Located in the heart of the Argo Saronic Gulf, pretty close to Athens, Hydra is, hands down, one of the most quaint Greek islands. The charming atmosphere of the island has seduced many international jet setters and has been a retreat for famous personalities, such as Leonard Cohen, Maria Callas, Aristotle Onassis and many more! Elegant stone mansions, narrow alleys, donkeys walking around, churches, little shops, and a picturesque waterfront set the scene of an island fairytale!
Take the fast boat from Piraeus port and in around two hours, you will reach the island of Hydra. Main characteristic of Hydra is that there are no wheeled vehicles and the transportation of people is being made only by donkeys, a thing that makes the Island even more pictursque. Reaching the port you will see right and left from the entrance of the port, there are the Parapets with the Canons, which protected the town. You can walk to the port, the heart of the town, take a stroll at the tourist shops, admire the old Manors and visit the Museum of Hydra island. Also you can stroll the picturesque narrow cobble stone alleys and reach the old Settlement of the town, to the medieval fortress town of Kiafa and from there to enjoy the view toward the Peloponnese. One of the best things to do in Hydra is to visit its museums. The Byzantine Museum, the Historical Archive Museum, the Post-Byzantine Art and History Museum and the National Historical Museum are some of the best museums to visit! For swimming in the town, there are offered the rocks of Spilia, Hydroneta, and a short distance from there, Avlaki, Kamini and cosmopolitan Mandraki. The connection of the town with the other beautiful beaches, Vlycho, Saint Nicholas, Bisti is being done only from the sea with boats or sea taxis.
The coastal road toward Mandraki branches there and ascend through a dirt covered and easy road towards the Nunnery of the Saint Nikolaos. Don’t miss to sit at the traditional taverns and taste fresh fish and local delicacies! If you like elegant destinations, you’ll fall in love with Hydra! After your visit take the boat from the port for the return trip to Piraeus.
