Hydra Greece
Country: Greece · Region: Greek Isles
Hydra is a scenic, car-free Saronic Gulf island port with whitewashed houses cascading down hillsides to an azure harbor, popular as a day-trip destination from Athens with a peaceful atmosphere away from the touristy waterfront.
Top sights
Cathedral of Hydra, Hydra Museum, restored Hydriote mansions, Spilia rocky swimming area, Vlihos pebble beach, Kamini village
Things to do
- Cathedral of Hydra
- Orthodox cathedral with hundreds of gold and silver icons and a small ecclesiastical museum on the second floor; entry to museum costs €4.
- Hydra Museum
- Small museum next to ferry dock displaying Hydriote seafaring history and contributions to Greek wars, including the embalmed heart of Admiral Andreas Miaoulis; entry €4.
- Kamini village
- Less touristy neighboring village west of the main port accessible by a one-kilometer walk or €9 boat taxi with several authentic tavernas.
Beaches
- Spilia
- Rocky swimming area in the Kamini district with stairs and level places in rocks for sunbathing, primitive ladders for water access, and beautiful views.
- Vlihos
- Pebble beach featuring €3 chair rentals and two nearby tavernas, accessible by €3 water taxi or 45-minute walk from the main port.
Where to eat
- Psaropoula
- Harbourside eatery at the center of the harbor offering fresh seafood and home-style Greek food with excellent moussaka starting at €10.
- Xeri Elia Douskos Taverna
- Traditional taverna in a large central square with a huge shaded outdoor courtyard and live Greek music many evenings in season.
Bars and nightlife
- Spilia Cafe
- Cliff-perched cafe on the west side of the harbor offering coffees and cocktails with views of the port and easy access to the rocky bay.
Forecast for Hydra
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Weather in Hydra by month
Averages from 2015 to 2024, not a forecast. Within about two weeks of a date, the live forecast above is the one to trust.
| Month | Average high | Average low | Rainfall | Wet days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 57°F | 47°F | 2.1 in | 8 |
| February | 59°F | 49°F | 1.7 in | 6 |
| March | 62°F | 51°F | 1.6 in | 6 |
| April | 69°F | 56°F | 1.0 in | 5 |
| May | 77°F | 63°F | 0.6 in | 5 |
| June | 86°F | 72°F | 0.5 in | 3 |
| July | 92°F | 78°F | 0.2 in | 2 |
| August | 91°F | 78°F | 0.3 in | 2 |
| September | 84°F | 72°F | 1.2 in | 3 |
| October | 75°F | 65°F | 1.1 in | 3 |
| November | 68°F | 58°F | 1.8 in | 7 |
| December | 60°F | 51°F | 2.2 in | 8 |
Getting around
Walk the town center on foot, or use donkey transport or boat taxis (congregating at the port center) for destinations elsewhere on the island.
What to eat
Most restaurants feature imported frozen seafood, though a few offer local fish; head to Kamini for more authentic, local taverna experiences.
Tips
Book Hellenic Seaways catamaran tickets in advance during peak season as boats are small and sell out quickly.
Best for
car-free island charm, scenic harbor walks
More ports in Greek Isles
Athens (Piraeus) · Corfu · Heraklion · Katakolon · Milos · Mykonos · Nafplio · Patmos · Rhodes · Santorini