Holiday in Hydra

What makes Hydra special as a destination?

Hydra is perhaps the most elegant island in Greece – and the only one where motorized vehicles are completely banned. No cars, no scooters, no buses. Instead, donkeys and mules clatter over the cobblestone streets, and the sound of one's own footsteps is the loudest noise in the winding alleys. This car-free concept makes Hydra a unique retreat that has attracted artists, writers, and filmmakers for decades – Leonard Cohen lived here in the 1960s and wrote some of his most famous songs. The harbor of Hydra is a masterpiece of architecture. Gray stone villas from the 18th century, once belonging to the wealthy shipowners of the island, frame the crescent-shaped harbor basin like a natural amphitheater. Elegant cafés and tavernas line the promenade, yachts bob in the water, and the atmosphere feels more like Saint-Tropez than a Greek island. Beyond the harbor, Hydra reveals its wild side. Hiking trails lead through fragrant pine and maquis forests to secluded coves and monasteries. Vlychos and Bisti are the most popular beaches, accessible by water taxi or on foot. The Profitis Ilias Monastery sits at the highest point of the island and offers a breathtaking view over the Saronic Gulf to the Peloponnese. From Athens, Hydra can be reached in just one and a half hours by fast ferry from Piraeus – perfect for a day trip. For German travelers, a combination stay is recommended: a few days in Athens and then the ferry to Hydra. The island is small enough to explore on foot but large enough for three to four days full of discoveries.