Hydhra (Ydhra)

Map of Hydhra

Ydhra belongs to the Argosaronic complex. It is one of the most atmospheric destinations in Greece. With 49km² extension and 2.000 inhabitants approximately is the 4th bigger island of the Argosaronic islands (it's located between the Argolic and the Saronic gulf). Capital of the island is the Ydhra Town. Its harbor and main town preserved as a national monument. Entirely traffic-free with a bustling harbor and narrow stones streets climbing steeply above it, it feels like a Greek island. Away from the main settlement the rest of the island is roadless, rugged and barely inhabited. It is extremely picturesque and cosmopolitan island with sophisticated atmosphere and noticeably high prices. The island has a very limited number of beaches and the interior is mountainous and little-visited.

This island is a popular destination for foreign tourists and Athenians, given the relatively short distance from the capital. It has significant shipping history and tradition.

 

Ydhra

Beaches

There is no big sandy beach on Ydhra, just a series of small, mainly shingly, coves.

Mandhraki

Mandhraki is the closest to the Ydhra Town(15min walk from harbor). A sandy well-organized beach with umbrellas, sun beds, beach bar and taverns.

Vlyhos

A well-organized beach with red pebbles. There are umbrellas, sun beds, taverns and beach bar.

Molos

It is a desert area that offers the visitor peace, quiet and relaxation. There are no tourist infrastructure so has kept the pure virgin beauty.

Bisti

A well-organized beach with pebbles. It has bar, umbrellas, sun beds and rent sea canoeing. Surrounded by pine trees and some pines overhanging the sea.

Other Beaches

Spilia, Ydhroneta, Aulaki, Klimaki, Nisiza, Limnioniza, Kaoumithi, Palamidas.

 

Picturesque Landscape in Ydhra

Sights

Byzantine Museum

It was built in the 17th century. In the museum, visitors can admire vestments, relics, votives and images mainly from the 18th century. Among them stands the image of the Virgin Mary "Rose Amaranto" which is dated around 1774.

Historical Museum

The Historical Museum of Ydhra was founded in 1918. The building that housed was donated to the state by Gika N. Kouloura. In 1972 the building was demolished and built the present imposing building.

Merchant Marine Academy
The Merchant Marine Academy of Ydhra is the oldest school in operation worldwide and is a living historical monument.

Lighthouse Zourva Hydra
The lighthouse Zourva built in 1883 and located East of Hydra. The building height is 10 meters. During World War II the Germans destroyed and built again in 1946.

Other Sights

Prophet Elias Monastery, Historical House of Lazarus Kountouriotis ,Historic home of Paulos Kountouriotis, Church of Ypapantis, Monastery of St. Nicholas.

 

Panoramic View

Transportation

By ferry: Hydrofoils and flying cats connect Ydhra to Pireas(1hr 20min) via Poros(35min) at least 5 times a day, more in summer. In the other direction they continue to Spetses(5 daily, 45min), some via Ermioni or on to Porto Heli on the mainland. Small passenger boats also cross to Metohi(4 daily, 15min) on the nearby mainland.

Getting around

On foot: There is only one paved road on Ydhra, leading East from the harbor to Mandraki just a couple of kilometers away, so to explore the island you either walk or take a boat. The largely shadeless trails mean that in summer walking can be a mercilessly hot experience. There are excellent, part-cobbled tracks leading West of town to the beaches at Kamini (about 20min), Vlyhos(30min) and Plakes(40min).

By boat: Small boats shuttle constantly from the harbor to the beaches, at prices ranging from about 3€ per person one-way to Vlyhos or Mandhraki, to 12€ return to Bisti.

Useful Phone Numbers

Hydra Town Hall: 22980 52210 - 22980 53003
Port authority: 22980 52279
Police: 22980 52205
Post: 22980 52262 - 22980 53398
Pharmacies: 22980 52059 - 22980 53260
Hospital: 22980 53150