Hydra Island

Hydra

Widely considered as one of the most beautiful islands in Greece, Hydra is a charming car-free island only two hours by ferry from Athens. For this reason, the island offers an excellent opportunity for a one-day trip from the capital of Greece. Hydra has been one of the most cosmopolitan islands of Greece for decades. It was home to Leonard Cohen, and its waterfront cafes have hosted celebrities from all over the world including Henry Miller, and Sophia Loren who came here to play the role of a local sponge diver, in the film ‘Boy on a Dolphin’. The idyllic island is known for its picturesque harbor and beautiful scenery. Luxury yachts, patient donkeys, rusted old cannon bastions, quaint streets, imposing stone mansions, cafes and tavernas at the waterfront, and imposing tower bells of Greek orthodox churches synthesize a unique spectacle.

Hydra has no roads, neither any cars, and not even bikes. Water taxis whisk travelers from the quaint little harbor to isolated beaches and donkeys are the main way to transport things here. Little Hydra is not only picturesque, but it is also packed with history, as it was one of the major naval powers in the past and its ships played an extremely important role in the Greek War of Independence. The island offers a completely different experience from the rest of the Greek islands. It is a place where time seems to have stopped thus hasn’t lost its charm. Hydra is one of those islands that will enchant you from the very first moment the ferry will turn in to its gorgeous port.