10 Things to Do in Hydra Greece That Are Totally Worth the Hype

Planning a trip to Hydra and wondering what to do once you’re there? As a Greek who’s been lucky enough to visit many times, I can tell you—Hydra is one of the most beautiful islands in the Saronic Gulf.

Just 1.5 hours from Athens, it’s totally car-free, full of history, and packed with beauty. The mix of stone mansions, sea views, and peaceful vibes will win you over the moment you arrive.

Expensive yachts and small fishing boats, donkeys patiently waiting on the platform, canyon stations, imposing stone mansions, charming cafés, and the domes of Greek churches all come together to create a truly unique spectacle.

The town of Hydra is built like an amphitheater around the harbor, with red-roofed houses covered in bougainvilleas climbing up the hillside.

In this post, you’ll find everything you need—what to do in Hydra island Greece, where to stay, the best beaches, must-see sights, and my favorite spots for dinner.

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My Latest Video on Hydra Island

Spent a day trip from Athens on beautiful Hydra Island 🇬🇷 and totally fell in love, again!

Best Things to Do in Hydra Greece

When you visit Hydra, I recommend spending at least two days to experience all the top Hydra attractions.

Although Hydra has only one town, there are still quite a few things to do on the island. Cars, motorbikes, and bicycles are not allowed on the island.

Here are some of my favorite things to do in Hydra Island:

One of the best things to do in Hydra is to walk around the lovely port, horseshoe-shaped, and have a coffee or a drink sitting by the front of the yachts/small fishing boats. I chose “Tassos Cafe” near the Sousami bakery and I was very happy with the service.

They brought me a big cup of Greek coffee with some extra milk as I asked, a little tasty biscuit, and it was all perfect! Nice view, great coffee, clean toilets. I paid €3.5 for the coffee, but I also left 1 euro as a tip.

Next thing I always do is to get lost in the gorgeous whitewashed mass that is called Hydra town. Stroll the cobblestone back alleys, full of neoclassical mansions of the 18th and early 19th century, wonderful little taverns, and picturesque squares.

I had lunch at Anita Tavern after the amazing smell of home-cooked food literally pulled me in.

I paid €18 in total for a main dish (oven-baked chicken with potatoes), a small portion of feta, and a large bottle of water. The food was delicious, but there was no free dessert afterward—not even a small piece of fruit. Because of that, I probably wouldn’t choose to eat there again.

After my lunch, I continued strolling. I came across the Rafalias pharmacy, an old-fashioned store that hasn’t changed its decoration since 1890 and still sells (some) products made to traditional recipes.

The town has several small squares with shady trees—perfect for taking a break, especially if you’re visiting in the summer.
While I was resting, I saw a group of poor donkeys walk by, clearly overloaded and overworked. It was hard to watch.

2. Stroll to Kaminia Small Port

Kaminia is a small, natural, and picturesque harbor filled with fishing boats, a charming pebbled beach, and traditional tavernas.
It’s just a 15-minute walk from the port (about 900 meters or 2,953 feet).

How to get there: At the end of the port, start walking toward the southwest side of the island.
You’ll pass by old cannons, seaside restaurants with stunning views, traditional windmills, and the Koundouriotis Museum along the scenic promenade.

At the old windmill, there is a lovely cafe with sea views and a statue dedicated to the film Boy on a Dolphin. But for me, the most rewarding part of the walk is the endless view of the bright blue sea.

The contrast between the deep blue water and the rugged coastline is just incredible. On a clear day, you can even spot sailboats and fishing boats gliding across the water, adding to the peaceful, postcard-perfect scenery.

When you get to the whitewashed settlement of Kaminia, you will find two fantastic taverns, Pefkakia, covered under the shade of trees, and the traditional Kondylenia tavern.

Kondylenia faces the picturesque little harbor and has a really lovely sea view. This is a great spot to watch the sun dip gently into the Saronic Gulf.

