Hydra

Hydra island in the Saronic & Argolic sailing area:

Hydra is a Greek island located between the Saronic and the Argolic gulf in the West end of the Aegean Sea. It is considered one of the most popular destinations for sailing holidays in Greece as well as the “must stop” for charters in the area of the Saronic and Argolic Gulf & Peloponnese East coast.
Hydra features mountainous and infertile landscape with bare and rocky hillsides.
The cosmopolitan island of Hydra offers much beauty and abundance of facilities and services to the visitor, but not to the yachts. Hydra town is the capital and the main port of the island. It is built amphitheatrically around the port encircled by traditional white houses and narrow alleys best for romantic walks. Being a safe shelter on the North coast of the island, the colourful tiny port of Hydra is almost always full of small and bigger yachts during summertime offering beautiful sightseeing spots for tourists. Cars and motorbikes are not allowed in the island and people use taxi boats and donkeys which give a different everyday lifestyle to the island. There are also the villages of Kaminia and Vlichos that both offer privacy, country life, seafood, nice beaches etc.
Hydra offers nightlife for all tastes mainly gathered around the main town and port. The capital offers cafes, small bars, good restaurants & tavernas as well as “after” night clubs where tourists can dance and roister till dawn.
Hydra is also a good place for shopping since provides a wide range of commercial shops mostly in the main port.

Hydra island consists of pebbly, sandy beaches and coves. Famous for the rocky coastlines and crystal – clear blue waters, some of them are well-organized with cafes, tavernas, facilities for bathers, watersports etc. The island’s well-known beaches are Spilia, Hydronetta, Kamini & small Kamini, Vliho, Palamidas, Molos, Kaoumithi, Bisti, Saint George, Saint Nikolaos, Klimaki, Limnioniza and Mandraki.

Weather conditions / Climate in Hydra island:

There are very few weather problems in the area and the prevailing wind in Hydra island blows from SE at force 2-5 Beaufort scale, although it may be stronger on occasion.
The climate in Hydra island is the classic Mediterranean: dry, sunny and hot summers and mild winters with little rainfalls. During summer, the temperatures are sometimes quite high but the constant breeze blowing in the area makes the atmosphere more enjoyable.

Moorings & Anchorages in Hydra island/ Saronic and Argolic Gulf:

Hydra harbour is very crowded during summer and it is not unusual for yachts to be berthed second and third row from the quay. Anchoring is an issue into the harbour and yachts can moor to the town quay or to the N mole (when available). NOTE: In case of N-NW strong winds, the only safe shelter for yachts is on the N mole.
Anchorages in Hydra island: Vlihos, Ormos Molos, Petassi, Bisti, Saint Nikolaos.
Keep in mind: Alimos marina and Lavrion port both located in Athens are our charter bases for the area of the Saronic & Argolic gulf and Peloponnese East coast.

History & Places of interest in Hydra island:

Hydra was named after its bountiful water springs in ancient times.  “Dryopes” (a pre-Dorian Greek race) were the first inhabitants of the island before 1300 BC who all came from the mainland of Greece.  In Hydra and the side-island of Dokos the archaeologists found traces of ancient homes testifying that the island has been settled by the Early Bronze Age (3rd millenium BC).  Further into, underwater excavations have revealed an ancient shipwreck dated back to 1800 BC. In modern times around 1780 Hydra was a nautical station and a centre of maritime trade and communication. The island with its 130 ships played an important role in the Greek War against the Turks in 1821.

The island of Hydra abounds in interesting monuments and religious sights!
Worth paying a visit: the Museum of History and Archives, the Koundouriotis mansion, the Byzantine museum, the school of art, the merchant marine academy, the Bastions with Cannons, many churches and monasteries.

Activities in Hydra island:

Visitors can enjoy various watersports and activities in Hydra island. There is a diving centre in Bisti bay where quests can practise scuba diving, snorkelling, kayaking, bananas rides and the like.
The island is also perfect for those who love hiking and trekking since there are paths and routes which satisfy even the most demanding traveller.
There are several choices so as to rent a bike or a DONKEY mostly around the capital where vehicles are banned. Sea taxis (small boats) are available for short/ daily excursions as well.