Hydra Island offers everything you would want for a European beach getaway: picturesque swimming coves, chic shopping, a vibrant nightlife, sunset dining and fresh, authentic cuisine.
What makes it stand out is its car-free charm, with transportation limited to donkeys, boats and walking, ensuring a peaceful atmosphere. The island’s bohemian and sophisticated setting, with artistic touches and a history of attracting famous artists like Leonard Cohen, adds to its allure.
Mostly frequented by European tourists, Hydra feels like an under-the-radar destination - without the usual influencer crowds. I had my annual sister's trip here and can't wait to go back!
There are so many fun things to do in Hydra, Greece. We list what to do on Hydra Island from the best sunset spots to the most unique beach bars for sunbathing and swimming.
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Unique Things to Do in Hydra, Greece
Travelling from Athens? See our top tips for getting to Hydra from Athens and which ferry company we prefer.
1. Get sunset drinks at Hydronetta Bar
Hydronetta Bar
Hydronetta is a dreamy beach bar just a short walk from the port. Perched on a cliffside, this intimate spot features straw umbrellas providing just the right amount of shade for tables overlooking the turquoise sea.
Friends gather here to relax with Greek wines and beachy cocktails while enjoying the breeze and views of swimmers below. With uplifting electronic music and beautiful sunset views, it’s the perfect place to unwind.
We love that you can take a refreshing dip when the sun gets hot, then return to your table to finish your drinks.
🍹 Must drink: Caipirinha - a Brazilian cocktail made with cachaça, sugar and lime.
2. Take a nighttime dip at Hydronetta Bar
At night, Hydronetta transforms into a unique spot, with the water lit up for a night swim. During summer it's hot until late, so taking a refreshing dip under the stars is magic!
3. Dress up and dine with sunset views
Top: Omilos | Bottom: Techne
The dining in Hydra is excellent, with so many restaurants to choose from. We made the mistake of booking our reservations for 7:30 PM and found ourselves being the first seated every time! People dine late in Greece - prime reservation times are 9 PM.
There are two restaurants we dined at with amazing sunset views:
Techne - is a hidden gem located between Hydronetta Bar and Kamini village on the walking path. Its Mediterranean cuisine, signature cocktails and "see and be seen" crowd create a vibrant atmosphere. Book one of their elevated outdoor tables for stunning sea views and prime people-watching.
Omilos - offered us the best sunset view, though we preferred the atmosphere at Techne. As one of Hydra's fine-dining restaurants, it leans towards the expensive side, but the dishes are delightful and beautifully presented. The crowd felt a bit like a "yacht crowd," not in a particularly stylish way.
Reservations are recommended for both restaurants.
🍷 Top Tip: go for a glass of local house wine - it's about 3-6 euros per glass and consistently great.
4. Party at Hydra's happening bars
Although Hydra Island is small, it has a fun nightlife with most bars and nightclubs open until 2 AM -4 AM. Even some boutique shops don't close until midnight.
There are two happening spots open until the early hours of the morning we recommend:
Pirate Bar: best for socializing - this lively bar is located right on the port with tons of outside tables while a DJ plays from inside.
Amalour: best for dancing - we headed over to Amalour at 2 AM, where the intimate dance floor was packed as a DJ mixed tracks from CDs. The playlist was a combination of classics like Donna Summer’s “I Feel Love” and modern hits like Peggy Gou’s “Nanana,” keeping the energy high all night.
5. Stay in an apartment with a terrace and view
While Hydra doesn't have a big selection of hotels, it makes up for it with its charming apartments and guesthouses. We found that staying about a 5-minute walk from Hydra Port is ideal - far enough to avoid noise but close enough to avoid too much of a steep climb.
We stayed in the Sunset Studio at Hydra Dream Houses and loved it. It was quiet yet just a quick walk from the central strip. We enjoyed sitting on our private terrace with a glass of wine while looking at the view. 🛌 Browse more stays on Hydra Island6. Get breakfast at Isalos Cafe along the port
Delicious smoothies and great people-watching made Isalos Cafe our favourite spot at the port, where ferry passengers stroll by.
