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Where to Stay in Hydra

Greece › Best Places to Stay on Hydra
By Santorini Dave

Our Favorite Hydra Hotels

• Luxury: Hydroussa
• Boutique: Orloff
• Budget: Nereids Guesthouse
• Families: Leto
• Pool: Bratsera
• Honeymoon: Four Seasons
• Port: Sophia
• Beach: Mandraki

Greek fishing boats moored in a harbor lined with rustic stone buildings

Hydra harbor

Hydra is a charming Greek island nestled in the Saronic Gulf, characterized by its well-preserved architecture, quaint harbor, and lack of motorized vehicles. (All transport here is via foot, donkey, or water taxi.) The island’s layout revolves around its main town, Hydra Town, which is the primary hub for dining, shopping, and socializing. Hydra Town’s focal point is the horseshoe-shaped harbor, lined with elegant stone mansions, colorful fishing boats, and lively waterfront cafes. As you move away from the harbor, the town expands up the hillsides through a maze of narrow cobblestone streets and alleys, dotted with picturesque homes, historic churches, and small squares boasting breathtaking views of the sea and surrounding landscape.

People walk along a stone path on a rugged coastline

The cobbled stone path leading west from the port is dotted with swim platforms built into the rocks.

Beyond Hydra Town, small villages such as Kamini, Vlychos, and Mandraki are scattered along the island’s rugged coastline. These tranquil villages have pebbly beaches (sandy Mandraki beach is the one exception) with crystal-clear water and good swimming, and are accessible by foot or water taxi. Remote Bisti Beach on Hydra’s west coast is a peaceful shore nestled between cliffs and rich greenery, reachable only by boat. Several monasteries dot the island, but many require hiking up Hydra’s hills to reach them. Notably, Profitis Ilias Monastery, situated atop Hydra’s tallest peak, Mount Eros, offers breathtaking views and is a popular trail destination.

White stone houses with red roofs crawl up a hillside

View of Hydra village from the Lazaros Koundouriotis Historical Mansion

A large oil painting of a woman, hung next to an open bedroom doorway

Panagiotis Tetsis’ home and studio

Greek flags fly on a stone building fronted with cannons along a stone harbor

Historical Archives – Museum of Hydra

Hydra Attractions

The island has a rich maritime history, and its snug harbor and rugged coastline have long been a draw for artists, musicians, and other creative types. Leonard Cohen famously made his home on Hydra and wrote some of his most well-loved songs here – his devoted fans still make pilgrimages to his hilltop residence (unmarked, and a bit tricky to find) and to the Pirate Bar, his favorite port-side haunt. Small but worthwhile museums on Hydra include the harborfront Hydra History Museum, the hillside Lazaros Koundouriotis Historical Mansion (National Historical Museum) (which also includes entrance to the delightful home and studio of artist Panagiotis Tetsis nearby), DESTE Foundation for Contemporary Art, and the Ecclesiastical and Byzantine Museum of Hydra inside the harbor’s cathedral.

Boxy stone building perched on a cliff over the sea, topped by a large metal sun statue

DESTE Foundation for Contemporary Art

Map showing the locations of the best hotels and attractions on the Greek island of Hydra

Staying on Hydra

Most hotels on Hydra are carefully converted old mansions and homey guesthouses, and tend toward the expensive side. There are a couple of great beach hotels, too, most easily accessible to the port by water taxi. In general, the island opens to tourists at Easter and closes in November – but a few smaller guesthouses may be open for winter accommodation. Though it’s possible to visit Hydra on a day trip from Athens (it’s less than 2 hours from Piraeus by ferry), we recommend spending at least one night on the island if you can; its beautiful harbor and charming stone pathways are possibly even more appealing after the sun goes down.

A cat sits on a stone wall in a harbor at night, and stares at the camera

Hydra harbor at night. Perched on the rocks over the sea is the fantastic Omilos restaurant

Best Hydra Tours

  • Harriet’s Hydra Horses
    Fantastic horseback treks along the coast and into the hills that range from 30 minutes to 8 hours – including one that takes you swimming with the horses in the sea. Suitable for all experience levels. Horses are gentle, surefooted, and lovingly cared for; safety helmets are provided and required.
    Three people riding horses along a trail overlooking a rustic Greek town and the sea
  • Hydra Walking Tours
    These 90-minute tours are a great way to get familiar with the island and learn about its storied history; personable tour guide Maria is a native Hydriot with masters degrees in History and Anthropogeography. Art-centered tours, private VIP itineraries, and kids’ scavenger hunts are also offered.

