Imagine stepping onto an island where the sounds of car engines are completely absent. Hydra in Greece offers exactly this rare experience, as wheeled vehicles—including cars, motorcycles, and even bicycles—are strictly prohibited on this peaceful Saronic island. Located in the Aegean Sea between the Myrtoan Sea and the Argolic Gulf, Hydra spans 49.6 km² and maintains a modest population of just 2,070 residents as of 2021.
Just 90 minutes by boat from Piraeus, this car-free haven has certainly captured the hearts of international celebrities throughout history. Indeed, luminaries such as Leonard Cohen, Maria Callas, and Aristotle Onassis have all been seduced by Hydra's charming atmosphere. As you explore the things to do in Hydra in Greece, you'll discover why this island became the filming location for "The Boy on a Dolphin" (1957), starring Sofia Loren. Furthermore, without traffic or fumes, you'll experience a different pace of life as you navigate the island on foot or perhaps from the saddle of a donkey, taking in the authentic Greek island experience at a refreshingly slow tempo.
The journey to Hydra is part of the island's charm—a sea voyage that transports you from modern-day Athens to a peaceful, car-free paradise. Unlike most Greek destinations, Hydra offers no airport access, making the ferry ride an essential part of your adventure.
The only way to reach Hydra is by sea, with regular ferry connections operating from Piraeus port throughout the year. During peak summer season, you'll find up to 9 daily crossings, while the winter schedule typically offers fewer options but still maintains daily service. Three main ferry companies serve this popular route: Alpha Lines, Hellenic Seaways (Blue Star Ferries), and Magic Sea Ferries.
The first ferry typically departs Piraeus around 8:00 am, with the last sailing at approximately 7:30 pm. This schedule makes day trips entirely feasible, allowing visitors to enjoy several hours exploring the island before returning to Athens in the evening.
Ferry journey times vary depending on the vessel and operator:
Ticket prices start at around €30, though prices may fluctuate seasonally, with higher fares during peak summer months and lower prices in the off-season.
Additionally, Hydra is accessible from other departure points. You can reach the island from nearby Saronic Gulf islands, such as Poros and Spetses, as well as from mainland Peloponnese ports, including Porto Heli and Ermioni. A small vessel also connects Hydra with the village of Metochi in the Peloponnese.
Getting from Athens to Piraeus port is straightforward, with several transportation options available. If you're coming from Athens Airport, you can choose between:
Once you arrive at Piraeus, head to Gate 8, where you can purchase ferry tickets if you haven't already booked online. Although booking isn't always necessary, especially during off-peak seasons, securing tickets ahead of time provides peace of mind.
The distance between Piraeus and Hydra is approximately 37 nautical miles (about 68 km), making this one of the more accessible island destinations from Athens.
One of Hydra's most distinctive features is its complete absence of motorized vehicles. The island maintains a strict ban on all wheeled transportation—not just cars, but motorcycles and even bicycles. This prohibition dates back to a 1950s law designed to preserve the island's traditional character and ambiance.
As a result, upon arrival at Hydra's port, your transportation options become wonderfully simple: you can travel on foot, hire a donkey or mule for assistance with luggage, or take water taxis to reach more distant beaches and coves. This car-free environment contributes significantly to the peaceful atmosphere that makes Hydra so special, creating a rare escape from the noise and pace of modern life.
Moreover, this absence of vehicles means you'll experience Hydra as a labyrinth of charming alleys and pathways best explored at a leisurely pace, precisely as the island has been enjoyed for centuries.
Finding the perfect place to stay on Hydra requires understanding the island's unique layout and accommodation options. From converted sea captain mansions to charming guesthouses, your lodging choice significantly impacts your experience on this car-free island.
Hydra Town, centered around its horseshoe-shaped harbor, serves as the primary hub for most visitors. This vibrant area offers the greatest concentration of dining, shopping, and cultural attractions. First thing to remember, staying in town means easy access to the ferry dock, restaurants, museums, art galleries, and shops without lengthy walks.
Most accommodations in Hydra Town are carefully converted historic buildings—primarily former sea captains' mansions and traditional houses transformed into boutique hotels and guesthouses. These properties typically feature authentic architecture with modern amenities. Notably, hotels like Hydroussa and Bratsera even appeared in the Sophia Loren film "Boy on a Dolphin."
When selecting a place in town, consider the elevation. Properties farther from the waterfront often require climbing numerous stairs but reward you with quieter surroundings and spectacular views. For those with mobility concerns, look for accommodations explicitly noting "no steps" or "level street" access, such as Alexandra Guesthouse or Angelica Hotel.
For travelers seeking tranquility away from Hydra Town's bustle, Mandraki and Vlychos provide peaceful alternatives with their distinct charm.
Mandraki, located approximately a 20-minute walk or 5-minute water taxi ride east of the port, features the island's only sandy beach. The luxurious Mandraki Beach Resort offers beachfront suites with private pools and excellent dining options. Villa Mandraki, situated just 10 meters from the beach, provides fully-equipped cottages sleeping four to five guests with spacious terraces overlooking the Saronic Gulf.
