Mandraki Beach, Hydra: The Island’s Only Sandy Beach

Mandraki bay on Hydra, home to the island's only sandy beach and its resort on a former naval station

Mandraki beach is the only real sandy beach on Hydra, a sheltered bay a short way east of the main town where soft sand slopes gently into shallow, crystal-clear water. Unlike the island’s many pebble coves, Mandraki offers easy, comfortable swimming on sand, along with full facilities. Water sports and a luxury beach resort, making … Read more

Agios Nikolaos Beach, Hydra: The Island’s Big Blue-Flag Cove

Agios Nikolaos beach on Hydra, a large organised Blue Flag cove with sunbeds and clear water

Agios Nikolaos beach is the largest and best-organised of all Hydra’s remote beaches, a beautiful Blue Flag pebble cove on the island’s south-western coast. Set in a sheltered bay with clear, calm water, backed by pines and served by sunbeds, umbrellas and a snack bar. It offers a comfortable, full day at the beach in … Read more

Bisti Beach, Hydra: The Pine-Fringed Cove for Swimming

Bisti Beach on Hydra: a pine-fringed turquoise cove for swimming and snorkelling

Bisti Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches on Hydra, a pine-fringed pebble cove tucked into a sheltered bay at the wild south-western tip of the island. Backed by fragrant pines that run almost to the water and lapped by a crystal-clear, gently shelving sea. It is a favourite for swimming, snorkelling and a … Read more

Vlychos, Hydra: The Beach, Plakes and Old Stone Bridge

Vlychos Hydra: the old arched stone bridge above the beach, with the sea and Peloponnese beyond

Vlychos on Hydra is a peaceful little coastal hamlet west of the main town, best known for its two lovely beaches, Vlychos and neighbouring Plakes. Its landmark old stone bridge. Set along a stretch of clear, sheltered coast a pleasant walk or short boat ride from the harbour. It offers some of the finest swimming … Read more

Hydra Beaches: The Best Swim Spots and Coves

Bisti, a pine-fringed turquoise cove, one of the finest Hydra beaches

Hydra beaches are unlike those of most Greek islands: instead of long sandy shores. The car-free island offers rocky swim platforms, pebble coves and crystal-clear water reached on foot or by water taxi. Right beside the town, sunbathers dive off concrete ledges at Spilia and Hydronetta, while a coastal walk leads to the pebble beaches … Read more

Things to Do in Hydra: The Best of Greece’s Car-Free Island

Hydra town and harbour from above, the setting for the best things to do in Hydra

The best things to do in Hydra revolve around one rare quality: this is a Greek island with no cars. No scooters and no bicycles, where donkeys, water taxis and your own feet are the only way to get around. Just a short ferry from Athens in the Saronic Gulf, Hydra keeps a timeless, elegant … Read more