Best Places To Stay On Hydra

elegant, old-world dining room with ornate wood furnishings and candelabra

The elegant, old-world charm of Hydroussa Hotel, a centrally-located hotel in a centuries-old mansion.

A black cat sits in front of a rustic white stone building with a blue doorway.

One of the many cats of Hydra takes a break at Hotel Orloff , a stylish boutique hotel built over an old convent.

Rows of shaded sun beds on a golden sand beach

Mandraki Beach Resort is located on the island’s only sandy beach – a 25-minute walk (or quick boat ride) from the port.

White hotel building with iron balconies and red-tiled roof

Hotel Sophia is a wonderful traditional hotel at the center of Hydra harbor, and the closest one to the ferry.

18 Best Hotels on Hydra

1. Hydroussa Hotel Hydra

Stone and iron gate opening to a hotel courtyard
Hotel phone: +30 22980 52400
In a 200-year-old mansion that once belonged to a sea captain, this hotel’s old world charm is now complemented with luxurious modern amenities. Recognizable for its beautiful garden courtyard, it’s also famous as a setting in the Sophia Loren film, Boy on a Dolphin. Great central location less than a 5-minute walk from the ferry port. Ideal for couples wanting to stay close to restaurants and nightlife.

2. Hotel Leto

Front stairway and entrance to a white hotel with blue shutters
Hotel phone: +30 2298 053385
Tranquil and traditionally-styled accommodations on a small, quiet lane that feels removed from the busyish port area but is still an easy walk to shops, bars, restaurants, and the ferry. Locals say it’s the only hotel on Hydra that was originally built as a hotel. Several rooms here are perfect for families.

3. Four Seasons Hydra Luxury Suites

View of a beachfront hotel, with rows of shaded sunbeds, from the sea
Hotel phone: +30 2298 053698
Great romantic getaway located a 10-minute boat ride or 50-minute walk west of the port at one of the island’s best swimming spots. There are only 7 suites here, plus a waterfront villa with its own secluded beach. Complimentary beach towels, sun beds and umbrellas are provided. The onsite restaurant is exceptional. (This hotel is not part of the Four Seasons chain.)

4. Orloff Boutique Hotel

White square stone hotel with mediterranean tiled roof and courtyard garden
Hotel phone: +30 2298 052564
Impeccable boutique hotel built on the site of an ancient convent. Guest rooms here are tastefully decorated in historic style, complemented by chic, modern bathrooms. The spacious premium suite is split over 2 levels. Relax in its beautiful garden courtyards or venture out to the shops and cafés at the port, just an easy 5-minute walk away.

5. Cotommatae Hydra 1810

Entryway to a hotel on a cobblestone plaza
Hotel phone: +30 2298 053873
This historic mansion-turned-boutique hotel is a short walk from the port and close to plenty of shops, clubs, and restaurants. In addition to the 7 lovely guest rooms (one suite features a private outdoor hot tub), Cotommatae features shared lovely garden nooks and view terraces. The friendly staff are excellent.

6. Hydrea

Boxy stone buildings with blue shutters
Hotel phone: +30 2298 052920
With its excellent harborfront location, the all-suite Hydrea offers fabulous views over – and easy access to – the port. The building’s historic guestrooms are simply but elegantly dressed in chic, contemporary design. Suites are all spacious and boast Coco-Mat beds; some add private view terraces, sitting areas, or jacuzzi tubs. Fantastic breakfasts, too.

7. Angelica Traditional Boutique Hotel

Elegant stone building with courtyard
Hotel phone: +30 2298 053202
Great hotel with a friendly charm and lovely garden terraces. Elegant traditional decor complements rustic stone architecture within two restored mansions. Two different family suites sleep families of 4 and 5. Set in a quiet location about an 8-minute uphill walk from the port (which is a little more than the other hotels mentioned here).

8. Bratsera Hotel

Swimming pool surrounded by sun loungers and stone columns
Hotel phone: +30 2298 053971
A former sponge factory with a beautiful outdoor pool and on-site fitness room. Its 25 unique rooms and suites have “antique meets industrial chic” vibe; suites sleep 4-5 and are great for families. Fantastic breakfasts, too. Hotel is an easy 5-minute walk from the ferry port.

