Pretty Greek Villas
Hydra, Saronic Gulf Islands
Information for Greek villas and self catering villa holidays in Greece

To view a list of our villas on Hydra, please click here.

The island of Hydra is part of the Saronic Island group lying to the south of Athens and very close to the Peloponnese mainland. The private rental holiday villas that Pretty Greek Villas has chosen on Hydra are traditional and situated in some of the best locations on the island near to the harbour.

Hydra has always been a haven for artists, writers and thespians and attracts a jet set following. It combines refined sophistication and authentic Greek life - 'Bon Goût with a Levantine Accent'. Hydra's marble horse-shoe shaped harbour is lined with 18th & 19th century mansions and chic restaurants, cafes and shops. The interior of the island is still very traditional with white-washed houses, narrow crooked stone paths and with many old monasteries and churches tucked into the hills. There are no motorcars on the island and transport is by donkey, foot or boat. Hydra is a perfect place for exploring the other very diverse islands of the Saronic group and the Peloponnese mainland.

You may just want to relax in beautiful surroundings whilst on holiday in your Greek villa. However, Hydra offers a variety of delights to explore.

How to Get There

The nearest airport is Athens International Airport. From there, you can take a taxi or the E96 Airport bus to the Port of Pireaus. The airport bus leaves every 15 mins from the airport bus stand directly outside the Arrivals Hall. From Pireaus, you take a Flying Dolphin or Catamaran to the island of Hydra (approx 1 1/2 hours). Alternatively, you can take a helicopter from Athens Airport to Hydra (20 mins).

Pretty Good Beaches

There are beaches on Hydra, but mostly the island has many rocky coves with crystal clear water.

Bisti Beach
This is the only natural beach on Hydra and is fringed by a pine forest. It is a well organised beach with a very pleasant bar and watersport facilities available including kayaks for rent. You can paddle around the local coves or visit the nearby Island of Petasis. Scuba diving and snorkelling is also available. It is only accessible by boat and the Ocean Kayak Club that organise the beach leave reguarly from the main harbour of Hydra to Bisti Beach. Look out for their 'Proteous' boats.

Agios Nikolaos Beach
Situated on the western tip of Hydra, a shuttleboat service operates between Hydra harbour and this mainly pebbly beach.

Spilia Beach, Avlaki Beach, Kamini Beach, Vlichos Beach, Molos Beach and Limnioniza Beach
All coves that are great for snorkelling and swimming.

Pretty Cultural & Good Day Trips

Boat Trips Around Hydra
Look out for the 'Proteous' boats at Hydra's main harbour. The Diving Team company operate these boats and organise trips to Agios Nikolaos, Limnioniza Beach, Bisti Bay and Dokos Island
Tel: 22980 53900
www.divingteam.gr

Spetses by Flying Cat
Neighbouring Spetses with its pine-cloaked hills, sandy coves, splendid old harbour and aristocratic heritage can be visited from Hydra. Click here for more information on Spetses.
www.dolphins.gr

Aegina by Flying Cat
Aegina is one of the few islands that still encapsulates all that Greeks love about their own country. Simple tavernas shaded by vines serving excellent fish, colourful markets, great coffee shops and long pistachio groves reaching down to the sea. Click here for more information on Aegina
www.dolphins.gr

Angistri by boat
This smaller, undiscovered neighbouring island to Aegina is a little gem with pretty coves and fragrant pine forests. From Hydra, you need to take a Flying Cat to Aegina and from there a short ferry ride to Angistri.
www.dolphins.gr

Peloponnese mainland
There are regular ferries, catamarans and water taxis that can take you the short distance to the Peloponnese mainland. In high season, there is a ferry service to Ancient Epidavros each evening for the summer arts festival held at the ancient amphitheatre. The Peloponnese is where most of the major archaelogical sites are located and the beautiful Venetian town of Nafplion can be explored.

Pretty Greek Culture

The architecture of Hydra is exceptional thanks to a preservation order. Hydra has had a colourful history and its aristocratic heritage is very much in evidence today. Hydriots have been master sailors, successful merchants and in the Napoleonic Wars, skilled blockade runners, earning huge fortunes that were poured into building lavish boats and mansions.

The Koundouriotis Mansion
An exquisite mansion of great architectural importance built in 1780 by the Koundouriotis mansion. The museum's collection is of heirlooms from the Koundouriotis family and other artefacts of historical importance.

Byzantine Museum
The museum is housed in the old Monastery of the Assumption of the Virgin and is an interesting building in its own right. Located in Hydra Town, the museum has a small collection of some magnificent ecclesiastical artefacts.

