Beaches are not Hydra’s strongest asset, but rest assured, you won’t be left entirely disgruntled. Those near the town are comfortably accessible by foot. Trails lead to the others, but alternatively, you can opt for boat rides or water taxis.
Mandraki
A mere kilometre from Hydra Town, Mandraki Beach offers a five-star beach experience, catering primarily to the Mandraki Beach Resort’s patrons. As Hydra’s only sandy beach, its shallow, warm sea is a relief for those preferring gradual immersion over diving into deep waters. Waiter service, a freshwater shower, and immaculately kept facilities add to the beach’s allure. And if hunger strikes, the adjacent café and restaurant provide a variety of dishes and drinks. Confirm your sunbed reservation beforehand to ensure a sun-kissed day at Mandraki.
Spilia
Spilia, accessible via a coastal stroll west from Hydra Town, is a rock lover’s paradise, offering ample sunbathing platforms and the thrill of a quick plunge into deep waters. Start your day beneath the Spilia Cafe, following the sun’s arc to the Hydronetta Terrace, with each point offering convenient, but optional, refreshments. The dramatic depth makes it more suitable for adults, while families might prefer gentler beaches. Public pathways ensure open access, but remember, courtesy suggests supporting the nearby establishments if using their facilities.
Hydronetta
Hydronetta Beach is a spot where vibrancy meets tranquillity. Loved by the young at heart and couples, it sets the stage for a memorable day out, complete with cocktails and awe-inspiring views. The rocky terrain offers the thrill of adventurous swimming, while diverse marine life invites exploration below the surface. Steeped in a rich Venetian past, Hydronetta is not just a beach, it’s a historical dive into an intriguing era. Though isolated on Hydra’s northern coast, the journey to it is an adventure in itself.
Kamini
Kamini Beach, or ‘Baby Beach‘, is a mere half-kilometre stroll from Hydra town, offering a family-friendly haven with shallow, clear waters. You’ll find sunbeds offered by Castello, a repurposed arsenal now a high-end eatery. However, public beach access remains unobstructed. Consider taking a horse trek with Harriet’s Hydra Horses for a day trip, leaving your picnic to be carried. Nearby Kamini Harbour presents further dining choices, and for those culturally inclined, a historical museum lies less than a kilometre away.
Vlychos
Renowned for its family-friendly vibe, Vlychos Beach on Hydra Island is a favourite among sun-seekers. Its slightly sandy terrain, shallow shoreline, and gentle gradient make it an ideal spot for families. While sunbed services and fresh water showers add to the convenience, local tavernas and a restaurant satiate hunger pangs. Vlychos can be reached via a scenic walk from Hydra Harbour or a quick boat ride. It’s worth noting, access to the sea may require a careful tread on slippery rocks.
Plakes
The expansive Plakes Beach, with its blend of sand and pebbles, offers a wide sea view and a gentle gradient into shallow waters, perfect for families with young children. Easily accessible, either by a 1.5km walk from Hydra Harbour along a well-maintained coastal road, or via regular beach boat service. If you prefer an unspoiled experience, the beach’s length allows for quieter, untended areas. Sunbeds, umbrellas, and refreshments are available for your comfort.
Molos
A small, enclosed cove with pebbles.
Limnioriza
Situated in the southern region of Hydra, Limnioniza Beach is an idyllic retreat. This secluded pebble beach lies in a small, protective bay, offering crystal clear emerald waters that ensure a unique swimming experience. Partially organised, it offers sunbeds, umbrellas and a snack kiosk for your convenience. The beach, unmarred by mass tourism, can be reached by taxi-boat, making it an oasis of calm and positivity.
Molos
Molos, an hour’s walk from Hydra Town, is a tranquil pebble beach that can be reached via taxi boat. Nestled after Palamidas beach, its untouched natural beauty is due to minimal tourism. With its crystal-clear waters and peaceful atmosphere, it appeals to those seeking solitude. Lacking amenities, it embraces pure nature. Bisti Beach, a gem with a 6.8 rating, is within a 5 km radius.
Bisti (or Bisti)
Set at the western extremity of Hydra, Bisti Beach provides a quiet refuge with its pebbly shore and crystalline waters that gradually deepen, perfect for both adult swimmers and families. Shaded by pine trees, the beach offers sunbeds, enabling visitors to retreat from the sunlight. Here, the tranquil waters invite snorkelling, while rock pools teem with marine life. Bisti can be accessed via a 20-minute boat ride from Hydra harbour, offering an opportunity to appreciate the island’s northern coastline and its surrounding islets.
Agios Nikolaos
Agios Nikolaos, a sizable pebble beach by Hydra’s standards, is secluded and accessible solely by boat. Its lengthy shoreline gently merges with the surrounding sea, creating an atmosphere of tranquillity and making it a perfect haven for families. Even though the beach is devoid of conventional amenities such as taverns or snack bars, the serenity compensates for the lack. So, remember to bring your essentials when visiting. Regular boat services make this remote, picturesque spot accessible, ensuring that its captivating charm is within everyone’s reach.
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The Best Food Spots on the Island of Hydra
