Beaches in Hydra: A Guide to the Best on the Island
Written By: Global Grit and Glam
April 2025
Hydra’s northern coastline (Greece)
Tucked away in the Saronic Gulf, the Greek island of Hydra – just a short ferry ride directly from Athens – is a tranquil destination filled with quaint villages, bright pink hydrangeas, coastal walking paths, crystal-clear waters, 17th- and 18th-century architecture, and a unique car-free atmosphere that without question makes it one of the most beautiful islands in the region. We certainly couldn’t get enough of it and wish we could have stayed longer!
Some travelers visit Hydra as part of a longer cruise ship itinerary, whilst others stay a little longer, soaking in Hydra’s magic and enjoying days spent on sun-drenched beaches. And whilst Hydra may not be known for the long, white sandy beaches of other Greek islands, its beaches remain a perfect representation of the landscape in the Aegean Sea. Indeed, the island offers visitors numerous secluded coves, hidden beaches, and countless serene spots to sunbathe along its rocky coastline.
For water sports enthusiasts, there’s also options for snorkeling, kayaking, scuba diving, paddle-boarding and sailing around Hydra Island’s coves and beaches, providing you plenty of opportunities to explore its fascinating marine life in more depth.
Hydra's beautiful harbor serves as a key point of access to the island’s beaches. Shall we check out some of them together? Come on, let’s go!
Quick Tips
Avlaki Beach (Hydra, Greece)
Here are some insider tips to help you make the most of your visit to the beaches in Hydra, Greece.
Hydra is a car-free island, which means the only way to get to its beaches is to walk, take a water taxi or boat service, or ride a donkey.
Hydra’s beaches are a mix of pebbles, sand, and rocky outcrops with large concrete platforms perfect for diving into the crystal-clear waters of the Aegean Sea.
The closest beaches to Hydra Town are Spilia Beach, Hydronetta Beach and Avlaki Beach.
Consider visiting the small, picturesque fishing village of Kaminia and its adjacent beach, for a truly authentic Greek island feel.
The best beaches on Hydra for those who prefer the sand over pebbles, are Mandraki Beach, Plakes Beach and Vlychos Beach.
Whilst it’s a longer journey than to most beaches on the island, consider visiting Agios Nikolaos Beach – well worth it for the stunning coastal scenery along the way!
For a truly unique experience – and one far from the tourist crowds – visit Limnioniza Beach and its stunning natural harbor.
Visit pebbly Bisti Beach for its excellent snorkeling opportunities.
Palamida valley is an excellent choice not only for its beach, but also to see the only traditional shipyard still in operation on the island today.
There are numerous opportunities for partaking in water activities during your time on Hydra: from jet-skiing to paddle-boarding, from snorkeling to scuba diving, and from sailing to boat tours that circumnavigate the island.
Follow these tips and you’ll be ready to visit the beaches in Hydra, Greece!
Plan Your Trip
Kaminia Beach (Hydra, Greece)
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Swimming Spots Closest to Hydra Town
The sunsets from the Hydra coastline are worth waiting around for…
Spilia Beach
Spilia (meaning “cave”) Beach is the closest beach to Hydra Town and harbor, making it a convenient and accessible outing for most visitors. From the ferry terminal in Hydra Town, Spilia is less than a 10-minute walk around the port, and with direct access to the water, is an excellent spot for sunbathing, snorkeling, diving, and simply soaking up the beauty and charm of the island’s landscape all around you.
Insider tip. We wouldn’t necessarily call Spilia a “beach”: there is no sand or pebbles here. It’s more of a rocky outcrop with large concrete platforms. In addition, to reach the platforms you must descend down a set of steep stairs – so the area isn’t easily accessible for all.
The steep stairs and concrete platforms of Spilia Beach (Hydra, Greece)
To access the water at Spilia, visitors must jump or dive from the rocks or platforms, else use the small set of iron steps that lead into the water – an excellent choice if you’re feeling more cautious. The water is immediately deep here (there is no gentle shelving as you will find at other beaches on the island), so we do suggest children and those who are not overly confident in the water heed this warning.
