Hydra
Luxury villas to rent on Hydra
We offer a stunning selection of luxury villas to rent on Hydra, the tranquil island that is a perfect destination for those wanting a break from life in the fast lane. There is little to do except swim, hike, admire the scenery, read, rest, and enjoy some great restaurants. There are no cars or motorbikes on Hydra, and almost the only noises you will hear are donkeys, and church bells. All our luxury villas to rent on Hydra are within walking distance of the town and port.
Explore our Hydra Collection
Discover Hydra
Hydra is an island with lots of steps, so not so suitable for those unable to walk easily. Two of our rental villas here are situated quite high up in Hydra (about 15 - 20 minutes walk up, and 15 minutes walk down), but the spectacular scenery when you reach your destination makes it worth the climb. Other luxury villas to rent on Hydra include a historic property located in Avlaki, just 10 minutes walk from the Hydra town, and a luxury villa just 15 minutes walk from Spillia Beach.
Just a 10 minute walk from the harbour is The Rocks, a favourite swimming spot, with flat rocks for sunbathing, and stairs for getting out of the water after a refreshing swim. There is a great restaurant here too, called The Sunset, named for its beautiful sunset views. Mandraki beach can be reached by a 25-minute walk along a seaside road, while Vlichos beach is a 25-minute walk in the other direction, with sun loungers and umbrellas, and a charming restaurant. For either of these beaches, you can just phone for a water taxi back if you don’t fancy the walk! There are plenty more beaches to visit by caique or water taxi, including secluded beaches on the Peloponnese.
Frequently Asked Questions
Our Hydra portfolio includes grand stone archontika – the island’s historic captains’ mansions – restored to exceptional standard in the upper town, elegant private houses with terraced gardens and sea views above the port, and discreet residences in the quieter eastern quarter of the harbour – each personally vetted and supported by our full concierge service.
Hydra is unique among Greek islands in that motorised vehicles are entirely prohibited. The island moves on foot, by donkey, and by water taxi – a distinction that defines its extraordinary atmosphere. We work with trusted local boat operators and can arrange dedicated water transport for the duration of your stay.
Flying Dolphin hydrofoils from Piraeus reach Hydra in approximately ninety minutes. Private boat charters from Athens offer a more flexible and scenic alternative. Once on the island, donkeys and porters handle luggage from the port – a pre-arranged welcome makes arrival entirely seamless. Let us organise this ahead of your trip.
The port town is best explored on foot through its rising lanes of grey stone mansions and bougainvillea. The upper town offers a quieter character and finer views across the Saronic Gulf. The monastery of Profitis Ilias, reached by mule track through pine forest, rewards the effort with extraordinary panoramas across to the Peloponnese.
The Lazaros Koundouriotis Historical Mansion offers an intimate portrait of eighteenth-century island life, while the Hydra Historical Archives Museum tells the story of the island’s remarkable seafaring past. The port’s galleries and cultural spaces reflect Hydra’s long tradition as a retreat for artists and writers – Leonard Cohen among the most celebrated.
Spetses, a short hydrofoil ride south, shares Hydra’s car-free character and rewards a relaxed afternoon around its pine-shaded coastline. The ancient theatre at Epidaurus on the Peloponnese mainland, acoustically perfect and deeply moving, pairs well with the beautiful town of Nafplio for a full day away. We can arrange private charters and tailored itineraries for either.
The tavernas on the quieter western arm of the harbour consistently outperform the more prominent waterfront terraces – grilled fish and cold Assyrtiko at a marble-topped table is the essential Hydra lunch. For a more considered evening, Christina’s, tucked into a backstreet above the port, is the local favourite for honest, beautifully prepared home cooking that reflects the very best of the Greek table.
