Beaches and Swimming on Hydra

Map of beaches on Hydra (click to enlarge)

Spilia | Avlaki | Kamini | Vlichos | Plakes | Molos | Bisti | Ayios Nikolaos | Limnioniza | Mandraki

Hydra has a variety of swimming spots and beaches, some close to town, some remote and secluded, accessible only by boat. In the descriptions below, all distances are approximated from Hydra Harbor.

Spilia Swimming Rocks (3–5 minutes by foot)

Spilia, Greek for “cave,” is a largish area of swimming rocks, paved in places with concrete platforms, on the west corner of Hydra Harbor up by the canons. Bathers at Spilia, the closest public “beach” to Hydra Town, will enjoy the deep, clear, azure water as well as access to three food-and-drink establishments—the Spilia Café, Sunset Restaurant, and Ydronetta Bar—with outdoor seating and fabulous views of the sea, the mainland and surrounding islands, and the sunset.

Avlaki Bay (5–10 minutes by foot)

Five minutes past the canons at Spilia along the coast road, the Avlaki swimming area, located in a sheltered cove, provides a small pebble beach and a concrete platform at the bottom of a fairly steep flight of stairs. The water here is deep, calm, and clear, and Avlaki tends to be less crowded than Spilia. Climbing up and down can be a bit demanding, making Avlaki less appropriate for those with mobility issues or small children. Swimmers should bring all refreshments and any other necessities with them as shops and cafes are not close by.

Castello (Kamini) Beach (10–15 minutes by foot, 2–3 minutes by water taxi)

Located about 1 kilometer from Hydra Town just past Kamini Harbor, this pebble beach is situated just in front of the old armory, recently restored as a restaurant and bar called Castello. The strip of beach closet to the water and the surrounding rocks remain open to the public, whereas Castello rents the chaises longues with umbrellas stationed out front to its customers (5 euros per day?). The clean, crisp water here is shallower as the beach shelves gently, making this a good spot for children and families. Do, however, bring some sort of swimming sandal as the stones getting in and out of the water can be very hard on tender feet. Two tavernas in closeby Kamini Harbor provide a more affordable alternative for refreshment if the prices at Castello are higher than anticipated.

Vlichos Beach (20–30 minutes by foot, 5–8 minutes by water taxi)

Located 2 kilometers from Hydra Town along the coast road, this tiny village has a larger (for Hydra) sand and pebble beach. There are also two tavernas, one overlooking the beach (Enalion) and the other overlooking the sea (Marina’s), as well as a small refreshments shop. The clean, crisp water here is shallower as the beach shelves gently, making this a good spot for children and families. Do, however, bring some sort of swimming sandal as the stones getting in and out of the water can be very hard on tender feet. Views from the beach of the mainland and surrounding islands are lovely. Chaises longues and umbrellas are available for rent.

Four Seasons (Plakes Vlichos) Beach (35–45 minutes by foot, 10–15 minutes by boat)

Operated by the Four Seasons hotel, Plakes Vlichos offers a long, white sand beach with panoramic views of the mainland and surrounding islands over a clear, aquamarine sea. The beach shelves gently here, providing shallow water ideal for waders and children. A taverna right on the beach offers traditional fare all day long, and chaise longues and umbrellas are available for rent. Four Seasons operates a putt-putt boat that runs every hour between Plakes and Hydra Harbor; it docks just in front of the clock tower on the Port. Alternatively, you hire a water taxi or get there by foot along the coast road, past Kamini and Vlichos proper.

Molos Bay

Difficult to access both by land and sea, thus nearly deserted, Molos remains one of the least developed, thus most pristine, beaches on Hydra. Nestled into a large, sheltered bay and banking gently into shallow water good for wading, the beach is backed by a large, privately owned property; you can wander along the footpaths on either side however. Consider packing a picnic, hiring a water taxi or renting a caique, and visiting Molos for a private day of swimming. Remember that you must bring all provisions as there are no public facilities at the beach.

Bisti Bay

Located in a south-facing bay backed by pines, this stunning white pebble beach with emerald and aquamarine seas is accessed by boats that run back and forth on a timetable (approximately every 2 hours between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m.). Umbrellas and chaises longues are available for rent, and refreshments and snacks are available. The shallow water makes Bisti a good option for families. Visitors planning to spend the day might want to pack a lunch and additional refreshments. In addition to swimming and sunbathing, Bisti, with its small bays, provides great snorkeling.

Ayios Nikolaos (~60 minutes by boat)

On western coast of Hydra, Ayios Nikolaos is a secluded pebble beach situated in a large bay surrounded by piney slopes. Accessible by boat, it provides facilities for swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling, as well as food and drink, during the season.

Limnioniza (~30 minutes from Hydra Harbor by boat)

This sole beach on the south side of Hydra is accessed either by boat or on foot from Hydra Harbor along a well-marked trail over the top of the mountain and passing through Agia Triadha. Situated in long cove, Limnioniza’s pebble beach provides shallow, clear water, as well as chaises longues and umbrellas for rent. In summer, refreshments are available, as are a variety of water sports. Well-marked paths provide nice walks. Boats run regularly during the summer.

Mandraki Bay (20–30 minutes by foot, 5–10 minutes by boat)

Formerly Hydra’s military port, Mandraki, situated about 2 kilometers from Hydra Port in a small cove, provides a small pebble beach with facilities for swimming, sunbathing, and sea sports. There are also have several choices for accommodation and food and drink. The larger, main beach area of Mandraki is operated by the Miramare Hotel, and a smaller swimming area is located below the Mandraki 1800 taverna. The main beach provides umbrellas, chaises longues, and a beach bar. Mandraki can be reached by foot along the coast road or by boat. The walk along the coast road will take you past lovely villas and charming cottages and offers gorgeous views of the Saronic and the mainland, but there’s little shade, so be sure to bring water and a hat.

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