Finding things to do in Hydra Island isn’t necessarily difficult, but it does require some pre-planning. Like many places, there is a touristy downtown (which is still quite nice for eating and shopping), while much of the cool, local activities are outside of that area.
Hydra is an island in Greece that has no cars and essentially no bike paths. Travelers venturing here have to play by the locals’ rules and get a pair of comfortable walking shoes. However, this makes Hydra island truly unique and somewhat untouched by the tourism industry.
While visiting the island, I ended up learning so much interesting history and wanted to stay even longer than a day. Next time, I will definitely book a hotel and spend more time on the untouched beaches.
For travelers making a day trip to Hydra (the island is only a 2-hour ferry from Athens), here are 7 incredibly fun and unique things to do while visiting the island.
What’s In This Article
- Hydra stands out among Greek islands for banning cars (and bikes), creating a uniquely quiet, slow-travel atmosphere.
- Getting there is easy. Take a 2-hour ferry from Athens’ Piraeus port, with round-trip tickets running around €80.
- The island has a rich maritime history, from 18th-century shipbuilding to fueling Greek independence in 1821.
TL;DR: Hydra offers 7 unique activities beyond its charming port, including historic mansions, Leonard Cohen’s former home, and waterfront cafés.
7 Best Things to Do in Hydra, Greece
Consider it a desire from watching The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, but I really, really, really wanted to go to Greece as a kid. So when the opportunity presented itself, I jumped on board, but knew that I wanted to see more of the country than just Athens.
Who would have thought that this one-day excursion from Athens would turn out to be the highlight of my trip! I learned so much cool history about Hydra island that I had to write a separate article about it!
So, here are 7 fun and local things to do in Hydra!
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1. Shop in Hydra Port
Hydra Port is technically the downtown area of the island. There are plenty of small shops perfect for souvenirs. You’ll find plenty of linen and cotton goods, anything from tunics to tea towels. There were also lots of knick-knacks and pottery pieces that will find a nice home on your dining room table.
Svoura and Carolina’s Arts & Crafts had some beautifully handmade pottery pieces. I also liked the selection of leather bags.
2. Walk the Mandrake Path
For lovely ocean views and lots of cats reigning from the island of Hydra, walk along the Mandrakiou-Molou, a stone pathway that follows the edge of the island. You’ll see remnants of the naval base past with cannons fused into stone and various fort lookout points.
3. Stroll Through the Interior Neighborhoods
Because of the lack of transportation, Hydra is most definitely a walking island. If you bring along a comfortable pair of shoes or hiking boots, you can find trails all through the interior of the island and running along the coast.
One of my favorite things to do on Hydra is to explore the small residential neighborhoods perched on the island’s hilltops.
Explore Athens like a local
Want to discover more hidden gems and unique finds in Athens? Check out our map with curated restaurants, cafes, and hidden beaches.
4. Hydra Port Cafés
Hydra’s main port has plenty to see and do for a full day if you would rather spend time where all the action takes place. Sit at a café right on the stone port and watch as the ships dock, or take the opportunity for some excellent people-watching.
For breakfast, I stopped over at Plakostroto Hydra, an oasis spot hidden behind a wall of trees with al fresco dining. They were serving a full breakfast menu complete with pancakes and omelets. It’s a perfect spot to get away from the crowds, if you have hungry kids with you, or you just have a massive appetite like me!
Later in the afternoon, when I was in desperate need of something caffeinated, I sat down at Drougas Bakery. The iced latte was a perfect pick-me-up just a few steps from the port on Hydra Island, Greece. Before disembarking from the island, I bought a few croissants and baklava.
5. Visit the Leonard Cohen House
Long before the acclaimed hit song Hallelujah and the international fame that went along with being one of the most celebrated musicians of all time, Leonard Cohen was a twenty-something-year-old with an urge to leave Canada. In 1960, he arrived on the island of Hydra and fell in love immediately, purchasing a small home and living a somewhat secluded life for several years.
6. Museum of Hydra Island
History-lovers, rejoice! For only a 5 euro entry fee, you can explore the interesting cultural past of the island, one of the best things to do when visiting Hydra. You’ll find exhibits devoted to the economic framework of the island, from sea sponge harvesting to shipbuilding.
There is also a ton of archival documents and 19th-century art to glimpse deeper into the island’s past.
7. Lazaros Kountouriotis Mansion
This mansion was built in 1780 by the largest ship owner of the Mediterranean during that time. Lazaros was world-renowned for his immense manufacturing operations on the island and was a key figure later on in the Greek Revolution. The Kountouriotis family fortune was sacrificed to fortify the Greek naval force.
Preserved in the mansion are heirlooms of the Koundouriotis family, including portraits, paintings, and furniture. There is also a display of jewelry and clothing on display on the first floor reminiscent of the 17th-century Greek styles.
The Vibe on Hydra
The island of Hydra, Greece, is a little sliver of paradise. It’s somewhat bucolic, especially if you take an excursion away from the main port. The ban on cars has kept Hydra quiet and calm, perfect for a day trip from Athens.
It is truly crisp, with the fresh smell of salty air and cool ocean winds. Once you walk through the island’s interior, you’ll come across stucco homes and potted cacti.
The downtown noises can’t travel up these hills, and so you’ll be present only with the silence of peaceful island living.
How To Get Around Hydra Island in Greece
During my visit to Greece, I knew I wanted to see more than just the popular destinations and Athens, so I researched the lesser-known Greek islands. Like the time I had to figure out travel in Montenegro (a country with little public transportation), the logistics of Hydra posed an early challenge, but ended up giving me a unique perspective on an island nearly untouched by tourists.
However, the lack of cars and bicycles does make accessibility a challenge. Bring a pair of comfortable walking shoes and be prepared for hills and cobblestones while you’re exploring all the best things to do in Hydra.
