Self-catering holiday homes: Hydra Island

Make a holiday rental apartment or villa in Hydra, Greece your home away from home

Sitting between the islands of Poros and Spetses in the Argo-Saronic archipelago of Greece is the beautiful Hydra Island, which is hugely popular with domestic tourists. The incredible beauty and stunning red roofed villages are wonderfully easy on the eye, with no motorised vehicles allowed, nothing can break the peace and quiet. Known as an artists retreat, Hydra villas are very wonderfully comfortable and extremely fashionable, yet manage to retain the authentic character and magical beauty of the island in tact.

Things to do in Hydra, Greece

Hydra Island is kept blissfully peaceful, relaxing and untouched due to the blanket ban on motorised vehicles. Donkey rides are not simply for the benefit of the few discerning tourists that arrive on the island, but an essential part of life from a Hydra villa. Tradition still lives on strong here, and daily lives have not been influenced by the slow increase of foreign tourists finding quiet, self catering Hydra Island accommodation for their holidays. The great role played by the island in the Greek Revolution has also not been forgotten by the inhabitants.

The beaches that surround Hydra are mainly rocky stretches, with tiny pebble stretches from which to swim or launch a boat. The beaches are not the huge sandy expanses common on many Greek islands, but are wonderfully picturesque nonetheless. Water sports are of the highest quality however, and there are plenty of opportunities to go sailing, windsurfing, kite surfing or scuba diving. Bisti Bay, is the best place to head from a Hydra rental for water sports, and the bay is also the beat snorkelling and kayaking location.

Hydra celebrates many festivals throughout the year, which are fantastic fun to get involved with. The religious festivals are celebrated with aplomb especially Easter and the Assumption of the Virgin Mary in August. The historic Miaoulia Festival, which is marked with feasts, dances and a long night of partying, and the Summer Cultural Festival in the middle of July are both magnificent times to be staying in a Hydra accommodation. There are also a great number of art exhibitions throughout the year.

Places to visit on holiday in Hydra, Greece

A holiday rental property in Hydra Island is a fantastic base from which to go island hoping. Chartering a yacht and heading around the warm, clear waters of Mediterranean is a beautifully relaxing way to spend a few weeks, many, many miles from home.

Cheap flights to Hydra, Greece

There is no airport on Hydra Island, the closest being Athens’ International Airport (ATH). There are a great range of inbound flights from the UK arriving into Athens, and from there, there are two daily ferries that cross from Athens’ Piraeus port to the island, taking around 3.5 hours.

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