Turquoise water and a pine-covered shore at Bisti cove

Hydra · Beaches

The beaches of Hydra

Hydra is a rock in the sea, and most of its swimming is done from rock: concrete platforms, iron ladders and flat ledges dropping straight into deep, very clear water just below the town. The proper beaches are mostly pebble and lie along the coast west of town, linked by the footpath to Kamini and Vlychos, or round the corner on the south-west tip at Bisti and Agios Nikolaos, which you reach by boat. Mandraki, east of the harbour, has sand. There are no roads, so getting there is part of the day: a walk along the shore, a beach boat from the harbour or a water taxi of your own.

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Rocks and ladders of the Spilia swimming spot below the coastal buildings of Hydra Town

RocksEasy-going

Spilia & Hydronetta

The town's swimming spot, on the rocks just west of the harbour mouth: platforms and ladders into deep blue water, with a bar or two for a cold drink between swims and the cannons of the old bastion above.

  • Deep water
  • Diving in
  • Sunset

A five-minute walk from the harbour along the coast path towards Kamini

Come in the morning before the sunbathers or at the end of the day, when the light goes gold on the town behind you.

Hydra Town & the harbourStay in Hydra Town

The pebble beach of Vlychos with umbrellas and turquoise water below a dry hill

PebblesOrganised

Vlychos

A long pebble beach below the hamlet of Vlychos, with umbrellas, sunbeds and tavernas behind it, clear water and a view out to the islet of Dokos.

  • A full beach day
  • Lunch on the beach
  • Walking

Coast path from town, about 45 minutes, or a water taxi or the beach boat

Walk out in the cool of the morning and take a water taxi back in the afternoon heat.

Kamini & the west coastStay in Vlychos

Pick your kind of day

Every other beach worth the drive

Organised
Sunbeds, umbrellas and a beach bar. Easy with children.
Easy-going
A taverna or a few umbrellas, plenty of room for your towel.
Wild
Nothing but the sea. Bring water, shade and snacks.

RocksWild

Avlaki

A small rocky inlet below the coast path on the way to Kamini, with steps down to the water and no facilities, used mostly by people staying in the houses above.

  • Snorkelling
  • Quiet
  • Deep water

Steps down from the coast path, about ten minutes' walk west of the harbour

Bring water shoes and a towel to sit on; there is no shade after midday.

Hydra Town & the harbourStay in Hydra Town

PebblesEasy-going

Kamini

A small pebble beach and swimming rocks by the fishing harbour of Kamini, with tavernas close by for lunch and the walk home along the sea.

  • Lunch nearby
  • Sunset
  • Walking

Coast path from town, about 20 minutes on foot, or a water taxi

Stay for the sunset at one of the tavernas above the harbour, then walk back along the lit path.

Kamini & the west coastStay in Kamini

Straw umbrellas, loungers and a kayak on the pebbles of Plakes beach

PebblesOrganised

Plakes

A pretty, organised pebble cove just past Vlychos, with straw umbrellas, loungers, kayaks and a beach restaurant, and some of the calmest water on this side of the island.

  • Families
  • Kayaking
  • Calm water

Beach boat or water taxi from the harbour, or a walk on from Vlychos

Sunbeds here are paid; arrive early in August or book through the beach.

Kamini & the west coastStay in Vlychos

Turquoise water and a pine-covered shore at Bisti cove, with sun loungers

PebblesEasy-going

Bisti

A deep, sheltered cove on the south-west tip of the island, where pines come down to white pebbles and the water turns an unreal turquoise. A small canteen and sunbeds in summer, otherwise nothing at all.

  • Snorkelling
  • Clear water
  • Shade

Beach boat or water taxi from the harbour, about 30 minutes

The pines on the left of the cove give the only natural shade on this coast: get there before eleven to claim some.

Bisti & the south-west tipStay in Bisti & Agios Nikolaos

Aerial view of the curving pebble beach of Agios Nikolaos with umbrellas and turquoise shallows

PebblesEasy-going

Agios Nikolaos

A curving pebble beach with turquoise shallows on the bare western end of the island, next door to Bisti, named after the chapel above it.

  • Clear water
  • Snorkelling
  • Quiet

Beach boat or water taxi from the harbour

On days when the wind blows from the north this side is often the calmest.

Bisti & the south-west tipStay in Bisti & Agios Nikolaos

The stone fort on the rocky headland at Mandraki, with calm blue sea

SandOrganised

Mandraki

A sheltered bay east of town with a rare stretch of sand, now the beach of a resort hotel, below the stone fortifications that once guarded the old shipyard harbour.

  • Families
  • Sand
  • Water sports

Coastal path east from the harbour, about 25 minutes, or by boat

The coastal path out passes several rocky swimming spots, so you can stop for a dip on the way.

Mandraki & the eastStay in Mandraki

Wind and sea change by the day. On windy days swim on the sheltered side of the island, and watch for red flags.

Wake up near the water

Find a room a short walk from Hydra's best beaches.

Where to stay

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