The noble isle in the Argosaronic Gulf
Hydra
A cosmopolitan, cultural island, once inhabited by revolutionaries and forever favoured by jet setters
Discover the beauty of this tiny Greek island that has enchanted international jet setters, as well as artists like Chagall and Picasso. Close to Athens, this small, mountainous, arid island has for many years mesmerised travellers with its rich history and cultural allure. This island in the Argosaronic Gulf nurtured a revolution and won independence for an entire country. Hydra Town, Kaminia, Vlichos, Molos, Episkopi and Mandraki; Hydra in its entirety amounts to one small stroll.
Water taxis buzz around the island like bees. When you arrive you instantly feel the change of pace. The main port is cosmopolitan and elegant, with its 18th-century mansions, captains’ homes, old churches, wells, and marble-covered lanes that fan out everywhere. A trip to take you back in time.
What to do on Hydra?
An island without cars
As soon as you step onto the cobblestone harbour, you feel the allure. Hydra’s daily life hardly feels like the 21st century. Everything on this island (including your luggage!) is carried by mule, cart or hand. Cars don’t exist and aren’t allowed. The pace is decidedly leisure. The well-preserved mansions and manors could have come from the set of an old movie.
Celebrities and movie stars … then and now
Hydra’s long naval history is apparent at every point of the harbour. Cannons still target the Aegean Sea, busts of admirals abound, and captains’ homes line the port. This is where revolutionaries lived, great men like Andreas Miaoulis and Georgios Kountouriotis. Alongside its rich history, is its cosmopolitan fame. On this is an island in the Argosaronic Gulf, “Boy on a Dolphin”, starring Sophia Loren, was filmed.
Hydra has always been a favoured retreat of jet setters and rock stars: Aristotle Onassis, Maria Callas, Rex Harrison, Peter Ustinov, Leonard Cohen, Eric Clapton, The Rolling Stones have all regularly frequented the island … as have famous artistic luminaries, among them Picasso, Chagall, and Miller.
The big blue, incredible views and great food
The Periptero (kiosk), Spilia (cave) and Idroneta are three must-sees. At Periptero stop and take in the view and admire the huge cannons. At beautiful Spilia, sip a leisurely coffee before diving off the rocks into the Aegean. At Idroneta’s pier, dry off from your daily swim and rush to book a table for dinner.
Kaminia, an arty fishing village
Walk from the town to Kaminia (furnaces), a picturesque marina. Discover the Red House, a significant attraction on the island, built-in 1786, inhabited by Admiral Miaoulis, and now used for art exhibitions.
DESTE, the international avant-garde
The internationally renowned Greek collector Dakis Joannou chose the old slaughterhouses to create a showroom and exhibit space called DESTE Foundation for Contemporary Art. Innovative exhibits, hip happenings and events with international appeal attract famous visitors from all over the world each summer.
Hidden gems of Hydra!
A view of the Aegean from the Windmills
Climb to the oldest township in Hydra, Kiafa, located high above the harbour. This gem of a town is made up of narrow alleyways, impressive mansions, old grocery stores and boutique hotels. Trek up to the seven windmills at the top of the hill of Agios Athanasios and you’ll be rewarded with the view.
Rafalias pharmacy
The Rafalias family has a history spanning 400 years on the island. And the pharmacy they founded in Hydra’s alleyways has been maintained in the same way since it was first opened in 1890.
The Prophet and Eros
Walk all the way up to the monastery of the Prophet Elias (1 hour if you’re fast) and from there to the summit of Mount Eros. The panoramic view of Hydra and the Aegean will enchant you.
Boats
Featured
Bali 4.6 – 4+2cab – Noni
Standing out among her peers, the BALI 4.6 features elegant lines. The saloon-cockpit area offers all the BALI revolutions. The “BALI door” and the large openings, letting in natural ventilation and abundant light, are the very definition of the OpenSpace concept. The BALI 4.6 boasts delightful seating where well-being and comfort are the order of the day.