Insider tip. There is no boat access to Spilia. You must walk to this “beach”.
Insider tip. Spilia Beach is an excellent place to catch the morning sun and jump into the water for an early swim. It’s also one of the most popular places near Hydra Town to catch a stunning sunset.
Refreshments are available from the cozy Spilia Beach Bar, which provides visitors a shaded place of respite and incredible views out toward the Aegean Sea. Free wi-fi is also available. You can also grab food and drinks from the nearby Sunset Restaurant or Hydronetta Bar, as well as use their restrooms if you have purchased something from these establishments.
Hydronetta Beach
Just around the corner from Spilia Beach, on the northern coast of Hydra, you’ll find Hydronetta Beach – but again, we use the term “beach” loosely here. That being said, and unlike Spilia Beach, there is a small strip of pebbles at Hydronetta, and sun beds and sun umbrellas are available for rent.
Similar to Spilia, at Hydronetta you’ll also find large concrete platforms for sunbathing – also ideal for jumping off and diving into the deep water – and it’s another one of the better places on the island to watch the sunset (very romantic!) and enjoy cocktails at the beach bar at the top of the rocky outcrop. The views over the sea are incredible here.
Scuba diving and snorkeling are also popular activities at Hydronetta.
Insider tip. To reach Hydronetta Beach, look for the gap in the seaside wall between some cannons at the Sunset Restaurant. There you’ll find a set of stairs that will take you down to the rocks and platforms near the water.
Avlaki Beach
NOTE: Avlaki Beach is closed until further notice, due to safety concerns over access. We provide a basic overview of Avlaki here all the same, should it open to the public in the future.
Sadly, Avlaki Beach is currently closed to the public
Just two minutes further down the coastal path from Hydronetta Beach you’ll find the very secluded Avlaki Beach. If you’re looking to get away from it all – for some true peace and tranquility – then this could be your place!
Nestled within a small cove and surrounded by pine trees, this small pebbled beach plunges quickly and steeply into deep water. More stunning views of the Aegean Sea await you here at Avlaki, and nearby you’ll find picturesque local Greek tavernas serving up fresh seafood and other traditional dishes.
Hydra’s Best Beaches for Sand-Seekers
Take a water taxi from Hydra harbor to its sandy beaches
Whilst Hydra is famed for its pebbled beaches, there are also a few sandy beaches on the island where you can enjoy a softer shoreline – most with organized activities and modern, convenient facilities.
Mandraki Beach
1.7 miles (2.8 kilometers) east of Hydra Town you’ll find Mandraki Beach (and the adjacent Mandraki Beach Resort) – the best place on Hydra for those of you seeking some additional comfort and luxury.
Mandraki Beach is a short water taxi ride from Hydra’s main port, and is the only sandy beach on the island with full amenities: sun loungers, sun umbrellas, restrooms, changing rooms, cold-water showers, a beach bar and restaurant, and opportunities for a variety of different water sports. Here you’ll have the chance to go jet-skiing, paddle-boarding, snorkeling (look out for all the small colorful fish here!) and even sailing in the crystal-clear waters (you’ll no doubt see quite a few yachts anchored in the sheltered, tranquil waters here during your visit!). Note that everything at Mandraki Beach is owned by the resort itself.
Insider tip. There is a dedicated water taxi route that leaves from the port of Hydra every 30 minutes and goes directly to Mandraki Beach. You can, of course, also reach the beach on foot – simply follow the coastal path east of Hydra Town.
Insider tip. Visitors to Mandraki Beach can rent sun loungers and umbrellas for a fee – they are otherwise complimentary to resort guests, and are available on a first-come-first-served basis, with resort guests having priority.
Fun fact. Many claim that Mandraki Beach is the only beach on the island that is made of 100% sand. However, you will definitely still find pebbles in the water, especially near where the waves break.
