Hydra, Greece, is among the most visited islands in the country. The island is close to Athens. Hence it is visited by travellers worldwide all year round. Let’s know more about this beautiful island to plan a detailed itinerary.

About the Island of Hydra, Greece

In the middle of Argo Saronic Gulf, Hydra is one of the most traveled Greek islands. Hydra, along with some other islands, is small, quaint, and hilly and forms the beautiful Saronic Islands. Its proximity to Athens allows tourists to reach these serene islands in just two hours.

18th-century mansions, old churches, captains’ houses, marble-covered alleyways and wells are key features and highlights of the magnificent island of Hydra, Greece.

Apart from being choke-full of stunning views, Hydra is unique historically, too. At the beginning of the 18th century, the island’s commercial fleet that traded with countries such as France, Spain, and America made it prosperous.

1. How To Reach Hydra

One of the Saronic Islands, Hydra, is just 2 hours away from Athens, and there are different types of ferries that run between Piraeus port and the harbor in Hydra. All these ferries depart from gate E8 from Athens port and stop at Poros for a quick call.

2. How To Get Around The Island Of Hydra

Though the island is quite small and accessible by foot, if you are not much of a walker or are staying up in the hills, you may use donkeys, mules, or horses available for hire just outside the harbor.

For people who want to commute to more remote villages and beaches, water taxis are available for a price.

3. When To Visit Hydra

Like any other island in Greece, Hydra’s summers are the most visited season and are popular among the crown visiting the island. The season is hot and dry, with an average temperature of 30°C or even more.

Spring is also quite popular among tourists, especially those who love hiking, as the season is a bit cooler and makes it pleasant to hike uphill and see beautiful wildflowers.

Autumn is stormier in October, but the temperature around the sea remains warm. The average temperature is around 23°C.

Winter of Hydra witnesses mild rain, and many restaurants and shops remain closed in the season. Tourists still visit the island year-round because of its closeness to Athens. The average temperatures are around 9-13°C.

4. Things To Do In Hydra, Greece

Hydra, Greece, is a place of dreams. For tourists, a short trip to Hydra is a must as it is one of the unique trips on the Greek islands, apart from more famous destinations like Santorini and adjacent islands.

The Greek island of Hydra is a combination of Hydra town along with its villages and beaches. This part of the Saronic Islands has one of the most picturesque views and many of the most beautiful museums and gorgeous attractions in Greece.

So before we get into what to do or things to do in Hydra Island, Greece, let’s talk about the Greek island more. One of the scenic Saronic Greek islands, Hydra, Greece, played an important role in the War of Independence. Hence, it is a historic tourist hub. As there are no cars in Hydra, you can always take a donkey or a water taxi to explore major parts of the island.

1. Taking A Stroll From The Town To Kaminia

Among some amazing things to do in Hydra is taking a leisure walk along the harbor to the closest beach from the town.

The walk toward the Kaminia beach takes approximately 15 minutes. During the walk, you can look for an old mill; behind it, you will find a boy riding a dolphin statue.

2. Sit Back And Enjoy The Harbour

The harbor in Hydra is active all day long. You can reach the harbor early in the morning and witness the beautiful sun rising from the sea, birds flying in search of food, fishermen setting up to leave for work, locals stepping out of their homes to follow their regular routines, and animals on the island, quietly waiting to be fed.

Soon, to and fro of ferries and sea taxis makes the harbor busy. You can wave at the people to get a wave back if you want.

Several restaurants and cafes surround the harbor. You can have a coffee or snack, or even for a while, you enjoy the harbor view. You can watch people while having a coffee from the seating arranged on the side pavement of the restaurants.

3. Explore Backstreets

The harbor in Hydra, Greece, is the busiest part of the island, but if you want to visit a quieter version the same, you won’t have to walk long. It would be just a few kilometer for you to ditch the crowd and enter the essential tranquillity of the amazing island.

One of the things to do in Hydra, undoubtedly, includes exploring the narrow streets merging into the uphills. Getting lost in narrow cobbled streets to find beautiful, white-washed mansions and churches with colorful doors decorated in bougainvillea on the island is the most amazing travel experience.

There are a few things you can discover when you take a walk uphill. This includes several tours related to Hydra’s history and art. The trip does not fall short of things to do; you can always explore more to get a few more new innovative ideas to pass your time on the island.

4. Try Hiking The Greek Coastal Trails On Hydra

Hydra sits on a hill, and one of the things to do in Hydra is to go hiking. The coastal trails in Hydra Island are rich and loaded with amazing viewpoints and can prove to be a fun adventure.

Several hiking paths can be taken during your time on Hydra Island. The maps marked with these hiking paths are available at the central location on Hydra Island.

5. Climb Up The Greek Flag

At the end of the harbor, one can see a hill with a Greek flag on the top. It is fascinating to climb up there and see amazing little viewpoints with beautiful sea views along the way.

You can take the steep white stairs to the hills from the end of the harbor in Hydra. Some parts of the walk look like entering someone’s home, but the stairs take you uphill. There is a t-junction from where you need to take a right.

Out of many things, if you are still confused about what to do in Hydra, this can be a fairly new and exciting experience.

6. Enjoy The Sunset

Sunsets and sunrises in Greece are famous for their sheer tranquillity. Sun setting in the sea with birds flying free in the sky is the most serene of all the views one’s eyes can see.

As a tourist, witnessing the sunset on an island by simply moving around the island or by ferry can be pretty interesting. You can also explore some great places to enjoy the island’s amazing sunset views.

7. Photograph Hydra In Its Golden Glory

During sunsets, Hydra covers itself in a golden hue, giving it the illusion of a golden city. It is truly amazing to witness this spectacular view of old buildings on the island being painted gold by shimmering sunlight.

Bottom Line

As a Greek island so beautiful and unique, Hydra is quite easy to get to from Athens compared to other islands in Greece. Once you reach Hydra, do not get confused and worry yourself with issues like where to stay or where to eat. Hydra offers plenty of places to stay, and some can be rented on Airbnb.

Hydra island, Greece, is one of the best islands in Greece and the quieter one too. There are many options available for a tourist when it comes to food. Do not miss trying recipes made from fresh fish as Hydra is port; it has the best fish.

Last Updated on March 11, 2024 by Parina Parmar