Everybody has their favourite Greek island, and for varying reasons.  As you know, I research the Dodecanese islands of Greece for The Rough Guide to The Greek Islands (Rough Guides) and therefore have grown to really love this chain.

Hydra island, however, is in a class of its own

The name ‘Hydra’ stems from the Greek word for ‘water’ and is referenced for the island’s many natural springs.

Located about 1.5 hours, 37 nautical miles from Athens by high speed ferry from Piraeus port (€28 One Way – 2017 prices) or literally across the water from the Peloponnese region of Greece (see above map), it is possible to visit in a day, but I highly suggest you take time and make Hydra your choice of island to stay a few days, really soak up the island’s essence and special qualities, of which I shall share with you here.

Hydra island Greece – Famous for no cars

Hydra is the island known for having no cars.  It does, actually.  One fire truck and an ambulance, and I think it also has one truck to take away the municipality rubbish that obviously accumulates (but I am not 100% sure). But indeed, the rest of Hydra is gloriously car and even better, motor cycle free.

This means that you rely on walking around, but be warned;  Hydra is quite hilly.  It consists of the main port, known simply as ‘Hydra Town’ – and other bays and islets, accessible as you wander.
Water Taxis and Donkeys

You don’t have to – however – rely on your two feet.  Hydra is the island that has donkeys and mules to cart goods around; from tourist’s luggage to their accommodation to locals carting their weekly food supplies around, or people, if needs be.
Donkey ready to take tourists to their hotel on Hydra Island, Greece where there are no cars
To reach the various bays around the island, the water taxis from Hydra Town whizz around at all hours of the day (and night – up to just after midnight, depending on the season – about €9 per person from Hydra Town to Kamini Bay, for example).  I have to say, lying in bed at night, listening to the noise of boats zooming around as opposed to the city roar of motor bikes and cars is very refreshing.

Back to the donkeys: I’ve heard many visitors question the fairness of using animals to cart goods around, querying why the island does not modernise like every other island – but now we are reaching the crux of my article;

    Hydra island – Greece – is unique, like no other Greek island.  It’s like stepping back to the 1800’s (but with Wi-Fi) which can be seen through the architecture of the place, even its every day way of life – indeed, it is deliberately preserved as such to deter the average package holidayer.

Hydra island Greece – architecture and the elements

As you approach the island, its architecture stands out immediately, almost Venetian in style.  The many mansions in the harbour are old Captain’s mansions or shipowners – the most spectacular one, to my mind, being the Historical Archives Museum at the entrance of the harbour – a stone mansion founded in 1918 by shipowner Gikas Koulouras and renovated in 1996.

Think about it: to undertake the construction of such magnificent buildings with no transport means, the inhabitants of the island have – throughout time – had to work hard to be at one with the natural elements, to evolve an organic relationship with nature and the sea.  Even going about daily tasks takes planning: it’s not as if you can pop out in your car down the road to a big supermarket (there are none).


Hydra, therefore, creates a unique type of Greek; a person who respects and appreciates the beauty yet harshness of every day life here.  In turn, this will create a unique type of tourist.
Hydra island Greece – what type of holiday?

As a predominantly rocky island, sandy beaches are in short supply…however there are gorgeous swimming coves and bays all around the island.  You can walk to these, or take a water taxi.  For a more in depth look at specific things to do on Hydra island, take a look at this article.

The main ‘point’ of Hydra, however, is to re-connect with yourself.  This does not necessarily mean undertaking a yoga retreat on the island, although of course you can if you wish, but after talking with locals and spending time here, I realised that Hydranites are (rightly) proud of their heritage, this synergy between man and nature. There’s an energy on Hydra that not every one can pick up on

I was told by more than one person.  I outwardly smiled whilst inwardly thinking that most people from other Greek islands had declared the same about their own…but after only a few days, I began to understand what they were referring to.  Indeed, Hydra has produced many famous Greek artists (as in poets, painters, musicians) and in the 60’s the Canadian singer/songwriter/musician/poet/novelist Leonard Cohen bought a house here.
It’s an island that inspires and nurtures the creative side that exists in us all.

Conclusion

Is it the fact that no cars exist that has kept Hydra joyously free of the package tourism? More than likely.  As mentioned, every day life requires a little more thought on Hydra, it’s a gloriously ‘unsimple’ island.
I referred to the locals and throughout time, how they have learnt to not work against, but with the elements. This was evermore reflected in a local photography exhibition
“Faces of Hydra” whereby local professional photographer George Skordaras exhibited portraits of these local people, and the year after year returning tourists.
Faces of Hydra Island - Greece exhibition
Faces of Hydra Island – Greece exhibition

Their love of the island is clearly reflected on their faces, and their love of nature weathered into their features.  The intention of the exhibition is to produce a book to take to various tourism exhibitions to showcase the culture of Hydra.

As an island, Hydra offers many cultural events throughout the year.  It’s what the island is famous for, as mentioned; it cultivates creativity and artistry.

Your list of hotels to stay in Hydra

Hydra is an island to relax, to gain perspective, to gain synergy with the environment, to possibly even ‘bump into’ a very famous person; politician, creative professional, actor or singer.  These people seek solitude with the occasional company on the island…they know they will be left alone as they quite happily mingle amongst every day people.
If it’s fuss, attention and fanfare they want, they go to Mykonos.  Hydra, I hope I have shown, is entirely different in every way imaginable.

Yes, there is an ‘energy’ on Hydra that is quite apparent.  I understand, now, what the locals refer to.  It’s hard to define and I do hope you’ll travel there to discover for yourself.