A car-free Greek island with whitewashed mansions and stone paths. Donkeys transport goods along the harbor, where fishing boats dock beside cafes and art galleries.
Located two hours south of Athens by ferry, Hydra's main town curves around a harbor filled with fishing boats and yachts. Donkeys walk through the narrow cobblestone streets carrying supplies and luggage, as cars aren't allowed on the island. You'll spot white and gray stone mansions from the 1700s, like the Tombazis mansion with its arched windows, and can swim in coves like Mandraki Bay where pine trees reach down to the water. Leonard Cohen lived here in the 1960s in a house near the harbor, starting a connection with artists that continues today.
Getting to Hydra
Ferries leave Piraeus port in Athens multiple times daily, taking between 1 hour 10 minutes and 2 hours. You can also travel from other Saronic islands like Poros and Spetses, or from mainland towns Ermioni and Porto Heli. When you arrive at the harbor, porters with donkeys will take your luggage to your accommodation.
Moving Around the Car-Free Island
No cars or bicycles run on Hydra. Donkeys and mules carry everything from groceries to building materials through the stone-paved alleys. You'll walk everywhere in the main town, while water taxis take you to beaches and smaller settlements along the coast.
Swimming and Beaches
Swim in the deep blue waters at Mandraki Bay near the main town, or walk 15 minutes along the coastal path to Kaminia Castello. For quieter spots, take a water taxi or hike to Bisti and Agios Nikolaos beaches, where black pebbles meet pine forest shade. Large flat rocks along the shore make natural sunbathing platforms.
Walking Routes on the Island
Follow four marked trails across the island, identified by yellow and black signs. Walk 15 minutes to Kamini village, passing an old windmill before reaching its fishing port. The trail to Mount Eros summit (600m) takes about 2 hours and gives you views across the Saronic Gulf. In March and April, purple anemones and yellow daisies line the paths to monasteries like Profitis Ilias.
Museums and Architecture
Step inside the Historical Archives Museum to see ship navigation tools and letters from the 1821 Greek War of Independence. The Kountouriotis Museum occupies an 18th-century mansion with pine-shaded courtyards, containing original furniture and paintings from Hydra's shipping families. Find Byzantine icons and religious silver work in the Byzantine Museum and Post-Byzantine Art Museum, housed in former churches.
Local Life and Customs
Watch fishermen sell fresh catch from their boats each morning in the harbor. During Easter week, join locals in Megalo Kamini as they carry the Epitaphios religious icon to the sea - a blessing ritual for sailors. In summer evenings, locals gather at harbor cafes while cats sleep in nearby doorways.
When to Visit
July and August temperatures reach 30°C (86°F) with busy ferries. Visit in April-May or September-October for swimming and walking in 20-25°C (68-77°F) weather. Many restaurants close from November to March, though winter brings calm days for exploring the town's alleys.
