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Hydra

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About Hydra

Just 37 nautical miles from Athens’ Piraeus port, the island of Hydra is a hugely popular destination for relaxed holidaymakers and keen sailors. Named ‘hydra’ — meaning ‘water’ — as a nod to the island’s natural hot springs, the island rises dramatically out of the Aegean Sea, and was once a prosperous trading centre with links across the Mediterranean. Most of the best places to stay in Hydra are clustered around the island’s picturesque port, perfect for making the most of time on both land and sea.

With historic connections to Venice and later the Ottoman Empire, Hydra was also a 19th-century boatbuilding hub. The old town is now home to a number of ship captains’ mansions, some of which have been transformed into charming heritage hotels. The Maritime Academy is a local landmark, as are the Lazaros Kountouriotis Mansion and the Tetsis House & Atelier. Hydra has been popular with artists since the 1950s, and you’ll find galleries, markets and studios aplenty, as well as a glamorous summer crowd in the trendy port-side bars and tavernas.

Venture beyond the old town to follow walking and cycling trails to whitewashed churches and monasteries, or to travel between little hamlets by horse or donkey. Out on the water, there are ample opportunities to swim, sail and kayak. Amble along to the harbour for sundowners, or kick back on the pretty terraces at one of the best places to stay in Hydra before tucking in to a delicious seafood dinner.

The Best Places to Stay in Hydra

For Romance

  • Bratsera Hotel is the only boutique bolthole on the island with its own swimming pool. Whitewashed bedrooms are housed in a historic builting, with beamed ceilings, white-painted stone walls and handwoven textiles. Cosy beds are topped with white linens, delicious breakfasts are served, at the flower-filled courtyard is ideal for unwinding. A couples' favourite.
  • Hotel Orloff, built by an emissary of Catherine the Great in 1796, has beautiful period features and antique furnishings in whitewashed guest rooms with blue-painted woodwork. Rooms are set around a lemon-scented garden courtyard, where you can tuck into superb breakfast buffets. A real refuge for romantics.
  • Cotommatae 1810 is another intimate boutique hotel, with five suites and two double bedrooms. Expect high beamed ceilings, exposed stone walls, four-poster beds with gauzy white drapes, and lovely shaded terraces. A heritage gem with a long history and a tranquil, romantic atmosphere.

For Families

  • Hotel Leto, a grand dame of a hotel with classic bedrooms, offers interconnecting options for families. Days begin with big buffet breakfasts, and there's a cosy lounge with fireplace for cooler evenings. Well-situated for making the most of a holiday in Hydra.
  • Hydra Hotel lays claim to the best view in the village, from its perch high above the harbour. The two-bedroom suite is ideal for families, who will also appreciate the kitchenettes. Simple interiors are clad in cool whites, light blues and greys. Friendly and relaxing.

For Affordable Charm

  • Hotel Miranda, originally built for a sea captain in 1810, has attracted arty types since the 1960s and has the guestbook evidence to prove it! A charming historic hotel offering very reasonable rates, it's brilliant for heritage buffs and art aficionados. Lovely and laid-back.
  • Phaedra Hotel, housed in a restored tapestry factory, promises pretty rooftop views from the shaded breakfast terrace with basking cats and leafy plants. Rooms feel classic and airy, with wrought-iron beds and blue-grey painted windowframes. A very reasonably priced choice for keen explorers.
  • Hotel Hydroussa, set just 100 metres from the quay in a square lined with lemon trees, has simple, unfussy guest rooms with en-suite bathrooms and rooftop views. Simple breakfasts of local produce are served in the courtyard each morning. A budget-friendly spot.
  • Hotel Sophia, run by two sisters, is reputedly the first hotel to have opened on Hydra. All six guest rooms have sea-facing balconies, perfect for watching the bustle of Hydra port just outside. Homemade breakfasts of island ingredients are wonderful. Charming, historic and fairly priced.

FOR AN APARTMENT OR HOLIDAY VILLA

  • If you'd prefer a self-catering option, we suggest that you visit our online partner Booking.com.

TRAVEL INFORMATION

  • Fly to Athens International Airport, and hop aboard a ferry from Athens' Piraeus port to Hydra in around 90 minutes.
  • There's a ban on motor vehicles in Hydra, so you'll find it easiest to get around the island by bicycle, horseback or boat.
  • Expect hot summers, with temperatures reaching around 25 - 30°C between June and August, which is also peak season. For cooler weather travel in April, May or late September, when you can also find great hotel deals.

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Best Hotels in Hydra

  • Hotel Hydroussa Idra, Hydra 40 rooms from £98

    Local exploring  -  Just minutes from the port in Hydra's main town this is ideally located for getting out and about and island hopping
    Value chic  -  Rooms are smart and comfortable with modern bathrooms and represent excellent value for money
    Sailing  -  Perfect stopping place for sailing around the Greek isles.
    Great walks  -  Beautiful walking trails along the coastline of Hydra.
    Air conditioningGardenNo pets

    Only 100 yards from the quayside, set on a quiet square lined with lemon trees, Hotel Hydroussa combines a quiet, convenient location with low-key charm and value for money. See More

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  • Hotel Miranda Idra, Hydra 13 rooms from £130

    Local exploring  -  Superb location on Hydra Town's main street within walking distance of the port, museums and restaurants
    Short break  -  If you're island hopping and want a central easy base on Hydra, this is it!
    Full of character  -  The property is full of beautiful period features, including stunning original painted ceilings
    Sights nearby  -  Profitis Ilias Monastery is less than a mile away.
    GardenPet friendly