After our first breakfast here, it quickly became our go-to place each morning. We’d settle into our favourite table, sip a coffee, drink a refreshing smoothie and soak in the lively atmosphere along the strip.
7. Walk the coastal path from Hydra Port to Vlychos Beach
The coastal walk from Hydra Port to Vlychos Beach
Walking the coastal path from Hydra Port to Vlychos Beach is a great way to see a quieter, more scenic side of Hydra. The trail takes you past Hydronetta Bar, Avlaki Beach, the historic fishing village of Kamini and over an arched stone bridge before reaching Vlychos Beach.
It’s a great spot to relax away from the busy main port - rent a beach umbrella and two chairs, take a dip in the clear water, and enjoy some beachside service. The walk is about 35 minutes each way.
🏖️ Top Tip: You can rent the blue chairs for 15 euros (for 2) from the ice cream shop, or the white chairs for 20 euros (for 2) from the Enalion restaurant. Enalion has a QR code on each table for easy food ordering.
8. Dine on handmade pasta at Il Casta
Although Il Casta may not have the views of some other restaurants, its leafy courtyard and sophisticated, yet relaxed atmosphere, make it stand out.
Its Italian dishes (handmade pasta!) were a refreshing change from Greek fare, and we loved the quirky, stylish furniture with mismatched hand-painted plates. The elegant crowd also added to its charm.
Il Casta is one of Hydra's best restaurants, so call ahead to make your reservation.
🍷 Must try: any of its handmade pasta and its perfectly chilled house wine
9. Watch a movie under the stars at the cinema
Outdoor Cinema in Hydra
Catching a movie at the outdoor cinema is a fun way to spend your evening after dinner. Open-air cinemas are a beloved tradition in Greece, with many in Athens and across the country.
We watched Alfred Hitchcock’s "Rope," a classic thriller from the 1940s. Prices were very fair for entry and concession snacks - tickets were 8 euros each.
🎥 Top Tip: bring cash! It's a cash only cinema.
Check their Instagram page to see what's on.
10. Dine at Pirofani for a local, off-the-beaten-path experience
For an authentic local dining experience, Pirofani Taverna is a fantastic choice. Situated in the heart of Kamini village, the restaurant offers a range of eclectic Greek dishes, and its charismatic owner enhances the overall experience.
After your meal, take a stroll back to Hydra Port along the scenic path - it's a truly beautiful walk.
Call ahead to make a reservation.
11. Take a day trip to Agios Nikolaos Beach
If you visit just one beach in Hydra, make it Agios Nikolaos. Although it's a 30-minute boat ride from Hydra Port, it’s well worth the trip. Tucked away on the remote west end of the island, this beach embodies the ideal European beach experience.
The beach bar is excellent, accepts credit cards, and plays uplifting music that isn't too energetic. We started with iced cappuccinos, club sandwiches for lunch, and finished our day with a mojito.
🏖️ Top Tip: For the best choice of non-reservable beach chairs (20 euros for 2), catch the earliest boat. If you prefer the reservable chairs at the front, call Angelo at +306984479770 (25 euros for 2)
To reach Agios Nikolaos Beach:
➡️ Find the passenger boats at Hydra Port with a "St. Nicolas Beach" sign, typically near the clock tower. Our departure options were 10:30am, 11am, 12pm, and 1pm.
➡️ You can pay by credit card, and your roundtrip ticket includes any evening return option (ours were 4pm, 5:30pm, or 6:30pm).
Read our Agios Nikolaos Hydra day trip guide.
12. Sit in the square for lunch at Ostria
Lunch at Ostria
Lunch at Ostria is a delight in its charming courtyard square. This family-owned restaurant is run by a husband-and-wife duo, with the fisherman husband bringing in fresh seafood.
While their seafood is the star, every dish we tried was fantastic - especially the fried saganaki!