Art Galleries
Many artists live on Hydra all year round, both Greek and non-Greek. There are various art galleries in Hydra Town and regular exhibitions showing different artists' work are organised throughout the year particularly during the main summer season when Hydra has its Arts Festival from mid July to mid August

Churches & Monasteries of Hydra
There are said to be 365 churches on Hydra many in magnificent settings. Here are some not to miss:

The Church of the Dormition in Hydra Town

The famous Monastery of Profitas Elias

Covent of Agia Efpraxia
which still has some nuns who have an embroidery workshop

Monastery of Agios Nikolaos
which still has a community of monks

Monastery of Agia Triada
also a working monastery

Church of Agios Ioannis
which is the oldest church on Hydra with some important frescoes of great beauty

Church of Ipapanti
with its 19th century murals

Monastery of Zourvas
which is probably the remotest of all Hydra's churches. It is a 2 hour walk by footpath from Agia Triada. There is also a beautiful lighthouse nearby. Particularly lovely walk in the spring.

Pretty Greek Festivals

Throughout Greece, every island and place has its share of festivals. A religious ceremony is held in the local church followed by eating, drinking, dancing and fireworks until dawn. In addition, Hydra also has an important Arts Festival as well as a week long festival commemorating the 1821 War of Independence.

Feast of Agios Konstantinos of Hydra, 14th November
This is a great celebration in honour of the Patron Saint of Hydra. A religious ceremony is held in the church followed by dancing, music and feasting.

Miaoulis Celebration, around mid June for 1 week
The big festival on Hydra lasts for around one week. This is an annual celebration of the historical naval battle of Hydra during the War of Independence celebrating the bravery of General Miaoulis of Hydra. The culmination of the festival is the burning of a model ship on the sea amid a massive firework display.

Feast of the Virgin Mary, 15th August
Celebrated all over Greece, this ceremony is in honour of the Virgin Mary.

Pretty Sporty

Diving
Diving Team of Hydra offer scuba diving and snorkelling at Bisti Bay.
Tel: 22980 53900
www.divingteam.gr/BistiBay.htm

Kayaking
Diving Team of Hydra have kayaks for hire at Bisti Bay where you can paddle around local coves and visit the nearby island of Petusis.
Tel: 22980 53900
www.divingteam.gr/BistiBay.htm

Pretty Delicious! Food and Drink

Hydra is renowned for its chic cafes and bars as well as traditional restaurants serving a variety of dishes.

Restaurants and Tavernas

Sto Steki
Possibly the most famous of Hydra's tavernas, this is a really traditional, quaint taverna near the harbour where you will be served excellent food at reasonable prices.
www.stosteki.gr

Delicious food is served at this beach side taverna.

Pretty Greek Bars and Cafes

Pirate Bar
This is the longest established bar on the island and has a faithful following.

Spilia Cafe
This great bar is just below the coast road going west out of Hydra Town right on the waterfront. Easy to spot with its coconut umbrellas.
www.spiliacafe.com

Ydronetta
This is a fantastic bar in a great location. It has a cliff top terrace with bathing platforms below so that you can take a dip when things get too hot! This is a really cool, laid back, chic party place.
www.ydronetta.gr

Pretty Greek Shops

Hydra's harbour is lined with upmarket shops but here is one to discover that is a little different...

Zoe's Jewellery
This stylish shop is also a jewellery workshop. Here the owner, Zoe, makes all her own jewellery out of precious and semi-precious stones. Commissions are undertaken. Located behind the cathedral.
Tel: 22980 52322
Tel: 22970 29007

Transport

Donkeys. Found in the main harbour area, those not wearing blankets are for hire or you can find one in the streets around. Donkeys are used to transport luggage and other goods.

Proteous Boats.
Regular boat service to Bisti Bay, Agios Nikolaos, Limnioniza Bay and Dokos Island
Tel: 22980 53900.

Hydrofoils
www.dolphins.gr

Catamaran
www.euroseas.com

Saronikos Ferry
Leaves Pireaus for Hydra once per day at 8am.

Athens International Airport (AIA)
www.athensairport-2001.gr

Health

Hydra Hospital
Tel: 22980 53150 / 53151

Pharmacy
Tel: 22980 52059

Doctor
Tel: 22980 52420

Emergency Numbers

Athens International Airport (AIA)
www.athensairport-2001.gr

Tourist Police
Tel: 22980 52205

Port Police
Tel: 22980 52279

To view Pretty Greek Villas selection of Fabulous self catering holiday villa in Hydra, please click HERE

Real Estate | Links | Contact Us

Pretty Greek Villas Hydra, Saronic Gulf Islands Information for Greek villas and self catering villa holidays in Greece