Hydra

One of the most beautiful islands I visited.

Searching for places for my holidays I came across Hydra. It impressed me and awoke my interest in this place. Now I’m considering the best way of spending my vacation there.

You know what, the one day cruise is nice, apparently lots of people have done it, but I just was not very fond of the island. I liked Aegina, but that was because I got to stay the night there. Hydra and Poros were very bland, and actually the only places I’ve been to that I think were a waste of time.

I really enjoyed Hydra tremendously. I went there on one of the boat tours that goes to Hydra, Poros and Aegina so I only had about an hour to spend there, but I would love to go back and spend a few days. The things that differentiated it from the other two islands was the lack of cars and the abundance of cats!

Aside from just being beautiful, the mood was very laid back and calm and, considering that I came with a boat of tourists (and the island subsits on tourism), once you get past the ring of shops in the harbor, it doesn’t feel “touristy” in that tacky, overcrowded way. I hiked around with my boyfriend and we hardly saw anyone else except a few old ladies who said hello to us in Greek from their porches.

The stray cats here also seemed much less feral than the ones in Athens and many of them would let me pet them.

Went here on a day boat trip to 3 of the mainland’s closest islands. Hydra was by far the prettiest!

i’d love to back to hydra and spend more time. it was peaceful.

Leonard Cohen has a house on this island. There’s no car in Hydra, just horses and mules. Close to Athens, yet world appart from the chaos of the city.

Really nice atmosphere with good restaurants where you can hang out with a cool beer or frappe and just watch the boats in the harbour. It’s really tranquile, and very laid back with no cars and very friendly people. I really enjoyed this little island. Didn’t Leonard Cohen use to stay here some time ago?

I dont know if its been mentioned before, but a major part of the allure of this island is that there are absolutely no cars/trucks/motorbikes etc. There was once a dump truck brought over to help and the villagers had it sent back. Everything is done by donkey and horse- when you arrive porters will load your bags on one and lead you to the hotel – its wonderful!

We came in to Idra after a day of sailing (11 hrs by motor – no wind), and it was hot – damn hot. By the time we arrived – about 18.00 – the temperature was above 42 degrees C, and the humidity was extrem. In side the boat it was unbearable!

The water temp passed 32 deg C – and now wind.

Lovely place though very different architec. from the Cyclades white’n blue. More Italien with brick houses and red rooftops.