Vlychos, positioned west of the main town, offers a serene environment with beautiful beaches. The Four Seasons Hydra Luxury Suites (not affiliated with the international chain) sits a 10-minute boat ride from the port, featuring seven elegant suites plus a waterfront villa with a private beach.
Consequently, staying outside Hydra Town essentially means relying on water taxis or lengthy walks for access to most restaurants and services—a trade-off many find worthwhile for the increased tranquility.
Hydra's highest-rated accommodations blend traditional architecture with modern comforts:
Prices for accommodations throughout Hydra tend toward the expensive side due to the island's popularity and restrictions on new construction. However, budget options like Nereids Guesthouse and Athina Guesthouse provide comfortable, affordable alternatives with local character.
Remember that many hotels operate seasonally, typically opening around Easter and closing in November, though some smaller guesthouses remain open year-round.
With no cars to rush you around, exploring Hydra unfolds at a delightfully human pace, giving you time to savor each experience the island offers. From historic sites to pristine beaches, here's what should be on your must-do list.
Hydra Town's crescent-shaped harbor creates the perfect starting point for your island adventure. The wide stone walkway encircling the port is lined with shops, cafés, and art galleries, behind which whitewashed buildings climb the rocky hillsides. As you wander through the jumble of narrow, cobblestone streets, you'll discover gleaming white buildings with classic blue Greek trim. Subsequently, make your way to the western side of the harbor to see the dolphin statue commemorating Sophia Loren's film "Boy on a Dolphin".
Located near the Harbor Authorities on the east side of the port, this impressive museum houses a wealth of island history. The museum features exhibits from the Balkan Wars and both World Wars on the ground floor, plus traditional costumes and figureheads from battleships. Upstairs, you'll find an exceptional historical picture gallery with works by renowned artists, along with nautical maps and the silver urn containing Admiral Andreas Miaoulis' heart. The museum is open daily from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM (with extended summer hours from 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM), with admission costing €5.
For breathtaking panoramic views, take the challenging hike to Profitis Ilias Monastery, founded in 1813. The 3.3-mile out-and-back trail starts from Hydra Town and follows an uphill, pine-lined path that eventually becomes a cobbled route with steps. Although rated as strenuous, many find it moderately difficult, taking approximately 2-2.5 hours round-trip. At the monastery, you'll find spectacular 360-degree views, a small souvenir shop, and refreshments available through an honesty payment system.
Vlychos, located 2 km west of Hydra Town, is the island's most popular beach—a pebbly shore with crystal-clear waters, sun loungers, and nearby restaurants. In contrast, Bisti Beach, situated over 10 km southwest of Hydra Town, offers a more secluded experience with clean waters, a shallow seabed, and a lovely pine forest backdrop. For either destination, beach shoes are recommended as the pebbly entrances can be slippery.
Since there are no cars on Hydra, water taxis become your primary transportation to explore remote beaches and coves. These boats operate on demand from the main harbor, carrying up to 8 passengers per trip at fixed tariff rates. They're perfect for reaching secluded spots like Molos beach—a remote white-pebbled shore with crystal waters but no facilities. Alternatively, join an organized boat tour that circles the island, stopping at multiple swimming spots along the way.
If you visit in late June, you might catch Hydra's most important celebration—the Miaoulia Festival. This week-long event honors Admiral Andreas Miaoulis and his role in the Greek War of Independence. The festival features exhibitions, concerts, theatrical performances, traditional dances, and sports competitions. Everything culminates in a spectacular reenactment of a naval battle complete with fireworks and the symbolic burning of an Ottoman flagship. In recent years, the festival has also honored notable figures connected to the island, including Leonard Cohen.
Behind Hydra's serene beauty lies a rich tapestry of historical significance and cultural heritage that has shaped this unique Greek island throughout the centuries.
The island played a decisive role in the 1821 Greek Revolution with its impressive naval power. Before the uprising, Hydra boasted 186 battleships carrying 2,400 guns and 45,000 tons of capacity, manned by 5,400 crew members. This naval strength led Ibrahim to nickname Hydra "Little England".
The revolution officially began on Hydra on April 16, 1821, when Anthony Economou and local citizens overcame the hesitation of island notables. Despite initial reservations from some leaders who were reluctant to lose their privileged position under Ottoman rule, Hydra's contribution of approximately 150 ships proved critical to the Greek cause.
Remarkably, the fleets of Hydra, Spetses, and Psara dominated the seas during the seven-year conflict, with Admiral Andreas Miaoulis using Hydriot fire ships to inflict significant losses on Ottoman forces.
The prosperity from shipping created a legacy visible in the grand mansions ringing Hydra's harbor. These architectural treasures belonged to wealthy sea captains and shipowners who thrived during the island's maritime golden age.
Approximately 30 mansions from the 18th century and 300 captains' houses still stand on the island today. Many of these historic buildings now serve important cultural functions—the Tsamadou mansion houses the Maritime Academy, while the Tombazis mansion forms part of the Athens School of Fine Arts.
The Lazarus Kountouriotis mansion, positioned prominently above the harbor, operates as a branch of the National Historical Museum, displaying family heirlooms, paintings, and historical collections.
