Hydra is one of the most picturesque Greek Islands near Athens. The island has a very unique artistic vibe, super cute town and relaxing atmosphere.
The best hotels in Hydra are mainly located in the town of Hydra. They have easy access to tourist facilities and the port. They offer great value for money and excellent service!
1. Hotel Hydra
The ancient, picturesque island of Hydra (Hydro in Greek) rises dramatically out of the Aegean Sea. It’s famous for being a yachting destination, but the main town also oozes style and history with old captains’ mansions now hosting a Maritime Academy, School of Fine Arts, and an Ecclesiastic and Byzantine Museum. Aside from the town, there are six little hamlets to discover plus some beautiful beaches and secluded coves where you can swim. Hydra’s profound cultural heritage and authentic architectural style – along with its complete lack of cars – gives the island a distinct feel that attracts artists, writers, and celebrities like Leonard Cohen who once owned a house there.
Situated in a historic mansion, the boutique Hotel Hydra offers luxury accommodation with an emphasis on attention to detail. The luxurious hotel has only nine rooms, each of which has been decorated with antiques and stunning pieces of furniture.
This family-friendly hotel is located just a short walk from the port of Hydra and within easy walking distance of the main landmarks of the island. The hotel has a range of amenities to ensure that guests have an enjoyable stay, including free Wi-Fi and a sauna.
A short drive from the picturesque village of Piteoussa, this hotel is situated on the unique and beautiful island of Hydra. It offers a range of facilities to ensure that guests have an enjoyable and relaxing stay, including free Wi-Fi and onsite parking.
The comfortable rooms at the hotel have been designed to offer a great place to relax and are equipped with a flat-screen TV, air conditioning, and a balcony. They also include a refrigerator and an electric kettle. The en suite bathrooms have bathrobes and slippers.
2. Hotel Verdant
The enchanting allure of Hydra comes with a bit of a price tag. Steeped in a proud maritime tradition, Hydra’s dazzling history is evident at every turn – including the radiant old harbor where cannon-armed battlements and magnificent mansions dominate the scene. It’s no wonder that Hydra played such an important role in the 1821 revolution.
While the majority of hotels and villas are located in the swanky town of Hydra, you can also find accommodations on other parts of the island including Mandraki and Vlichos. The latter is a particularly beautiful village on the northwest coast where villas and houses climb up from the port connected by narrow alleyways and steep stairs. No cars are allowed on the island to preserve its unique atmosphere and you can easily get around by foot or take one of the many water taxis if you do want to go elsewhere for a swim or lunch.
If you want to see a different side of the island, then head to Plakes Vlichos where you will find a charming small beach with a lovely old church nearby and some beautiful homes. The rocky beaches in the area offer great opportunities to enjoy the gorgeous waters in peace and there are also several bars and tavernas.
A short walk west from the harbor takes you to a former monastery where you can tour a fascinating collection of artifacts and archives centered on the 1821 revolution. You will also come across a lovely cathedral with a distinctive bell tower. It’s said that the actual heart of the local hero Admiral Miaoulis is kept here in an urn! This museum is a must-see if you are interested in Hydra’s rich and turbulent past.
3. Hotel Xeri Elia Douskos
A wonderful boutique hotel a short walk from the port with lovely sea views and a quiet tranquil vibe. Several rooms have balconies and the staff is excellent.
The only hotel in Kamini, a picturesque village that used to be home to the island’s kilns, it’s a popular choice among families due to its easy access to Hydra Town and hearty taste of village life on the Greek Isles. It’s also home to a handful of good tavernas, a beach bar and a little store.
Beyond Hydra Town is a scattering of tranquil villages, including Mandraki, Vlychos and others. Most of these villages have pebbly beaches that are great for swimming and are easily reached on foot or by sea taxi.
Hydra clings to traditions, and there are no motorized vehicles on the island – only mule carts transport tourists around. The main town stretches out, crescent-shaped, around the deep harbor and there are six little hamlets scattered across the island. Many of these charming settlements feature historic captain’s mansions that now house a variety of institutions, such as the Maritime Academy and a school of fine arts.
Despite the small size of the island, Hydra is a fascinating place to explore on foot. In addition to the quaint shops selling everything from souvenirs and jewelry to upmarket clothing and food, there are also a number of galleries and museums. There are also a number of churches and monasteries as well as numerous historic sites and monuments worth checking out. The island also has plenty of charming cafes, such as Isalos on the harbor and Pirate Bar at the port. The island is a cat lover’s paradise too, with felines sunbathing on streets and begging for food in cafes.
4. Hotel Kamini
During the peak summer months Hydra can seem like a cosmopolitan mini-version of St Tropez. Glamourous yachts jostle for a mooring alongside islanders’ traditional wooden boats in the port. But at other times this gorgeous island, which looms dramaticly out of the Aegean Sea, feels tranquil and timeless. No cars or mopeds are allowed so houses and apartments climb up from the port linked by narrow alleyways and stairs and tavernas and bars cling to rocky outcrops. Horses, donkeys and mules carry luggage and water taxis offer transport.
The main town of Hydra is fan shaped around a natural harbour with six little hamlets surrounding it. Hydra is best explored on foot or by traditional boat – called kaikia. The island’s 80 kilometers of trails are ideal for hiking and biking enthusiasts and there are plenty of quaint tavernas to stop at along the way for lunch or drinks.
Staying on Hydra is an opportunity to experience a Greek island that has escaped the mass tourism of some of its neighbours. It has maintained its charm thanks to stringent planning laws that ensure buildings maintain their character. This is also why neo-classical mansions still dominate the landscape.
The Orloff Boutique Hotel is located in a historic mansion from the 18th century and has been transformed into a luxury 4 star hotel. Each room and suite is uniquely designed with family antiques and rare objects mixed with modern comforts. The hotel is a short walk to the Lazarous Koundouriotis Museum and has complimentary breakfast included. Those with small families should consider Angelica VIP Boutique Hotel which offers two-bedroom suites that can accommodate up to four people. This sustainable aparthotel is close to Avlaki Beach and has a private entrance.
5. Hotel Four Seasons
Whether you stay in Hydra Town or another part of the island, you’re guaranteed a delightful holiday. You’ll find a plethora of bars that play host to a mash-up of locals and a younger set of visitors, all indulging in cocktails, beer and Greek music.
There’s also a lot of variety on offer when it comes to eating out. From small traditional tavernas where you can expect to be served up some delicious vine leaves and feta with red pepper to more upscale restaurants, you’re spoilt for choice.
While the main port may be packed with eateries and bars, other parts of the island have a more tranquil appeal to them. One example is Mandraki, located 2.5 kilometers away from the city and dominated by country houses and lush greenery. During its history it was once an important naval harbor and still has two large castles guarding its entrance. There’s a lovely beach here, as well as a handful of coves, all reached either on foot or by sea taxi boats that leave every half an hour.
If you’re looking for a place to stay in Hydra that offers some peace and quiet but isn’t too far from the action, then look no further than the Hotel Four Seasons. This beautiful boutique hotel is housed in a restored 19th-century mansion and is perfect for those seeking luxury and relaxation. It offers spacious rooms with plenty of space to spread out, a rooftop terrace with panoramic views and excellent breakfasts. Guests can also enjoy free access to a spa centre that features yoga and pilates classes. There are also three luxury suites that are ideal for families.