Introducing Hydra

Hydra (ee-dhr-ah; Υδρα) is truly the gem of the Saronic Gulf and stands alone among Greek islands as the one free of wheeled vehicles. No cars. No scooters. Just tiny marble-cobbled lanes, donkeys, rocks and sea. Artists (Brice Marden, Nikos Chatzikyriakos-Ghikas, Panayiotis Tetsis), musicians (Leonard Cohen), celebrities (Melina Mercouri, Sophia Loren) and travellers (you) have all been drawn to Hydra over the years. So in addition to the island’s exquisitely preserved stone architecture, criss-crossing rural paths and clear, deep waters, you can find a good cappuccino along the people-watching harbour.

Hydra Town is the centre of island life and more than a standard harbour. Its historic feel, mansions and cafe scene give the island an amphitheatre-like focal point. But if you’re an outdoors person, don’t be lulled by the hubbub of port life into forgetting the mountainous interior, the coastal paths and the hidden swimming bays.

The mules and donkeys are the main means of heavy transport and they, along with the rustic aspects of life on the island, give Hydra its two faces: chic and earthy.