About Accommodation on Hydra

Hydra Island provides a range of accommodation for every budget, from private vacation rentals, including luxurious villas, traditional houses, and self-catering apartments, to boutique hotels, 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. 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.

Vacationers hoping to arrange private vacation rentals for their holidays might find the abundance 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. 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.

The Hydra Island Greece website lists a variety of private vacation rentals—villas, houses, cottages, and apartments—to let seasonally or for summer holidays. The highlights section of each description contains such information as whether the home 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.

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. 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.

Tips & Logistics for Private Vacation Rentals

Private vacation rentals are available year-round for periods of up to 3 months. Accommodation includes utility costs, as well as bath towels and bed linens. In general kitchens are fully equipped with cooking appliances and utensils, as well as dishes, silverware, glasses and mugs, etc. Some rates may include maid-service one or more times a week; if not, cleaning and laundry service can be arranged for an additional fee. If air conditioning or WiFi are required, please be sure to enquire if a listing doesn’t make mention of these, as they are not a given, particularly in some of Hydra’s more traditional houses.

While owners will typically arrange to have someone meet guests at the Hydrofoil, guide them to the property, and explain how everything works, the cost of transporting luggage by donkey to the house is often not included in the rental fee, and payment will be the guest’s responsibility. One donkey can typically carry two large suitcases and costs between €15 and €20.

You might consider having the guide or the muleteer stop with you at a grocery so that you can stock up on basic provisions, particularly if you plan to be cooking at home. You’ll want to get at least one six pack of drinking water, as the tap water is high in mineral content and not good to drink. The muleteer will be happy to have the donkey carry your shopping up to the house for you. A six pack of water gets very, very heavy after a bit.

For those unfamiliar with the island, please bear in mind that the main town is built into the side of a mountain. Thus getting to many of the houses requires a climb, sometimes a quite steep or long one. If you have any special needs or preferences, especially mobility or health concerns, please make those known at the outset so that you can be sure to find the perfect home for your holiday on Hydra. Also, pack flat, rubber-sole shoes or sandals for walking around. The cobblestones are uneven and often worn, and it’s easy to slip, particularly on steps.

Whether you’re new to Hydra or visited long ago or even last year, finding the perfect place to stay, based on your desires and your needs, can be difficult. If you need assistance with finding accommodation that meets specific requirements (no climb, close to town, away from it all), please don’t hesitate to ask us for help. We know where all of the various houses and hotels are located, as well as their features and quirks, and can help you make the best selection.

We wish you a fabulous visit to the island. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any other questions about Hydra.