Visiting Hydra’s beaches is one of the best things to do on the island. Most of the beaches are pebbly and it’s recommended that you bring water shoes to make swimming easier on your feet.
The rocky beach at Avlaki is popular with locals. It’s sheltered and has clear blue waters, plus it’s close to Techne restaurant.
Avlaki Beach
The beach is a rocky cove, but the waters are crystal clear and you can swim comfortably here. There is a cantina during the high season and sunbeds are available for rent.
Next is Kaoumithi Beach, a small sandy beach backed by trees. It can be reached on foot from Hydra Town or by taxi boat.
Wandering the Old Town lanes is another top thing to do in Hydra Island Greece – and get ready to be greeted by a bunch of cats! These friendly felines are a staple of the community and there are so many that you’ll likely lose count. The town is also home to a handful of monasteries and exquisite stone mansions. Take a moment to soak up the atmosphere.
Kaoumithi Beach
Whether you’re staying on Hydra for just a day or longer, strolling the town’s cobbled streets is one of the most popular things to do. You’ll find a mix of restored mansions, cafes, restaurants, and a number of stunning lookouts.
Most beaches are pebbled so it’s recommended that you bring water shoes if you plan on spending more than a couple of hours in the water. Some beaches are organised and have sunbeds and parasols available while others are more quiet and natural.
The most popular beach on the island is Avlaki which is a short walk from Hydra Port and gets busy in high season. After this is Molos which has a beautiful beach and then Kaoumithi, another quiet non organised beach.
Hydroneta Beach
Hydra isn’t the island to come if you’re after long stretches of golden sand, but the beaches that do exist are spectacular. A string of easily accessible spots line the coast close to the port and can be reached by walking or hopping on a caique or taxi boat.
One of the best is Hydroneta Beach, which has cemented bathing platforms atop beautiful rocky crags. A small beach bar operates during the high season, and you can sit down on the concrete sunbathing slabs to soak up the atmosphere and sip a cocktail.
The beach is situated near Mikro Kamini village, a quaint little settlement on the western side of the island. Take a 15-minute stroll from the harbor to enjoy stunning vistas, historic windmills, and a statue dedicated to the film Boy on a Dolphin before arriving at the beach for a swim.
Bisti Beach
Although Hydra isn’t the place for sand-lovers to find long stretches of golden beach, there are several lovely spots where you can relax and take a dip. One of the best beaches in Hydra is within walking distance from town – Avlaki Beach, a strip of pebbles that’s perfect for lounging and sunbathing with views over the sea.
If you’d like a more luxurious beach experience, the stylish beach club at Plakes is a short water taxi ride away (prices vary). Or, follow the coast path north of Hydra to the remote Bisti and Agios Nikolaos beaches for a feel that’s a little more rustic and off the beaten track. For the best cocktails in town head to 1821 Hydra Cocktail Bar. It’s a tiny place with an impressive drinks list and a cool, minimalist interior.
Spilia Beach
There aren’t many beaches with sandy stretches in Hydra, but there are beautiful spots to relax. Most of the beaches are within walking distance of Hydra town.
The first is Avlaki Beach, a short walk from the port and the most popular. The next is Spilia Beach, which is also very well-known as the setting for the 1957 movie Boy on a Dolphin.
Other lovely Hydra beaches are Vlychos Beach and Mandraki Beach. The latter is a sandy, organized beach that provides great water sports. There’s a cantina on the beach and you can rent umbrellas and sunbeds. You can also stay at a chic hotel like the Mandraki Beach Hydra Resort which gets top reviews for its service and rooms, plus it includes breakfast and water taxi transport to and from town.