9. Hotel Mistral

Rustic stone building with tiled roof, blue shutters, and garden courtyard
Hotel phone: +30 2298 052509
Refined but refined guesthouse with comfortable rooms and excellent breakfasts. Connecting rooms are available for families, or choose the cozy attic studio that sleeps 4 and has a kitchenette. Tucked away from the crowds, but an easy walk to the port.

10. Mandraki Beach Resort

Open stone doorway leading to a row of sunbeds
Hotel phone: +30 2298 052110
5-star hotel located a 20-minute walk or 10-minute boat ride east of the port, right on Hydra’s only sandy beach. The restaurant and beach club are great, and beachfront suites feature private pools. All accommodations sleep 2 guests, but interconnecting pool suites are available for families.

11. Hotel Sophia

Green painted doorway leading into a stone building
Hotel phone: +30 2298 052313
Historic, family-run hotel located front-and-center on the port. All rooms are comfortable, cozy, and decorated with charm; several have balconies that overlook the harbor. Most sleep 2 guests, but their single room is ideal for solo travelers. Charming hosts and exceptional breakfasts.

12. Rafalias Mansion

Yellow door in a rustic white stucco building with a tiled roof
Hotel phone: +30 6946 479448
Beautiful historic mansion with a gorgeous and serene garden courtyard. Guests are welcomed into this 5th-generation family home with extraordinary hospitality, and its 7 beautiful guest rooms are exceptionally clean, charming, and comfortable – all with well-equipped kitchenettes. On-site fitness and laundry facilities, too.

13. Villa Mandraki

Stone villa with climbing vines
Hotel phone: +30 2298 053072
Situated 10 meters from the beach in scenic Mandraki Bay, the villa comprises two fully-equipped cottages, sleeping five and four guests respectively. Each features spacious terraces for meals and relaxation, offering stunning views over the Saronic Gulf. 25-minute walk or 5-minute water taxi ride from Hydra port.

14. Pheadra Hotel

Open doorway of a rustic stone hotel
Hotel phone: +30 2298 053330
A meticulously renovated 19th-century former carpet factory, now an elegant traditional hotel. Suites and studios on the first floor boast city or mountain views from balconies or terraces, while ground floor accommodations offer access to the garden courtyard.

15. Nereids Guesthouse

Open doorway of a small hotel, leading into an outdoor courtyard
Hotel phone: +30 2298 052875
Comfortable, rustic stone retreat set an easy 10-minute walk away from the busy bustle of the port. There’s a lovely shared terrace, and the Superior Suites have great views over the town to the sea. Open year-round.

16. Douskos Port House

Overhead view of Hydra port on a cloudy day
Hotel phone: +30 2298 053500
Well-appointed rooms and suites sitting right above the port (accessed by many stairs). Rooms decor is crisp and contemporary; many rooms offer fantastic views over the harbor. Breakfast is served on their wonderful rooftop panoramic terrace.

17. Athina Guesthouse

Guesthouse sign on a stone stairway
Hotel phone: +30 6980 063262
Homey, budget-friendly accommodations with great views over Hydra village. Showers are small, but rooms are well-appointed and include kitchenettes. The triple bunk room is perfect for a small family of 3. Quiet location set back from – but walkable to – the busy port. Open summer only.

18. Hydra Hotel

Front entrance and stairway to a boxy white hotel
Hotel phone: +30 2298 053420
Excellent views over Hydra town and port from this 8 room converted schoolhouse hotel at the top of the village. Rooms are simply but stylishly dressed, and come with an excellent breakfast. The 2-bedroom family suite is great. This vista comes at a price, though – be prepared for a lot of stairs, and arrange luggage transfer via donkey before you go. Open summer only.

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About Santorini Dave

Santorini Dave Santorini Dave was started in 2011 when I posted a short guide to visiting Santorini with kids. Now, my small team and I provide guides to Santorini, Naxos, Paros, Mykonos, Crete, Athens, and all of Greece - as well as best places to stay in some of my favorite cities - like London, Paris, Barcelona, Rome, Venice, and Florence.

Questions? Email me at dave@santorinidave.com.