The Tamesis
Despite Hydra’s cosmopolitan energy and proximity to Athens, Hydra’s best hotels maintain a relaxed and fun atmosphere. The island’s timeless charm unfolds around its historic port, winding through narrow cobbled streets where the absence of cars helps maintain the island’s slow and tranquil pace. There’s no need to overdo it when the setting is this beautiful.
FashionGuide to the Best Hotels and Airbnbs in Hydra:
For decades, Hydra’s tranquil pace of life has inspired artists and writers who have come here, often making themselves a home in one of Hydra’s most iconic guesthouses, such as Sébastien Meyer and Arnaud Vaillant of Coperni, who spent a long time holidaying on the island before choosing it as their wedding venue. Lovers of fashion and contemporary art should take time to visit Deste’s Hydra Slaughterhouse project, which is part of the Deste Foundation, established in 1983 by art collector Dakis Joannou (“deste” means “appearance” in Greek). Since 2009, it has occupied an old slaughterhouse, and during the summer (June to October) visitors can view site-specific art exhibitions by individual artists and groups; previous installations have brought Jeff Koons, Urs Fischer and Kara Walker to the island.
Traveling to Hydra and experiencing the island and its stunning boutique accommodation is as easy as taking a one-hour ferry ride from the port of Athens or booking a private transfer with the much-loved yacht brand Cyanos. No matter how you choose to arrive, there are plenty of idyllic hotels and holiday rentals to choose from.
Here are our favorite hotels and Airbnbs to live like a local on the Greek island of Hydra.
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Photo: Miranda Hotel
Located on the main street connecting the harbor to Kala Pigadia, Miranda Hotel is housed in an old mansion in Hydra, originally built in 1810 as the home of a wealthy sea captain. Since its conversion into a 14-room boutique hotel in 1961, it has hosted politicians, artists, actors and writers over the years and has become one of the island’s most popular hotels for its warm, unpretentious atmosphere, featuring 18th and 19th century furniture, antiques and paintings by famous Greek artists.
