What Makes Hydra Special Among So Many Great Greek Islands?
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.
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3 Reasons Why I Dragged My Family To Hydra:
Reason #1- No Cars On Hydra
There is truly no motorized transport on the island other than a trash truck-not even 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.
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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. And once night falls, the island gets a new vibe as it is left to those who live there, either permanently or just for the night.
WHERE TO STAY ON HYDRA- a list of our favorite hotels and vacation rentals on the island, including luxury, budget, and family- friendly lodgings.
Reason #3 - Lots And Lots Of Hiking Trails On Hydra
You'll find walking trails all over this island since this is the only way to get around, besides mule or 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 a walking tour of the coast. Or if you have some quad power, you can go up the hills of Hydra for fantastic views.
The hike to the Monastery of Profits Ilias is the most popular destination but it is a not a 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.
* A caveat- 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.
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.
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I was excited about visiting Hydra as soon as I came across a description of it in a guidebook- small, no cars, beautiful, no cars, easily accessible from the mainland, historic architecture, no cars..... I was desperate to go to this non- motorized paradise and made the rest of the family go with me. It did not disappoint. We loved this island.