What Makes Hydra Special Among So Many Gorgeous Greek Islands? Why I Dragged 9 Of My Family Members Onto A Ferry To Visit This Car Free Oasis.
I am the planner de rigueur for our family’s vacations, a job I happily do because I love traveling and also because I then get to pick the itinerary. As soon as I read about Hydra, it went to the top of my list of places I wanted to visit while visiting the Peloponnese peninsula.
The lack of cars, the hiking trails crisscrossing the island, the lack of cars, the clear water, the beautiful port town, and the lack of cars were all strong draws for me. (Did I mention the lack of cars?)
It seemed to have something for everyone: a fun ferry ride to get there, nice restaurants by a busy harbour, beautiful and easy coastal paths, or more difficult hiking trails leading to incredible views. The rest of the family gamely went along with my plan, not knowing much more than my word that it sounded great.
We were not disappointed. Hydra was a fantastic family vacation that everyone loved. These are our top 3 reasons to visit Hydra whether you are a solo traveler, a family, or couples looking for a romantic getaway.
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3 Reasons Why We Loved Hydra
Reason #1- No Cars. This Was A Biggie.
There is truly no motorized transport on the island other than a trash truck. They don’t even do bicycles. Everything is moved by pedestrian or equine power.
As we were pulling into the harbor on the ferry, I noticed a mule carrying a mini fridge up one of the coastal paths. I guess all appliances must be within mule- approved size limits before being shipped to the island.
Reason #2 – There Are No Large Resorts On Hydra
As a Greek National monument, any new construction on the island must adhere to the predominant 1800 style of houses, which means there are no large resorts on the island, which truly does make it unlike any other Greek island I have visited so far.
That doesn’t mean there aren’t lots of tourists though. Cruise boats on day-long island tours disgorge hundreds throughout the day, but they only get a few hours to explore Hydra Port.
Once night falls, the island gets a new vibe as it is left to those who live there, either permanently or just for a night or two.
WHERE TO STAY ON HYDRA: A long list of our favorite places to stay– hotels and houses in the main town as well as the best small, beachfront lodgings.
Reason #3 – Lots And Lots Of Hiking Trails On Hydra
You’ll find paths all over this island since this is the only way to get around, besides boat.
The fairly flat coastal paths lead from Hydra Port to Mandraki to the east and Kamini, Vlychos, and Vlychos Plakes to the west. All of these villages have beaches, tavernas by the water, and make excellent stops on an easy walking tour of the coast. And the coastal paths have some pretty spectacular scenery. It is a fabulous way to spend the day.
* Pro Tip- There is not a lot of tree cover, nor many natural water sources on Hydra. If you are here in the summer, you should start very early in the day as it gets extremely hot. You need to take lots of water with you on your hikes any time of the year.
If you have some quad power, you can climb up the hills of Hydra for fantastic views.
The hike up to the Monastery of Profits Ilias is the most popular hike up the hills but it is not an easy stroll. If you have younger kids, the half- mile hike to Agios Konstatinou might be a better option. Not quite the same views but still pretty breath-taking and without the whining about all the stairs.
If you have some distance hikers in the group, you’ll find more trails to the east and west ends of the island as well.
FULL 2 DAY ITINERARY FOR HYDRA: You can read more about all the hikes we did, plus see pictures and get detailed trail descriptions.
Final Thoughts
Hydra was one of our favorite stops while we were in the Peloponnese, and you should definitely make it yours as well if you can. You won’t regret a trip to this car-free oasis. Check out our 2 DAY HYDRA ITINERARY that lists all the coastal walks, hiking trails in the hills, best places to eat, stay, and more.
If you are driving through the Peloponnese, check out our 3 DAYS IN THE PELOPONNESE that includes a day trip to Hydra.
Happy Trails! – Amanda
