A sea view from one of Hydra’s quiet alleys
Hydra Island provides a range of accommodation for every budget, from luxurious villas and private houses to boutique hotels, self-catering apartments, family-run pensions, and independent rooms for rent. Rates vary by time of year and, often, length of stay, with the summer months being Hydra’s peak season. If you’re new to Hydra or would like advice about the best accommodation for your stay, please contact us. We’ll be happy to help you select your ideal Greek island vacation getaway.
Pension Erofili
Visitors to the island planning to stay fewer than five nights are best off booking into a hotel as private houses and villas typically aren’t available for shorter holidays, and most require that vacationers stay at least one full week, particularly during the high season. You’ll find that Hydra has a wealth of hotels and pensions to accommodate just about every budget and comfort level, some close to the harbor, with its bustling cafes and restaurants and active nightlife, others tucked into quiet neighborhoods, away from it all. Hydra’s status as a protected national monument prevents hotel chains from operating on the island, meaning that the even the commercial establishments here retain their unique Hydriot charm. At the same time, you will easily find everything from high-quality, boutique-style luxury accommodationto simpler, family-run traditional pensions. In recent years it has become popular for families and groups of friends to rendezvous on Hydra but instead of being scattered in hotels, they opt to rent one of the holiday house rentals so they can enjoy the home-from-home atmosphere together. There are some gorgeously preserved homes you can stay in that are a great way to experience what it’s like to live in Hydra and some authentically date back to the 1800′s. These private houses get booked early though by regular visitors so you should reserve well in advance to avoid disappointment.
Sea Captain’s Villa’s fabulous sea view
Vacationers hoping to arrange private accommodation for their holidays might find the wealth of choices surprising. Some houses have fabulous sea and sunset views; others are close to restaurants and bars and require no climb. Some have private swimming pools, while others are a stone’s throw from the sea. Some are traditional and quirky, others are modern with up-to-date appliances and fixtures. Some are beautifully restored 18th-century mansions, some are new constructions. Very rarely, however, will you find a traditional Greek villa with a modern kitchen, fabulous views, and no climb, especially not with a pool! And, when available, such houses fetch a pretty penny. Also, please note that current Hydra law prohibits the construction of swimming pools, both because water is so scarce on the island and because the municipality strives to preserve the island’s old-world character. There is one hotel and a few houses to rent with pools, but they tend to book up early and quickly.
The port seen from high Hydra Town
The Hydra Island Greece website lists a variety of private homes—villas, houses, cottages, and apartments—for rent seasonally or for summer holidays. The highlights section of each description contains such information as whether the house offers great views or doesn’t require a climb, has a pool or is close to swimming, provides air conditioning and Wi-Fi or allows you to escape the twenty-first century all together.
One of Hydra’s more than 300 churches
As a carless island built into the side of a mountain, Hydra requires visitors to do a good bit of walking, if not outright climbing. Be sure to bring comfortable shoes for walking, and ladies in high heels beware. Also, please note that years of foot traffic have polished the cobblestones to a high sheen in places. Try to step on the cement between stones to avoid slipping. If you have any sort of health or mobility issues, please don’t hesitate to ask about the suitability of any accommodation you may be considering. We’ll do our best to steer you in the right direction.