From the 1950s onward, Hydra emerged as a vibrant artistic hub. Leonard Cohen arrived in April 1960 as an unknown 25-year-old poet with a Canadian Arts Council grant, purchasing a house that his family still owns. On Hydra, Cohen wrote his novels and poetry before his music career, even composing his famous "Bird on a Wire" inspired by the island's newly installed phone lines.
The artistic colony included Australian writers George Johnston and Charmian Clift, who mentored Cohen, plus figures like poet Allen Ginsberg and painter Peter Nolan. This creative environment transformed Hydra's identity, further enhanced when films like "Boy on a Dolphin" with Sophia Loren and "The Girl in Black" began shooting on the island, drawing international attention.
Preparation is key to fully enjoying the car-free tranquility of Hydra. These practical insights will help you make the most of your visit to this distinctive Greek island.
Late spring and early autumn offer the perfect balance on Hydra. Specifically, May-June and September-October provide mild weather with fewer tourists. Summer months (July-August) bring warmer temperatures but also higher prices and larger crowds. Most businesses close around late October and reopen mid-April, making winter visits quite limited. For swimming enthusiasts, June through September delivers the warmest sea temperatures. October remains pleasant with average temperatures of 19.3°C and approximately 6.7 hours of sunshine daily.
The absence of vehicles demands thoughtful packing choices. Firstly, bring sturdy, flat footwear with a good grip—the cobblestone streets are treacherous for heels. Walking shoes or trainers are essential, plus consider bringing:
During winter visits, pack for extremes—temperatures can vary from 0°C to unexpectedly warm days.
Hydra's culinary tradition reflects its maritime heritage. Local specialties include seafood dishes, mountain green pies, and "gogles"—handmade pasta resembling small clams served with melted butter. For traditional fare, visit Douskos taverna, known for slow-cooked kleftiko (lamb) at around €22. Psinesai offers excellent grilled meats and seafood with half-liter wine jugs for €7. Waterfront dining at Kodylenia in Kamini harbor provides stunning sunset views.
Transportation options are refreshingly simple on Hydra. Walking is the primary mode—expect lots of it! For luggage transport, donkeys stationed at the harbor charge reasonable rates. Water taxis depart regularly from the main port to beaches like Vlychos, Plakes, Agios Nikolaos, and Bisti. For longer hikes into the mountains, consider hiring a horse or mule—they navigate the island's many stairs and inclines while you enjoy the scenery.
Hydra stands apart from typical Greek destinations as a peaceful sanctuary where time slows down naturally. Without cars, motorcycles, or even bicycles, this island offers a rare opportunity to experience Greece at a human pace. The absence of motor vehicles certainly creates an atmosphere that has attracted artists, writers, and celebrities throughout the decades.
Your journey to this Saronic gem rewards you with crystal-clear waters, stunning architecture, and rich historical significance. Traditional tavernas serve fresh seafood while sea captain mansions tell stories of maritime glory. Walking the cobblestone streets, you'll discover why Leonard Cohen found his muse here and why this island played such a crucial role during the Greek War of Independence.
Day trips work perfectly for those with limited time, though spending several nights allows deeper exploration of hidden coves and remote hiking trails. Pack comfortable shoes, travel light, and prepare for a different rhythm of life. After all, when donkeys replace taxis and water boats substitute for buses, you know your vacation has truly stepped outside ordinary boundaries.
Should you visit during summer, expect warmer temperatures alongside larger crowds. Spring and autumn, however, provide milder weather with fewer tourists—perhaps the ideal balance for most travelers. Winter brings its quiet charm, albeit with limited services.
Hydra ultimately offers something increasingly rare in our modern world—genuine tranquility. This car-free haven invites you to rediscover the joy of unhurried exploration, meaningful conversations, and sunset views uninterrupted by traffic noise. Once you experience Hydra's special magic, ordinary destinations might never feel quite the same again.
Q1. Is Hydra truly a car-free island?
Yes, Hydra is completely car-free. The island maintains a strict ban on all motorized vehicles, including cars, motorcycles, and even bicycles. Transportation on the island is limited to walking, donkeys, or water taxis.
Q2. What's the best way to get to Hydra from Athens?
The most common way to reach Hydra is by ferry from Piraeus port, near Athens. The journey takes about 1 hour 20 minutes to 1 hour 43 minutes on average. Ferries run frequently, especially during the summer months.
Q3. What are some must-do activities on Hydra?
Top activities include exploring the charming port and cobbled streets, visiting the Historical Archives Museum, hiking to Profitis Ilias Monastery for panoramic views, relaxing at beaches like Vlychos and Bisti, and taking water taxis to hidden coves.
Q4. When is the best time to visit Hydra?
The ideal times to visit Hydra are late spring (May-June) and early autumn (September-October). These periods offer mild weather and fewer tourists compared to the busy summer months. Most businesses on the island are open from mid-April to late October.
Q5. What's special about Hydra's cultural heritage?
Hydra has a rich cultural heritage, including its significant role in the Greek War of Independence, a legacy of grand sea captain mansions, and a history as an artistic haven. The island has attracted many artists and writers over the years, including Leonard Cohen, who found inspiration there.