Kaminia’s landmark is the old house of Admiral Miaoulis, known locally as the “Red House”.
Built in 1786, it remained closed for many years. In 2007, it was restored by the American private foundation Verena Foundation. Today, it hosts art exhibitions that run all summer.

3. Swim on the Beaches in Hydra Greece

Two of the best spots to dive are Avlaki and Spilia—both just a short walk from the port. Keep in mind, though, they can get pretty crowded during peak season in July and August.

Spilia ’s known for its deep, crystal-clear waters and is perfect for diving straight off the rocks. Some areas have been smoothed out and topped with cement to create flat spots where you can sunbathe comfortably. There’s also a café-snack bar nearby where you can grab a coffee, a cold juice or soft drink, or even a light meal.

Avlaki beach is a short distance from Spilia. It’s a beautiful little pebbled beach that lights up at night, creating a stunning view.
You can reach it by going down the steps. The water is a gorgeous shade of green-blue, and there’s a small pier where you can lie out and enjoy the sun.

In Kaminia port, there is a small, organized pebbled beach that’s perfect for families.
The beach has calm, shallow waters, making it ideal for young children to splash and play safely. There are also sunbeds and umbrellas available, so it’s a comfortable place to spend a relaxing afternoon by the sea.

The rest of the beaches are best reached by taking a small boat from Hydra town:

• Vlychos is a popular, family-friendly beach with clean, clear water and gray-red pebbles. It’s lined with cozy seaside tavernas serving fresh fish and traditional Greek food, plus a few spots for coffee or drinks.
• Plakes Vlychou is a peaceful seaside spot with a well-organized beach and sparkling blue waters. Just a few meters from the water, there’s a quality hotel with a bar and restaurant—perfect for enjoying a refreshing drink or a great meal with a view.
• A bit further on, past the steep cliff known as “Zastani,” lies the secluded beach of Agios Kyprianos, known for its green-blue waters and its small chapel.
• At the southwestern edge of the island lies Agios Nikolaos Bay, a peaceful beach with fine pebbles and clear waters.
• Mandraki Beach is Hydra’s only fully sandy beach and the only one with restrooms, showers, and changing facilities.
  It’s also home to Mandraki Beach Resort, where you can enjoy sunbeds, umbrellas, towels, snacks, drinks, and complimentary ice water and a welcome sorbet. The resort’s beachfront restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a relaxed, scenic setting.

Hydra played a big role in Greece’s War of Independence in 1821 against the Ottoman Empire.
Back then, Hydra was one of the richest islands, thanks to the profits it made from the wheat trade during the Napoleonic Wars. When the Revolution began, the island stepped up—donating 186 ships to the cause, which was double what neighboring Spetses provided.

If you’re into history, Hydra has a couple of great museums worth checking out:

• Historical Archive–Museum of Hydra – This museum covers the island’s story from 1708 to 1865, with documents, artifacts, and more. Open daily 10 am- 4 pm.
• Ecclesiastical and Byzantine Museum – Set inside the old Monastery of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, this museum displays religious items like vestments, icons, and vessels, mostly from the 18th century. Closed on Monday. Open daily 10 am- 5 pm.

• Annex to the National Historical Museum: The House of Lazaros Kountouriotis operates as an annex of the National Historical Museum. Lazaros Kountouriotis (1769-1852) was the largest financier of the Greek War of Independence in 1821. Closed on Monday. Open 9 am – 2 pm weekdays and 9 am – 5 pm weekends.

5. Book a VIP Day Cruise From Athens to Hydra, Poros, Aegina

6. Dine at the Finest Restaurants in Hydra

One of the best things to do in Hydra is to enjoy a meal at one of its stylish restaurants.
Omilos Restaurant Bar (once called Lagoudera) is in a prime spot by the water and is probably the most famous place to eat on the island.

Pretty much every big name has been here—from The Beatles and the Rolling Stones to Brigitte Bardot and Onassis. It’s got serious old-school glam vibes.

If you are visiting during peak season, you’d better book your table (+30 2298053800 or omilosrestauranthydra@gmail.com).

