A car-free stone-mansion port a fast ferry from Athens — donkeys do the hauling.
Not sure Hýdra is your island?
About Hýdra
Hýdra is a Saronic island where cars are banned — donkeys, boats and your own feet do all the work. A short ride from Athens, its stone harbour is ringed by grand 18th- and 19th-century sea-captains’ mansions,…
Highlights
Town & villages
The harbour town
Grey-stone mansions (archontiká) around a horseshoe port — no cars, just donkeys and cats.
Things to do
Coastal walks & swims
Paths lead to swimming spots like Spiliá, Hydronétta and Kamíni; no real beaches, but clear water.
Don’t miss
Sea-captains’ mansions
Several grand houses and the Historical Archives museum tell the island’s naval-war story.
Nature
Hike to Profítis Ilías
A climb to a hilltop monastery with views back over the Argo-Saronic.
Food & drink
Harbourfront dining
Tavernas and the famous amygdalotá almond sweets ring the port.
See it for real
Photos from Wikimedia Commons — tap for source & licence.
Plan it
Find a place to stay
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