Fun fact. We heard from other travelers that guests of the resort are also treated to complimentary beach towels, bottled water in ice buckets, and a welcome ice-cream sorbet. How exquisite!
Fun fact. Feeling hungry or thirsty? The service at Mandraki is second-to-none: drinks and meals can be served directly to your sun chair. Here you will be truly pampered!
Plakes Beach
Boats zip in and out of Hydra harbor to take you wherever you need to go!
Another sandy option – well, really a mix of sand and pebbles – is popular Plakes Beach, on the northern coastline of Hydra. A pleasant 50-minute walk from the Hydra harbor along the well-paved coastal path, you’ll find this long, gently shelving pebble and sand beach with clear waters, suitable for all ages.
The pretty Plakes Beach has restrooms on site, beach chairs and umbrellas for rent, as well as a restaurant and – big bonus here if you need it – wifi! Water taxis and donkeys, as well as a regular boat service from Hydra harbor, are also available to take you to Plakes to enjoy the stunning views of the Saronic Gulf, as well as peaceful swimming and sunbathing.
Vlychos Beach
Half a kilometer (.31 miles) north of Plakes – so a little closer to Hydra Town – you’ll find Vlychos Beach (also sometimes written as Vlichos). Walk, take a water taxi, regular boat service from the harbor, or donkey to get here.
Also a mix of black pebbles and sand, Vlychos boasts similar swimming conditions and amenities to Plakes Beach (with the added bonus of a fresh water shower, as well as two options for dining), but the wifi can be spotty. Vlychos also tends to be more popular than other beaches on the island, in part because the ratio of sand to pebble is greater here.
One thing we loved about Vlychos is that the vendor who rents out the beach chairs and umbrellas will also deliver to you hot and cold drinks, right there on the beach. Now that’s what we call service!
Insider tip. Both Plakes and Vlychos beaches are excellent choices for young children and families.
Insider tip. If you choose to take a water taxi or boat service to/from either Plakes or Vlychos, don’t be too stressed about the timing: there are regular departures and pick-ups from both locations.
Hydra’s Pebble Beaches
View toward Kaminia Beach (Hydra, Greece)
Hydra Island is also home to some wonderful pebble beaches.
Kaminia Beach
During your time on Hydra, a visit to the charming fishing village – and its adjacent beach – of Kaminia are a must. Kaminia Beach (sometimes also known as Kamini Beach, Mikro Kamini or Baby Beach) is a small pebble beach (with some soft sand where the waves break) only half a kilometer (.31 miles) from Hydra Town and is an excellent option for a quiet escape from the crowds.
Like most beaches on the island, Kaminia Beach is known for its calm, clear waters, with plenty for snorkelers to see underwater (so many beautifully-colored small fish!). There’s also a beach bar nearby – “Castello” – which is actually a restaurant, cafe and bar all rolled into one.
Fun fact. Castello is located in a building that was converted from the original arsenal (weapons and military equipment) of Hydra. Pretty cool, eh?
Kaminia Beach is another excellent choice for families and young children, and is accessible on foot from Hydra Town (about a 15-minute walk, at most), by donkey or horse, or by boat service or water taxi from Hydra harbor.
View out toward the Agios Nikolaos chapel (Hydra, Greece)
Fun fact. Kaminia Beach is also famed for its charming, picturesque whitewashed chapel. This small chapel – located on a small, rocky islet just off the beach – is dedicated to Agios Nikolaos (St. Nicholas), the patron saint of sailors. We love that, as you look out toward the ocean, this cute little chapel seems to emerge directly from the water itself!
Insider tip. Whilst you’re visiting Kaminia Beach, be sure to also spend some time wandering around the small, picturesque village and harbor of Kaminia (Kamini) itself.
