Should You Visit Hydra?

Is Hydra worth visiting?

Yes, Hydra is absolutely a island that any traveler should visit. During our time here, we had so much fun.

Whether you're a traveling as a family or a couple, this island has a lot to offer. Any local will tell you what makes it special is the amazing museums and fantastic historical sights.

Hydra is a small and beautiful Greek island in the Aegean Sea. It's often visited as a day trip because it's very accessible. It's also a vehicle-free island that has a charming, frozen in time atmosphere.

Hydra, Greece Hydra, Greece

8 Reasons to Visit Hydra

1. Museums

For such a small island, there are many local museums and sights. Highlights include the Historical Archives Museum, the Ecclesiastical Museum, the Monastery of Agia Efpraxia, and the Monastery of Prophet Elias.

2. Historical Sights

With no cars and plenty of charm, the island's old town feels as if you've stepped back in time. Donkey pulled carts and quaint streets give this town its atmosphere.

3. Hiking

The island is filled with walking paths and donkey trails that are fun to explore. Some walk along the sea and offer spectacular views while others take you inland through the hills.

4. Shopping

Charming shops fill the town and sell local items such as handmade jewelry and traditional embroideries.

5. Food

For such a small island, it really packs in some great restaurants. Head down the side streets to find the best souvlaki. There are also tavernas where you can sample local wine. Fresh caught seafood is a favorite on the island as well.

6. Resorts

It's a popular day trip destination, but if you stay for a night or two, you'll find boutique hotels and charming pensions.

7. Scuba Diving & Snorkeling

There are some snorkeling spots around the island - most notably Bisti Beach, which is pebbly and has some interesting sea life.

8. Beaches

The beaches are usually pebbly with nice blue water. Many people visit the beaches as part of a boat tour, which leaves from the port and tours the island. Some of the most popular beaches are Vlichos, Kaminia, Bisti and Agios Nikolaos.




Is Hydra worth visiting in the Summer?

The high season for travel in Hydra is the summer, so expect to see more tourists than usual. This destination is quite popular with tourists, and in the high season it's even busier than usual as this is when most people like to visit. Expect crowds to be large, and prices to be a bit higher than normal. However, there's plenty to do here this time of year, too.

The warm weather in summer is one of the reasons people visit at this time of year. Temperatures average around 27°C (81°F) with daily high temperatures often more than 32°C (89°F).

The nearby hiking this time of year is a must-do, so take some time to get out on the trails, take in some fresh air, and enjoy the scenery. Don't miss the small town charm during summer. Just take some time to wander through the local shops and see the historic landmarks around town when the weather is nice. You'll also find it quite easy to get around on foot, because this is a very walkable island, especially in the nice weather. During this season it's fun to experience the beaches, the small town charm, and the hiking. Also, you'll be able to explore the museums and famous sights, relax at a resort, and learn about the history of the town.


Summer Weather in Hydra
Avg Temp
(°C/°F)
Avg Rain
(mm/inches)
July 27°C (81°F) 6 mm (0.2 in)
August 27°C (81°F) 8 mm (0.3 in)
September 24°C (76°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)

Is Hydra worth visiting in the Autumn?

You'll find the weather to be very nice here during autumn with average temperatures around 19°C (67°F).

Autumn is the shoulder season for travel in Hydra, which means slightly less visitors than in the peak season. This destination is quite touristy, so in the shoulder season you can still find plenty of crowds, but better prices.

Autumn is a great time of year to explore the numerous museums and landmarks around town. They are fun for the whole family as well great for couples. Soaking up that old town charm in the autumn is one of the favorite activities of visitors. The quaint scenery combined with the weather this time of year is quite nice. This is a great time of year to admire the wonderful scenery, admire the historic sights, and browse the museums. Also, you can experience the hiking and the small town charm.


Autumn Weather in Hydra
Avg Temp
(°C/°F)
Avg Rain
(mm/inches)
October 19°C (67°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
November 16°C (60°F) 51 mm (2 in)
December 12°C (54°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)

Is Hydra worth visiting in the Winter?

Winter is the low season for travel in Hydra. This destination is quite touristy, but in the low season you'll see fewer crowds and much better prices.

You'll find the weather to be very nice here during winter with average temperatures around 10°C (51°F).

You'll find plenty to do during winter, as you'll be able to spend time at the museums, dine out at amazing restaurants, and browse around the old town.


Winter Weather in Hydra
Avg Temp
(°C/°F)
Avg Rain
(mm/inches)
January 10°C (51°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
February 11°C (51°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
March 12°C (54°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)

Is Hydra worth visiting in the Spring?

This is the shoulder season for travel in Hydra. This destination is quite touristy, so in the shoulder season you can still find plenty of crowds, but better prices.

You'll find the weather to be very nice here during spring with average temperatures around 16°C (60°F).

A visit this time of year should definitely be on your list, as the natural scenery is just breathtaking. Explore the island scenery to take in the views, admire nature up close, and enjoy the fresh air. Soaking up that old town charm in the spring is one of the favorite activities of visitors. The quaint scenery combined with the weather this time of year is quite nice. During this season it's fun to experience shopping, the museums and landmarks, and the beautiful scenery. Also, you can check out the small town charm and the historic old town.


Spring Weather in Hydra
Avg Temp
(°C/°F)
Avg Rain
(mm/inches)
April 16°C (60°F) 25 mm (1 in)
May 20°C (68°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
June 24°C (76°F) 6 mm (0.2 in)

Things to Consider Before Visiting Hydra

Nightlife: Most people don't associate Hydra with a lively nightlife scene. It's a small island that is often visited as a day trip, so don't expect a huge party scene. There are about seven places in total that make up the island's nightlife scene. Each is centered around the harbor and many people start their evening at one bar and slowly hop around. They usually have DJs and full bars.

The Cost
Depending on your budget, schedule, and travel style, Hydra might be an expensive destination for you. You can find out the travel costs for Hydra here or see if Hydra is expensive here.

Related

What is Hydra most famous for?

Hydra is most famous for its picturesque setting, car-free setting, and beautiful old town. The island is very popular for its museums, historical sights, hiking, and shopping. It is also known for its great food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches. It is often described as charming, accessible, quaint, and picturesque.


What is the most famous sight in Hydra?

The most popular sight in Hydra is The Monastery of the Assumption of Virgin Mary. You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Hydra on our travel costs page.

Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for The Monastery of the Assumption of Virgin Mary and other attractions here.

How touristy is Hydra? Is it a popular island to visit?

Hydra is a popular island for tourists and travelers. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)

How long should I spend in Hydra?

The ideal length of time for a trip to Hydra is one to two days. Since Hydra has activities such as hiking, shopping, museums, and historical sights, many visit for up to two days.

If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Hydra? and Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Hydra?.