Hydra is one of Greece’s most distinctive islands, famous for its car-free atmosphere, stone mansions, artistic history and dramatic coastline. Excursions on and from Hydra focus on walking, boating, swimming, nearby islands and cultural exploration rather than motorised sightseeing. The island’s compact size and maritime traditions make it especially well suited to sea excursions and hiking adventures.
Boat Excursions Around Hydra
One of the most popular activities is a boat tour around Hydra’s rugged coastline. These excursions stop at remote coves, sea caves and swimming spots that cannot easily be reached on foot. Cruises usually include snorkeling, cliff views and beach stops around the island.
Excursions to Nearby Islands
Hydra is centrally located within the Saronic Gulf, making island-hopping very easy. Daily ferries and hydrofoils connect Hydra with:
Poros
Spetses
Ermioni
Porto Heli
Aegina
Visitors frequently take day excursions to Poros or Spetses, both reachable within about 30–40 minutes by hydrofoil.
Walking and Hiking Excursions
Because there are no cars on Hydra, walking is central to the island experience. Old stone paths connect the harbour with monasteries, mountain viewpoints and beaches. Hiking excursions often include:
The climb to Mount Eros, Hydra’s highest point
Walks to Profitis Ilias Monastery
Coastal hikes to Kamini and Vlychos
Paths through abandoned windmills and terraces
Many travellers describe Hydra as one of the best Greek islands for scenic walking. If you plan to take a hike/walk, please ensure you take all necessary health and safety precautions and the correct preparation.
Water Taxi and Beach Excursions
Small sea taxis transport visitors from Hydra Town to beaches around the island. These excursions are ideal for reaching more distant swimming areas without long hikes.
Frequently visited beaches include:
Vlychos
Bisti
Agios Nikolaos
Mandraki
Limnioniza
Leonard Cohen legacy - do it yourself mini walking tour
Many travellers describe Hydra as one of the few places in Europe where the atmosphere of Cohen’s era still feels present — quiet stone streets, no cars, donkeys carrying supplies, and evenings centered around the harbour and conversation rather than nightlife.
A memorial bench dedicated to Cohen stands near Spilia on the western side of the harbour. It has become a small pilgrimage site for fans and offers one of the island’s best sunset views.
The main site connected with Cohen is his former house in Hydra Town. The house is still privately owned by his family and cannot be visited inside, but visitors can see the exterior from the narrow stone lane where it stands. The street is now informally known as “Leonard Cohen Street,” marked by a blue street sign. Fans often photograph the famous doorway with its distinctive hand-shaped knocker.