Jeanneau – Sun Odyssey 419 – 3cab – Kinthia
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 419: A fast, highly manoeuvrable sailboat. Integrating all the latest improvements and key innovations of the Sun Odyssey line, this 13-metre sailboat is fast and easy to manoeuver. The Sun Odyssey 419 (42’) is available in three-cabin configurations. Designed by Philippe Briand, she offers a refined style, with elegant lines and a bright interior.
Beneteau – First 53 – On y va
First 53: 17 METERS OF SHEER SENSATION With sights set on high-performance cruising and more, if you are keen on regattas, this “Luxury Performance” sailing yacht was designed for expert sailors and demanding owners. With a well-balanced hull and helm for unique sensations, easy-flow deck plan, modern marine interior with a décor of white lacquered bulkheads and moulded wood, the First 53 gets the renewal of the new generation of First sailing yachts truly underway!
Hanse 458 – 4cab – Oreo
Hanse 458: STYLE – DESIGN – PERFORMANCE The New Hanse 458 is the latest addition to the 8 Series and delivers all that one would expect from the Hanse Yard. Spacious and stylish interiors, coupled with a wealth of innovative and ingenious features promise to make the Hanse 458 the leading contender in her size range.
Hanse 508 – 6cab – Andros
Hanse 508: Smarter, more elegant, and more comfortable than ever. The innovative new Hanse 508 is the perfect yacht for relaxed blue water sailing, with its progressive design and one of the most thrilling performance levels of its class. With a fascinating interior and an exceptionally diverse range of clever customization options. Hanse 508 lives up to the highest standards of flexibility, style, and quality of life. Let yourself be amazed by excellent luxury.
Hanse 418 – 3cab – Anyma
Hanse 418: Break the rules "Breaking rules and setting trends" is the motto of Hanse and the 418 most certainly lives up to this promise. With large hull windows offering great views over the water, a glass companionway with complementing glass skylights at either side, the light inside the 418 is breathtaking. The interior is also laid out to maximize the living space within.
Hanse 458 – 4cab – Bellatrix
Hanse 458: STYLE – DESIGN – PERFORMANCE The New Hanse 458 is the latest addition to the 8 Series and delivers all that one would expect from the Hanse Yard. Spacious and stylish interiors, coupled with a wealth of innovative and ingenious features promise to make the Hanse 458 the leading contender in her size range.
Hanse 508 – 6cab – Moby Dick
Hanse 508: Smarter, more elegant, and more comfortable than ever. The innovative new Hanse 508 is the perfect yacht for relaxed blue water sailing, with its progressive design and one of the most thrilling performance levels of its class. With a fascinating interior and an exceptionally diverse range of clever customization options. Hanse 508 lives up to the highest standards of flexibility, style, and quality of life. Let yourself be amazed by excellent luxury.
Lagoon 42 – 4+2cab – Zoe
THE FINEST CRUISING EXPERIENCE Innovative design is a strong suit of Lagoon's and the 42 is where performance and comfort have come together in harmony. Created with a unique approach that still traditionally aligns with Lagoon Catamarans, the 42 reveals a new, organic approach in the search for harmony between its living space and people aboard.
Bali 4.1 – 4+2cab – Micha
The BALI 4.1 picks up on all the innovations which have been so successful with the BALI 4.0
Hanse 508 – 6cab – Quantum Wave
Hanse 508: Smarter, more elegant, and more comfortable than ever. The innovative new Hanse 508 is the perfect yacht for relaxed blue water sailing, with its progressive design and one of the most thrilling performance levels of its class. With a fascinating interior and an exceptionally diverse range of clever customization options. Hanse 508 lives up to the highest standards of flexibility, style, and quality of life. Let yourself be amazed by excellent luxury.
Bavaria Cruiser 41 – 3cab – Leonidas
Bavaria Cruiser 41: Perfect sailing fun. Whether you want to go on a relaxing holiday cruise with your family, take a short break with friends or just spend a few days alone as a couple – welcome to the CRUISER 41, welcome to a whole lot of fun. The CRUISER 41 is available in a 3-cabin version.