Hydra, pronounced (ee-dra) is a short 25-minute boat ride from Athens and a great place to relax.
One of the best things about Hydra is the lack of cars and motorized vehicles. Once off the boat, listen for people chatting, boats rocking in the harbor, the clinking of glasses and plates and the click, click, click of sandals on the cobblestone streets.
Hopefully, you packed light as the only means of getting your luggage to your hotel is walking it up the hill or taking a donkey.
It is amazing what you can hear when you don’t have the sounds of traffic. As you walk up to your hotel, notice the narrow cobblestone streets, stone buildings, beautiful foliage, and all the cats.
3 Things to Do
Explore the island. Take a walk further up the hill or across to the next village. You will pass by inviting beaches, enjoy great views and enjoy some great restaurants. Kamini is a nearby fishing village. It’s a 15-minute walk on the shore path.
Walk through Hydra taking in the small parks, churches, and mom & pop stores and restaurants. There is even an old pharmacy with vintage containers and flasks.
Shop the boutiques getting down to the harbor, as well as, the scads of harbor shops. Hydra is known for gold jewelry and custom designs.
Other options: Take a boat ride or rent a boat from the harbor. Most boats are rented by the day.
Go to the beach. There are a few beaches just outside of town and others that are a two-hour walk away. Most are pebbly but refreshing. Kaminia Beach and Vlichos Beach are fairly close by, no more than 2km. Try taking a water taxi if you like.
Visit the Historical Archive-Museum of Hydra to understand more about the history and culture of Hydra from 1708-1865. There is an Archive Section, a Museum Section, and a Library.
Many other small historical museums are in various old mansions in town.
Horseback Riding. Try www.HarrietsHydraHorses.com. Harriet is from England. She and her mom visited Hydra on vacation when she was 10. They fell in love with the island and stayed. After serving in the British Army for three years, Harriet returned to Hydra and opened Harriet’s Hydra Horses in 2014. Book ahead.
3 Places to Eat
Xeri Elia Douskos
is a neighborhood tavern with traditional Greek food, delicious Moussaka and a catch of the day special. This place is not only covered with a shaded pergola but oozes Greek charm. In the evenings a local musician plays and sings traditional Greek folk music.
Kai Kremidi
is a small corner gyro shop about two blocks up the hill from the harbor. It sells scrumptious gyros with meat, veggies, and fries inside and traditional Greek generous-sized salads. The Caprese is my favorite. The prices are cheap and the food is excellent
Gatto Nero (Black Cat)
works well if you want something other than traditional Greek food. The pasta, fish and pizza give you a satisfying chance to taste Italian with a Greek twist. The ingredients are fresh and ask about their GlutenFree pasta. The cafe is about a block up the hill.
Tasty Ice Cream and Desserts
Flora’s Café
is an ice cream/cake/dessert shop serving delicious goodies made from local ingredients. The Stracciatella is some of the best ever. We visited Flora at least once a day, sometimes twice. Yum!
1 Place to Stay
The Greco Hotel
is a small boutique hotel that has air conditioning in the rooms and offers breakfast. The rooms are adequate and the en suite bathrooms are small, yet the garden is perfection. Sitting there with your coffee in the morning in the peaceful quiet makes this serene atmosphere a taste of heaven. You’ll smell the flowers, hear the cicadas and see people heading to work or school. The neighborhood cats will be waking up to see what is going on. It would be easy to sit and read and enjoy all day long.
Hydra is a good three day stop. It’s great for taking a relaxing break from busy Athens. At the end of a wandering, do nothing day, I know you’ll be glad you came.
Happy Travels!
Leslie