13. See the latest exhibition at the DESTE Foundation Slaughterhouse
DESTE Foundation slaughterhouse
Originally an old slaughterhouse, the DESTE Foundation has turned the space into a contemporary art gallery that holds annual exhibitions.
Perched above the space is a striking sun sculpture by Jeff Koons, the renowned artist behind the famous balloon dog sculptures. It's a sight to see in itself!
Hours: Open daily from 11:00 - 13:00 and 19:00 - 22:00, except Tuesdays.
14. Devour a gyro from ..and onion!
Eat a satisfying gyro at ... and onion! - one of the most affordable and delicious meals on the island.
I had the spit-roasted chicken pita, filled with tzatziki, tomatoes, onions, and French fries. While fries in a pita might seem unusual, it's a tasty Greek twist that works perfectly. It might just be the best gyro I’ve ever had.
15. Get a relaxing massage at Armonia Wellness Centre
Treat yourself to a relaxing massage at Armonia Wellness Centre. We booked a massage for our last day and it was a soothing way to end our visit to the island.
Check out their spa treatments.
16. Hang out in an 18th Century castle turned beach lounge
Castello Hydra
Grab lunch and swim at the atmospheric Castello beach lounge. We discovered this gem on a walk, and it quickly became one of our favourite spots.
The music was the best we heard for a beach bar setting, with hypnotic electronic tracks from artists like Stories of Dharma. Its setting around an old stone prison also makes it unique.
You can get two beach chairs and an umbrella for €30. Or, hang out at the bar or on your own beach blanket for free. The menu has everything from smoothies and lattes to poke bowls and milkshakes.
17. Shop the chic boutiques along the port
We were surprised by how good the shopping was in Hydra. The main strip is lined with fashionable shops selling unique items, from handcrafted jewelry and colourful clothing to linen staples and quirky housewares.
We loved seeing so many Greek designers featured. The prices were fair, and the quality was great.
These were our favourite places we shopped:
- Kashish Athens: for clothing with unique prints perfect for a beach holiday - I picked up a sarong and a long skirt here. It seemed like every "It girl" walking around Hydra was wearing something from here.
- Koutsikou Hydra: for stylish housewares and accessories - I bought a handcrafted bracelet here.
- Svoura Concept Store: for unique glass-blown items and ceramics.
- Sirens: for high-quality shoes and clothing from Greek designers - my sister found a pair of sparkly heels.
- Adonis Boutiques & Showroom: for bathing suits in every colour - my sister bought a crochet swimsuit.
18. Drink a cocktail at L'Americano Bar
L'Americano is Hydra's newest cocktail bar, having opened in July 2024. We were one of its first guests!
Tucked away on a side street off the main strip, the bar offers a soothing atmosphere with jazz music and bartenders expertly shaking cocktails. The elegant setting was a refreshing contrast to the rowdier spots like Pirate Bar.
We hope you enjoyed these fun things to do on Hydra Island!
Don't miss our ultimate 3 Day Hydra, Greece itinerary to help you plan your trip.
Get started on planning your trip to Hydra
- 🛌 Accommodation: Booking.com is our go-to for finding places to stay. Sort by top reviewed.
- ⛴️ Compare ferry rates: with Direct Ferries
- ✈️ Compare flights: with Skyscanner
Don't forget about travel insurance
👩⚕️ For affordable travel insurance: go with SafetyWing - it's budget-friendly and you can even buy it while abroad, but note the max medical coverage is $250,000 USD. 🏥 For comprehensive travel insurance: go with World Nomads - it's more expensive, but the max emergency medical coverage is $5-10 million, depending on the plan.Don't miss our other Greece guides:
- 5 Day Greece Itinerary - Athens & Hydra
- 8 Day Trip to Greece - Santorini, Athens and Hydra
- 1 Day Athens Itinerary with Iconic Sights & Local Favourites
- 7 Ways to do Oia, Santorini on a Budget
- 7 Outstanding Restaurants on Hydra Island
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