Hydra…. a jewel of an island found just south of the cape of Nafplion in the Aegean Sea. Its quaint harbour, lined with boutiques, restaurants and cafes is an absolute delight for visiting tourists and day trippers. The island is largely vehicle free and the local donkeys, which for centuries have carried villagers and their wares up through the narrow cobbled streets, still roam the harbour front today. Pastel villas tumble down from the hills above and bougainvillea dot the laneways adding that splash of Mediterranean colour.

It truly is quintessentially Greek as we would imagine it. The bustling harbour front is alive with the sounds of tinkling yachts, vocal fishermen and the clop of the passing horses and donkeys. In the market for some unique high end jewellery? Then this is your island!

Hydra is well known for its beautiful jewellery, hand crafted by local jewellers and artists. Indeed, the designer for the olympic medals is based here and has a harbour front shop showcasing her designs and wares. You really are spoilt for choice for unique gifts and treasures - jewels are quite pricey in most of the boutiques, reflecting the exquisite craftsmanship on show here.

Wander the back lanes and view authentic Greek village houses and cafes. Photo opportunities here are endless. Stop in one of the harbour front restaurants for a spot of lunch or a cool, freshly squeezed orange juice. Watch the world go by and enjoy the Greek sunshine and ambiance.

Hydra is a common island stop as part of 3 island cruises departing from Athens and Corinth. Hydra is often combined with Poros and Aegina as part of a 3 island itinerary. Most companies allow a couple of hours in Hydra before moving on to the neighbouring islands. This is generally plenty of time to explore the harbour front and surrounding alleyways.

I’ve visited Hydra about 5 times now - usually with friends as part of a day or overnight trip. Hydra never fails to disappoint and I will certainly be back in the future.

Magical Hydra

The Greek Door Company