Hydra is the ideal destination for a quick escape from Athens. Its picturesque traditional Hora where no cars are allowed and donkeys act as public transport, where you can dive off rocks into blue waters and enjoy delicious food has been drawing artists, jet setters and romantics for decades. Have a coffee at the port and watch the world go by, shop for trendy clothing and jewellery or tourist trinkets, discover natural trails on a scenic hike and enjoy fresh fish and traditional dishes.
08:00
It takes only one hour and fourty minutes to reach Hydra from Piraeus. The flying dolphin and high-speed vessels make many trips daily.
09:40
As your boat enters the port, you’ll admire the view of Hora, with its plethora of mansions piled over the sea and climbing up the hill.
Start by relaxing with a view of the port at “Isalos” (Hydra, tel.: 0030 22980 29661), where they serve a great selection of tea, coffee, juices and smoothies, as well as many breakfast options including sandwiches, omelettes and waffles.
12:00
Walk towards the right side of the port and climb the steps to reach the statue of Andreas Miaoulis, the 1821 Greek War of Independence fighter from Hydra.
This spot is ideal for taking photographs with the port in the background. Just before you reach the statue, it’s worth stopping at the Historical Archive – Museum of Hydra (Hydra, tel.: 0030 22980 52355, open daily 09:00-16:00) to see the cannons, the nautical instruments, folk costumes, paintings and other items related to the island’s rich history and the participation of its people in the 1821 war.
Outside the museum, the statue of Antonis Ikonomou, a hero from Hydra, is yet another monument reminding visitors of the island’s important contribution to the Greek Revolution.
14:00
Starting at the museum, you can go for a lovely stroll along the water’s edge all the way to Vlihos village. The distance is about 2,8 km and the route passes beaches and snakes around mansions with blooming gardens. At Vlihos, have lunch at “Marina” (Vlihos, tel.: 0030 22980 52496), with gratifying views of the sea. “Marina” has been around since 1963, serving traditional meze dishes like baked aubergine with onion, tomato sauce and feta cheese, as well as homemade pies and fresh calamari.
17:00
Return to the Hora and have dessert at Anemoni patisserie (Hydra, tel.: 0030 22980 53136) where they make the best amigdalota (traditional almond sweets), fluffy millefeuille and delectable fresh chocolate cake.
21:00
On the path going from Hydra to Kamini, you’ll come across the restaurant “Téchnē”, opened in 2006. Housed in an building from the 1870’s it’s right next to the sea. The restaurant has a spectacular view and a lovely garden.
The lavish menu makes it hard to choose between the numerous creative choices: dolmadakia with smoked yogurt, marinated anchovies and tomato marmalade, seabass filet with sautéed greens, shrimp with celeriac in a citrus sauce, as well as 28-day aged beef tagliata with sweet potatoes, green beans and chimichurri.
00:00
The port is the classic haunt for drinks in Hydra. At the “Pirate” (Hydra, tel.: 0030 22980-52711) you can try exciting signature cocktails as well as classic cocktails like Negroni and Bloody Mary, accompanied by great music. Another popular spot is “Plakostroto” (Hydra, tel.: 0030 22980 54039) where apart from great food they serve great Margaritas that you can leisurely sup in the wonderful garden.
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