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A Little Guide to Falling in Love with Hydra

A beloved destination for artists, sailors, and travellers, the tiny island of Hydra is a truly unique destination where natural beauty, history, culture, and an unmistakable atmosphere meet.

A holiday on Hydra feels like a return — to something simple, authentic, and true.
In this small travel guide, we take you on a journey through the island’s most iconic places.

A stately island

As the rock of Hydra rises out of the sea, you feel as though you’ve arrived in another world — and yet, it lies less than two hours from the busy Greek capital.

Shortly after the island of Poros and the exotic Tselevinia islets, a long, grey rock comes into view. Bathed in the bright Aegean light with stone-built mansions cascading amphitheatrically around the harbour,  your gaze rests on colourful fishing boats and elegant yachts moored side by side.

A maritime and cosmopolitan story

With little fertile land to cultivate, Hydra’s inhabitants turned to the sea, becoming exceptional seafarers.

During the Napoleonic Wars, they supplied both sides of the conflict, amassing great wealth, and by the eve of the Greek Revolution, Hydra had become one of the richest places in Greece.

From the mid-1950s onwards, this heroic island evolved into a haven for artists and an international cosmopolitan destination. Every corner of the harbour tells its story: cannons, statues of heroes, and grand captains’ houses stand as reminders of a glorious maritime past.

Hydra was the backdrop for the legendary film Boy on a Dolphin, starring Sophia Loren, and a stage where cinema, art, and myth intertwined. Famous figures such as Aristotle Onassis, Maria Callas, and Rex Harrison once wandered its narrow streets.

But Hydra was more than just a playground for the jet set — it was a home and a muse for creators.

Painters like Nikos Hadjikyriakos-Ghikas, whose work captured the light and lines of the island, and Panagiotis Tetsis, who brought Hydra’s rhythms to life on canvas, found inspiration here.

“The Canadian poet” Leonard Cohen wrote some of his most celebrated songs in this very place.

To this day, Hydra remains a sanctuary for artists and intellectuals, often called “the little Manhattan of the Mediterranean.”

A land without wheels

The moment you step onto the cobblestone harbour, you sense Hydra’s unique rhythm.
There are no cars here.

Transportation is done the traditional way — by mule, cart, or hand-carried goods.
The absence of engines creates a rare and precious silence.

Your eyes are drawn to the preserved stone mansions and historical landmarks: the cannon batteries at the harbour and the Merchant Marine Academy, all standing as proud witnesses to Hydra’s heroic past.

As you wander, every turn reveals blooming courtyards of bougainvillea, stately mansions, and breathtaking views. Follow the coastal path to reach the charming fishing village of Kaminia, or continue on to Vlychos for a quieter swim and seaside meal.

Along the way, you’ll pass the Red House, built in 1786 and once home to Admiral Miaoulis.
Today, it hosts art exhibitions, carrying the energy of the past into the present.

Romantic sunsets and iconic spots

Hydronetta, Spilia, and Periptero are places you simply cannot miss.

At Hydronetta, the stone piers become an idyllic spot for sunbathing and for watching one of the most beautiful sunsets in Greece. At Spilia, you can enjoy a leisurely coffee before swimming. At Periptero, the sweeping sea views are framed by historic cannons and the salt-tinged breeze of the Aegean.

The Monastery of Prophet Elias and the Peak of Eros

Hydra offers moments of profound connection with nature.

Take the path that leads to the Monastery of Prophet Elias. It’s about an hour’s walk at a steady pace, passing wild thyme and stone steps along the way.

From there, the ascent continues towards Mount Eros, Hydra’s highest peak. From here your gaze sweeps across the entire island and out to the Aegean. It’s a view that lingers in your memory — a whisper of freedom, a deep breath that clears both mind and soul.

The wild beauty of the Aegean

Hydra may not be famous for long sandy beaches, but it offers coves of character, crystal-clear waters, and a rugged natural beauty that is uniquely its own.

In Vlychos, calm waters invite you to swim beside fishing boats and traditional stone houses.
At Spilia and Avlaki, diving off the rocks into the deep, refreshing sea becomes an unforgettable experience, conjuring images of old-world postcards.

Kaminia enchants with its romantic sunsets and tavernas right at the water’s edge, while Agios Nikolaos beach, accessible by water taxi, reveals a quieter, untouched side of the island.

Each beach is different — but all offer the same sense of freedom, salt, and light.

DESTE: The heart of art beats in Hydra

As you near the edge of the harbour, just before the pedestrian walkway ends and the open Aegean begins, you’ll encounter a striking sight: a strange, metallic face rising towards the sky.

It is the Sun of Apollo — or rather, a masterpiece by artist Jeff Koons.

This bronze sculpture, 9.1 metres wide, moves gently with the wind, gleaming as it reflects the light. Up close, you notice the details: the curves, the almost human features, the traces of the artist’s hand. It is not smooth; it feels alive. It doesn’t merely stand there — it seems to watch.

The DESTE Foundation, founded by collector Dakis Joannou, has created an international hub for contemporary art. Every summer, this unique space hosts exhibitions of global acclaim, attracting artists, collectors, and art lovers from all over the world.

Sun, silence, and legends

 

Hydra is an island that observes you, challenges you, and only allows you to truly love it if you slow down and listen. If you can resist the urge to rush.

Then, and only then, it rewards you — not with spectacles or noise, but with something far rarer: a feeling.

At Hotel Miranda, we invite you to experience this harmony. With deep respect for Hydra’s history and a genuine care for your relaxation, we welcome you to become part of the serene rhythm of this extraordinary island.