The Sunset restaurant is the perfect place to watch the sun go down on Hydra Island! Its yard is surrounded by canons(!), and it offers fine cuisine with an amazing sea view. If you are visiting during peak season, you’d better book your table (+30 22980-52067 or sunsethydra@gmail.com).

As you can imagine, beyond the fancy spots, Hydra has plenty of great options for every budget.
Grab a tasty souvlaki at the fun little spot called “…and onion!” on Tompazi 8 Street. For something more traditional, check out classic tavernas like Paradosiako, Xeri Elia, or the seafood favorite Lulus. If you’re in the mood for a modern Greek twist, Mikra Agglia is a great pick.

Honestly, you can’t go wrong—just follow your nose and pick a place near the water!

About 4 kilometers north of Hydra’s western tip lies the uninhabited island of Dokos—one of the top yachting spots in the Saronic Gulf.
Rich in history, Dokos is often called a mini Delos because of its archaeological importance.
You can only reach Dokos by private boat or yacht, but it’s well worth the trip. Aside from swimming in its crystal-clear waters, you can explore:

• The ruins of a 7th-century Venetian castle
• A 9-meter lighthouse built in 1923
• The site of the Dokos shipwreck—the oldest known underwater shipwreck in the Aegean, dating back to 2700–2200 BC

8. Discover Hydra’s Orthodox Monasteries

Hydra has quite a few beautiful Orthodox monasteries that you can explore—each with its own unique character, setting, and history.

Profitis Ilias Monastery
Founded in the 10th century, it’s located on Mount Eros, the island’s highest peak. Reachable by a scenic hike, it offers amazing views and peaceful surroundings.

Agia Efpraxia Monastery
Just a short walk from Profitis Ilias, this small women’s monastery is nestled among pine trees and known for its serene atmosphere and warm hospitality from the resident nuns.

Agios Nikolaos Monastery
The coastal road leading to Mandraki splits there, and a dirt path continues uphill toward the women’s Monastery of Agios Nikolaos. The walk takes about an hour and is fairly easy to follow.

Agia Matrona & Agia Triada Monasteries
It takes about 40 minutes to walk from Hydra’s main beach to the Monastery of Agia Triada.
Start by turning left at Alpha Bank—you’ll pass the local sports field and then head into a peaceful, pine-covered area where you’ll also find the Monastery of Agia Fotini along the way.

Agios Konstantinos of Hydra Monastery
Built in honor of Saint Constantine the Hydraean, the island’s patron saint. It’s a meaningful spiritual site, especially during local religious celebrations and festivals.

You may also enjoy: Best Day Trips from Athens

9. Go Island Hopping from Hydra Greece

• Hop on a ferry to elegant Spetses—you’ll be there in just 35 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the ferry.
• Poros is even closer, with a quick 35-minute ride.
• Want to explore the mainland coast? Porto Heli is just 1 hour and 20 minutes away by ferry.

You can easily book your tickets through FerryHopper or FerryScanner—both are super easy to use!

10. Participate in Hydra’s Trail Event

Hydra is organizing a mountain run race, the ‘Hydra’s Trail Event’, usually every April.

There are usually five scheduled routes, with the most difficult being the “Hydras Trail Marathon”, a 38.5 km Mountain Marathon route. This is Hydra’s Trail Event page on Facebook which you can visit for more info on the event.

Where to Stay in Hydra

While strolling through town, I came across some truly beautiful hotels and apartments—and I’d love to share them with you:

Hotel Miranda: Beautiful, traditional decoration, lovely patios, and rich breakfast.

5-star lovely Hotel Leto Hydra, with stunning old-charm Hydrian decoration, and views of the sea and town.

If you’re a fan of the classic blue-and-white charm of Greek islands, you’ll love Orloff Hotel—a beautifully located boutique stay.

Mandraki Beach Resort (luxury, adults only) is an exceptional 5-star hotel with private swimming pools in front of Mandraki Beach.