    Hotel Miranda has attracted aesthetes and connoisseurs since the 1960s (just check the visitors' book) and it's easy to see what drew them. Within the walls of this serene 19th century townhouse, art lovers find themselves steeped in Hydriot history. See More

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  • Phaedra Hotel Hydra Attica 7 rooms from £130

    Total relaxation  -  Unwind on a balcony with sweeping city and mountain views, immersed in the slow pace of Greek island life
    Hotel Entertainment  -  Awaken to a rooftop breakfast, gazing at Hydra's hills, under the warm embrace of the Greek sun
    Riding  -  Embark on a horseback adventure, where Hydra's natural splendor unfolds along serene trails
    Sights nearby  -  Discover tranquility at Mandraki Beach, nestled in a historic bay with its only sandy shore
    Air conditioningViews

    Live the Greek island fantasy in this lovely hotel in a renovated tapestry factory tucked away from Hydra's busy port. Soak up the slow paced living from the sun-soaked rooftop surrounded by whitewashed walls, basking cats & lush plant pots. Simple elegant interiors highlight original features See More

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  • Hotel Sophia Hydra 6 rooms from £139

    Local exploring  -  Wake to Hydra's vibrant port from a balcony room, steeped in history and a stone's throw from island adventures
    Great walks  -  Bask on serene beaches, from sandy Mandraki to pebbly Spilia, each a unique oasis of tranquility​
    Sights nearby  -  Relish a nocturnal voyage, sipping cocktails under the stars on a night boat ride from Hydra's port
    Total relaxation  -  Awake to the serene sight of boats gently swaying at Hydra's port, a stone's throw from Hotel Sofia
    Air conditioningViews

    Historic, family-run guesthouse-style hotel in the midst of the buzzing port action. Inside, wood and stone set the tone of rustic elegance, and every room offers a seaview balcony. A welcoming home cooked breakfast and helpful local guidance await each morning courtesy of your friendly hosts See More

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  • Hotel Orloff Idra, Hydra 8 rooms from £141

    Romantic Break  -  With only a handful of rooms, all beautifully done and crammed with original features it's a very cosy romantic choice
    Local exploring  -  Great central location and perfect for exploring all that Hydra has to offer
    Full of character  -  The property has been lovingly restored and all rooms feature many original features and are adorned with antiques
    Sights nearby  -  George Kountouriotis Manor is within two minutes walk, with an exhibition on the history of Hydra.
    Air conditioningGardenNo pets

    Hotel Orloff strives for 'elegance, tradition and style' (their words) - and succeeds. For a touch of aristocratic class within a stone's throw of Hydra's harbour, look no further. See More

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  • Bratsera Hotel Hydra 25 rooms from £152

    Local exploring  -  Excellent, central location; the perfect launchpad for exploring Hydra
    Total relaxation  -  Boasting this tiny island's only hotel pool!
    Full of character  -  This building was once a sponge factory and many of its lovely original features still remain
    Restaurant  -  Poolside restaurant specialising in Mediterranean cuisine
    Air conditioningRestaurantSwimming PoolParkingNo pets

    A gorgeous colonnaded pool in a flower-accented courtyard, oak-beamed, whitewashed bedrooms in a historic building, and a peaceful location only minutes from the ferry quay make Bratsera one of Hydra's most magical places to stay. A delicious breakfast of local treats is included in the rate. See More

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  • Cotommatae 1810 Hydra 7 rooms from £153

    Romantic Break  -  Traditional luxury accommodations right in the centre of town. Book the Pigeon's suite for you own private outdoor hot tub
    Total relaxation  -  A luxurious and tranquil retreat to completely unwind in.
    Sights nearby  -  Wander through the town and discover the alleyways, squares, mansions and the monastery.
    Full of character  -  Rooms are full of original period features and lovely antiques
    Air conditioningGardenNo pets

    The quaint and humble exterior hardly reflects the luxuries within this small boutique hotel. Interiors are beautifully designed with the original quirks of the building standing comfortably against more modern touches. The beach is just a stroll away and there's plenty to explore on the island. See More

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  • Hydra Hotel Idra, Hydra 8 rooms from £172

    Local exploring  -  Great location just seven minutes' walk from the port. Easy access to all of Hydra's main attractions
    Families  -  The family suite has two bedrooms and is a good option for adults with children in tow
    Romantic Break  -  With just eight newly renovated rooms, Hydra Hotel offers an intimate and cosy base
    Short break  -  Great place for a stop off, during a sailing trip around the Greek islands
    GardenViewsNo pets

    Hotel Hydra can claim to have the best view in the village from its perch high above the harbour, and inside the rooms with whitewashed stone walls are cool, light and airy, some with private patios. See More

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  • Hotel Leto Saronic Islands, Hydra 22 rooms from £191

    Local exploring  -  Superb location in the centre of town make it an ideal base for exploring the best of the island
    Total relaxation  -  Calming palettes, yoga and tai chi, as well as massage and aromatheraby. An urban idyll.
    Families  -  Family suites and plenty of activities make it great for all ages
    Diving  -  Boats taking divers and snorkellers depart daily
    Air conditioningSpaGardenDisabled access

    This grande dame of Hydra hotels offers calm, immaculately designed and furnished bedrooms — plus state of the art bathrooms, and suave service (including 24-hour reception). Quaint interiors provide an iconic stay with a delicious breakfast, served out in the courtyard garden, thrown in. Divine. See More

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