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

August 15, 2026July 27, 2026 by Yannis Divramis

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

Mandraki and Elia Beaches: The Dunes of Xerxes on Skiathos

August 16, 2026July 16, 2026 by Yannis Divramis

Mandraki and Elia are two adjacent, undeveloped sandy beaches on the northwest coast of Skiathos, and neither has a road. A signed sandy path leaves the asphalt near the Koukounaries and Strofilia area and winds about 25 to 30 minutes through stone pines and juniper dunes before the sea appears. Herodotus recorded that the Persian … Read more