Agios Nikolaos Beach
It’ll take you about 2 hours to walk to Agios Nikolaos from Hydra harbor, or just 30 minutes by boat – the latter being well worth it for the stunning coastal scenery along the way! This gentling shelving pebble beach is located in a secluded cove, and is well equipped with beach chairs and straw-made umbrellas, with the nearby beach bar serving drinks and a variety of well-stocked snacks. Agios Nikolaos is family-friendly, but note there are no restrooms here.
East of Hydra Town: A Hidden Gem
The hike out to Limnioniza Beach (Hydra, Greece)
Limnioniza Beach
For a hidden haven on the southeastern coast of Hydra Island, consider heading out to secluded Limnioniza Beach. This truly peaceful beach retreat is another pebble-filled beach with crystal-clear waters and a stunning natural harbor.
If you’re seeking a bit of solitude and some unspoilt nature during your time on Hydra, this is definitely one of the best places to go! The tall rocks behind Limnioniza Beach provide natural shade for visitors, as well as a stunning backdrop for photography. Note, however, there is no other natural shade at Limnioniza during the peak of daylight hours, so be sure to prepare and pack for your visit accordingly.
Limnioniza Beach is accessible via boat tours and water taxi, as well as a 5.6-mile (9km) out-and-back “moderately challenging” hike from Hydra Town. The hike is one of the best on the island, affording you some incredible views as you descend toward the beach. The hiking trail, which crosses Mount Karessa, is open year round.
Insider tip. There are no facilities whatsoever at Limnioniza Beach. Make sure to bring with you everything you’ll need for your visit, and then carry back out everything you brought in.
Fun fact. Limnioniza Beach is widely believed to be one of Hydra’s most beautiful beaches, especially considering its crystalline waters and isolation, far away from the more popular touristy spots.
Other Beaches in Hydra Worth Considering
The coastal path from Hydra Town to numerous beaches (Hydra, Greece)
Other options for beach-goers in Hydra include Bisti Beach and Palamidas Beach.
Bisti Beach
A remote beach 10km (6.2mi) from Hydra Town, Bisti Beach is located on the southwestern side of Hydra Island, accessible only by boat or a long hike.
Bisti boasts another pebble-filled shoreline, and is well-known for its excellent snorkeling opportunities due to its clear, calm, shallow waters (make sure to look out for the large schools of small, colorful fish – and if you look closely enough, you might even spot an octopus or two!). Sun chairs and straw umbrellas are available for visitors to rent, and there’s a small beach bar nearby for drinks and other refreshments. Note, however, there is only a single “restroom” here for all visitors to use.
Insider tip. Once you’re in the water, you’ll find the seabed at Bisti Beach is made up of small, slippery stones. Water shoes are recommended. This being said, some visitors agree that the pebbly approach to the water here is less difficult than that found at the more popular Vlychos Beach.
Insider tip. Bisti Beach is one of the few beaches on Hydra that offers plentiful natural shade, thanks to the numerous pine trees that back on to the beach.
Insider tip. Make sure to take note of the water taxi and boat service schedule to get to, and return from, Bisti Beach. You don’t want to miss the last service of the day, or you’ll have to walk back to Hydra Town!
Insider tip. Bring cash if you plan to visit Bisti. Credit cards are challenging to use here, due to the limited wifi service and cell connectivity.
Palamidas Beach
Just south of Vlychos Beach, you’ll find the hidden gem of Palamida. You’ll know you’ve reached Palamida, as it’s the furthest you can walk along the coastal path from Hydra Town before the road turns inland.
It’s here – in the relatively large valley of Palamida – that you’ll not only find a sandy beach, but also the only traditional shipyard still in operation on the island, as well as its most productive olive grove. Though far less busy than it once was, this thriving boatyard is where Hydra locals store and repair their boats during the cooler months.
Insider tip. Swimming in the harbor is most safe on the western side of the beach (see the fun fact below for the main reason as to why!).
Fun fact. During your time in Hydra you may hear about Harriet’s Hydra Horses. Harriet often takes her horses for a swim in the Palamida harbor and has made a concerted effort to ensure the western end of the beach is clear of garbage and sharp objects.
