Hydra
What to do
Voted Europe’s best island in the Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards 2026, Hydra brings together a remarkable maritime heritage, a thriving arts scene and the rare pleasure of life without cars. Within easy reach of Athens, this Saronic island invites you to explore on foot and by boat, with grand stone mansions overlooking the harbour and narrow cobbled lanes winding between traditional homes.
Begin at the waterfront, where cafés and restaurants look out over fishing boats and visiting yachts, before discovering the island’s museums, galleries and historic residences. Hydra’s creative identity has drawn artists, writers and musicians for decades, including Leonard Cohen, whose connection to the island remains part of its story.
Beyond the harbour, follow coastal paths towards Kamini and Vlychos, pause for a swim in clear waters, or take a water taxi to beaches further along the coast. Private boat trips offer another perspective on Hydra, revealing sheltered bays and swimming spots best reached from the sea.
For couples who appreciate culture and quiet moments, families who enjoy exploring, and friends seeking days on the water followed by waterfront dining, Hydra offers a setting full of character. Combine your villa stay with Athens or an island-hopping itinerary through the Saronic Gulf, with Bright Blue Villas’ bespoke concierge services arranging the details around you.
Activities in Hydra
Activities
Day trip to Spetses
One more unique villa destination of the coast of the Peloponnese, are the ultra posh islands of Spetses and Hydra. These islands are famous for their outrageously picturesque towns and for being a cosmopolitan holiday destination and choice of summer home for writers, artists, and refined jet-setters since the 50s.
Through the decades Hydra has also made a name for itself as a uniquely stylish weekend destination that is totally car and scooter free. On the other hand, the island of Spetses has experienced a discreet refresh, regaining its shine as a playing field for smart Athenians and the global jetset.
Activities
Walking and trekking
Apart from the hot summer months, Hydra is an ideal destination for walkers; there are four marked, recognized long-distance routes, You don’t need a map for the coastal path to Vlyhós (35min from port) and beyond to Plákes Vlyhoú (45min away). This route is ideal for the whole family, offering amazing vistas to the nearby islands.
Activities
Museums
Hydra is an island with long history. Worth visiting some mansions that used to belong to sea captains families and now have become museums. Some of the most well-known museums and galleries are:
The Lazaros Koundouriotis Historical Mansion – National Historical Museum.
Museum of Panagiotis Tetsis.
DESTE Foundation.
Historical Achieve Museum Hydra.
Activities
Scuba Diving
Hydra is also an interesting scuba diving destination. The sea bottom around Hydra has many interesting reefs and underwater caves, ideal for scuba divers. Diving trips are also organized in close islands, like Dokos and Spetses, and in the neighboring coasts of Peloponnese.
Activities
Cycling Tour
Discover the essence of each destination with our tailor-made Cycling Tours — a refreshing, slow-travel experience that reveals Greece far beyond its picture-perfect shores. Ride through coastal roads washed in sunlight, peaceful countryside trails scented with pine, and traditional villages where time moves gently.
Each route is carefully curated by local experts, balancing beauty, culture, and comfort, and can be enjoyed either privately with a guide or as an independent adventure. Along the way, scenic stops invite you to pause, take in panoramic views, capture photographs, and connect with the island’s authentic character.
Whether you prefer an easy, leisurely ride or a more challenging path, cycling allows you to feel the landscape with every turn of the wheel — grounding, energising, and deeply memorable. This is Greece experienced in its purest form: immersive, quiet, and wonderfully alive.
Food and Dining
Psaropoula Taverna
Psaropoula Taverna (+30 22980 52573) : established in 1911 this fish tavern right on the port serves traditional fish dishes and fresh catch – the owners have this business for 4 generations
Enalion Restaurant
Enalion Restaurant (+30 22980 53455) : located right on Vlychos Beach, only accessible by speed boat, this all day restaurant opens up early and serves breakfast / lunch and dinner.
Sunset Restaurant
Sunset Restaurant (+30 22980 52067) : one of the island’s most tranquil and dreamlike terrace views of the sea and the sunset. A menu carefully balanced with seafood, Mediterranean meat dishes, traditional vegetarian specialties, pastas and salads.
Bratsera Restaurant
Bratsera Restaurant (+30 22980 23971) : In the restaurant of the hotel with the same name, in a verdant courtyard by the pool, chef Nikolas Maragakis prepares creative dishes, that place its cuisine among the best of the island. Try cheese pies with apple and honey sauce, frumenty with shrimp and orange, penne with caramelized onions and Cretan cheese, grilled lamb chops with spinach, mashed potatoes and sauce with fresh rosemary. Very polite service and a decent list of wines from the vineyards of Greece.