HYDRA

Hydra has long had a certain understated allure. Just a short ferry ride from Athens, this car-free island unfolds around a handsome harbour lined with elegant stone houses, waterfront tavernas and bobbing yachts. Days are spent swimming from rocky coves, lingering over long lunches and wandering the narrow lanes, where bougainvillea spills over faded façades. There’s little need for spectacle here: Hydra’s appeal lies in its effortless combination of old-world character, understated glamour and the easy rhythm of island life.

HOTELS

INDULGENCE

Mandraki Beach Resort is a refined escape just beyond Hydra Town, set around a secluded former fishing village with the sea at its doorstep. Its beautifully considered rooms, natural textures and understated Mediterranean design give it a relaxed sense of luxury. For a splurge stay, it strikes the perfect balance between privacy, style and the effortless glamour of island life.

HIGH END HIDEAWAY

Bratsera Hotel brings a quietly sophisticated edge to Hydra, housed in a beautifully restored 19th-century sponge factory in the heart of town. Its elegant rooms, leafy courtyard and atmospheric stone interiors blend historic character with understated comfort. With a peaceful pool and an effortlessly polished feel, it’s a stylish retreat that captures old-world glamour without feeling overly formal.

THE SWEET SPOT

Hotel Sophia is a beautifully understated stay, combining traditional island character with a fresh, contemporary feel. Its intimate rooms, peaceful courtyard and welcoming atmosphere make it an easy choice for a relaxed stay. Stylish without the splurge, it’s the perfect sweet spot for experiencing Hydra in comfort and with plenty of charm.

THE AFFORDABLE FIND

Pension Erofili is a simple, charming base, with traditional character and an easygoing atmosphere. Its unfussy rooms and convenient location make it a practical choice for travellers who plan to spend their days exploring the island. An affordable find that keeps things authentic, leaving more of the budget for long lunches, swimming spots and wandering Hydra’s cobbled streets.