Insider tip. Beware of sea urchins at Palamida, especially if using the rocks or jetty to enter the water. Trust us, you do not want to get a sea urchin spine stuck in your foot!
The beach and harbor are protected on all sides by gentle, rocky hills, with Palamida the gateway to the vastly greener west end of the island.
Insider tip. Once you pass Vlychos and Plakes Beaches, there is nowhere between there and Palamida Beach to buy water or refreshments if you’re walking. Make sure to prepare and pack accordingly.
Fun fact. You’ll find the massive farmhouse (some call it a mansion) of the Voulgaris family in Palamida, just to the east of the shipyard. Much of the flat valley area here is dedicated to the family’s working olive grove: you can buy some of their locally pressed olive oil at various shops in Hydra Town.
Insider tip. If you’re interested in visiting religious sites on the island, you will discover many small chapels within the wider valley of Palamida, many of them worth a quick peek inside.
Insider tip. If you’re keen to explore more than one beach and some of the island’s secret coves during your time in Hydra, consider chartering a private boat tour.
Getting To and From Hydra Island
Tenders to and from the cruise ship (Hydra Harbor, Greece)
There are several ways to get to Hydra, located just 34 nautical miles from Athens, the capital city of Greece.
Ferry from Athens. The most common – and perhaps easiest, if you’re travelling independently – way to get to Hydra is by ferry. Ferries depart from the Piraeus Port in Athens and the short, scenic journey across the Saronic Gulf can take anywhere from just over an hour to two hours, depending on weather conditions, the type of ferry you choose, the route the ferry takes, and the operator itself. Popular ferry operators along this route include Blue Star Ferries, Alpha Lines, Hellenic Seaways, and Magic Sea Ferries.
Small sailboats. It’s possible to charter small to medium-sized sailboats, either from Athens or other nearby Greek islands, to get to Hydra.
Cruise ships. Many cruise lines will include Hydra Island as a stop on a Greek Island cruise itinerary. If you are visiting Hydra on a cruise, note that your ship will likely anchor out at sea and you’ll be transported by tenders (smaller boats) into the harbor from there. Be prepared for a wait at times, as the incoming ferries always have right of way – and there can be a lot of them during peak season!
Hydra Island: Where to Stay
Private boat service out to the Four Seasons (Hydra, Greece)
If you plan to stay more than a few hours in Hydra, you’ll be afforded the opportunity to truly experience its serene and charming ambience. Indeed, when the cruise crowds and day-tripping tourists from Athens leave the harbor, Hydra’s peace returns.
Hydra offers accommodation options for all types of traveler, from budget guesthouses to boutique hotels and luxury suites – and they’ll come with either stunning views of the sea and countryside, or be resorts and hotels right on the beachfront themselves.
Consider laying your head in a comfortable place like the Hydra Hotel (located in an historical building overlooking Hydra Town and harbor) or the luxury suites of the Four Seasons, right on the beach. Or maybe a stay in a traditional Greek stone villa for a truly authentic experience is more your scene – something that combines modern comforts within the walls of the island’s history. Or perhaps the luxurious Mandraki Beach Resort, right on the water, is something that will tickle your fancy.
Staying a night or two on Hydra Island will help you truly experience the magic of this incredible place.
Final Thoughts
“Boy on a Dolphin”: A symbol of Hydra’s connection to the sea
Whether you’re after a secluded pebbly cove, an organized sandy beach, or a beautiful hidden piece of shoreline known for its diving and snorkeling allure, Hydra indeed offers a varied coastline with a little something for everyone. For it’s on this picturesque island that you’ll find opportunities for romantic beachside escapes, adventure-filled water activities, and luxury coastal experiences perfect for swimming and sunbathing.
Are you ready to leave the charm of Hydra’s harbor and explore a little further afield? Hydra’s beaches are waiting for you – we wonder which one you’ll choose to visit first?
Let us help you start planning your trip!
