A postcard from Hydra

Our favourite spots on the car-free island where time stands still.

I recently had the pleasure to take a bit of time off and explore one of my favourite places: beautiful Hydra.

The Greek island is a gem known for its picturesque, serene vibe (there are no cars allowed on the island!), its community of creatives, great food, hidden beaches and mountainous landscape (amazing for hiking). In short, it's a calm oasis that offers everything for my dream holiday.

Here are a few of my favourite things to discover…

Visit the DESTE Foundation at the old Slaughterhouse. Each summer, this cliff-side art space hosts a new exhibition by a world-renowned artist - and Jeff Koons's iconic Apollo Wind Spinner, a huge reflective sun sculpture, is now permanently installed above the building, greeting everyone who enters the port.

Wake up with the sun to hike Hydra's monasteries. The island's mountainous trails lead to beautiful, peaceful monasteries with sweeping views over the Saronic Gulf — the perfect way to start the day.

Discover Hydra's stunning beaches. Without a single car or motorbike on the island, getting to the beaches is half the adventure — on foot along coastal paths, or by boat from the harbour.

FAVOURITE LUNCH SPOTS

There's something about eating simply and slowly here - a long table in the shade, something grilled, a cold glass of wine, nowhere to be.

To Pefkaki - A local favourite for simple, honest Greek food.

Hydronetta - Head here for a bite after a swim, perched on the rocks with stunning sea views.

Spilia - Another beautiful seaside spot, ideal for post-swim lunch in the sun.

Ostria - Relaxed and delicious, the kind of place you keep coming back to.

Where to Wine, Dine & Dance

As the light shifts and the port settles into evening, Hydra reveals its other side.

Téchnē - One of Hydra's more refined dining experiences, with beautifully crafted dishes made from seasonal Greek ingredients and a gorgeous sunset view. Book ahead.

Il Casta - A charming Italian gem tucked away in Hydra's backstreets. Run by a Neapolitan family, they make their pasta fresh daily - the kind of intimate, candlelit courtyard dinner you won't forget. Reservations recommended.

Windmill Bar (the sunset video was taken there) - Set within Hydra's historic 18th-century windmills just steps from the port, this is the spot for breathtaking sundowners. A cold beer, panoramic sea views and that golden-hour magic - arrive early and stay until the sky turns red.

Amalour Bar - Hydra is known for its calm and cosy atmosphere, but when the night calls for a bit of dancing, head to Amalour. With its papier-mâché jellyfish, it has been the heart of Hydra's tiny but mighty nightlife since the late '90s.

Where to stay

Whether you're looking for a boutique hideaway or something with a view, here are a few recommendations:

Hotel Miranda - A charming art-filled guesthouse in a historic sea captain's mansion.

Captain Elias Hydriot House - Beautifully restored, with an authentic island feel.

Bratsera Boutique Hotel - Hydra's only hotel with a pool, set in a converted 19th-century sponge factory.

Dimitri's Stylish Island House - Intimate and full of character, perfect for a quiet escape.

Mandraki Beach Resort - A short boat ride from the port, right on the waterfront with a beach of its own.

Hotel Sophia - Simple, welcoming and ideally located steps from the harbour.