Hydra Beaches

Overview

Hydra offers a unique Greek island beach experience, distinct from destinations known for vast sandy shores. The island's charm lies in its dramatic, rocky coastline, dotted with pebble coves and crystal-clear swimming platforms. As Hydra is a car-free island, beaches near the main port are easily reached on foot, while more distant coves are just a scenic water taxi ride away. This creates a sense of adventure and discovery for every seaside outing.

Our guide highlights the best of what Hydra has to offer. For a traditional day on the sand, head to Paralia Mandraki, the island's only organized sandy beach. If you prefer a chic atmosphere with cocktails and stunning sunset views, the rock ledges of Hydronetta Beach are unbeatable. Families often favor the calm, shallow waters at Bisti Beach, while those seeking a breathtaking scenic escape should take a boat to the beautiful, sheltered cove of Paralia Agios Nikolaos. For a classic and popular pebble beach experience, Vlychos Beach is an easily accessible and well-loved choice.

Beyond our top picks, many other spots await exploration. You can swim right in Hydra Town from popular rock platforms like Spilia, just minutes from the harbor. These convenient ledges offer direct access to deep, refreshing water. Whether you seek an organized beach or a secluded cove to call your own, our complete guide features a longer list of beaches to help you find your perfect spot on this enchanting island.

Top Beaches

Spilia

The most iconic and convenient swimming spot, these rock platforms are just a few minutes' walk from the main harbor. This is not a beach in the traditional sense, but rather a series of cemented rock ledges and platforms that serve as the town's unofficial lido. Locals and visitors alike come here to dive from the rocks into the deep, crystal-clear Aegean water. The area has a rugged charm and a wonderfully unfussy beauty, offering a classic Hydra experience. It's a place you might come for a quick dip but find yourself staying for hours, soaking up the sun and the dramatic coastal views.

FAQ

Are there any sandy beaches on Hydra?

Yes, but they are rare. Most of Hydra's coastline consists of pebbles, rocky ledges, and concrete platforms. The only fully sandy beach is at Mandraki Beach Resort, which is organized with full amenities. Some other beaches like Vlychos and Plakes are a mix of sand and pebbles.

Paralia Mandraki

How do you get to the beaches on Hydra?

Since Hydra is a car-free island, you can walk to beaches close to the main town, such as Spilia, Hydronetta, and Avlaki. For beaches further away like Vlychos, Bisti, and Agios Nikolaos, you can take a regular beach boat or a private water taxi from Hydra's main port. Hiking is also an option for reaching more remote coves.

Hydronetta Beach

Avlaki Beach

Bisti Beach

Paralia Agios Nikolaos

Is Hydra a good destination for a family beach holiday?

Hydra can be suitable for families, but it requires some planning. Beaches like Kamini, nicknamed 'Baby Beach', and Vlychos are good options as they are pebbly, sheltered, and have shallow, calm waters. Mandraki Beach, being sandy, is also highly recommended for families. However, many swimming spots like Spilia are deep-water rock platforms, which are better suited for confident swimmers and adults.

Can you swim right in Hydra Town?

Yes, you can swim very close to the main port. Spilia and Hydronetta are popular swimming spots just a few minutes' walk from the harbor. These are not traditional beaches but rocky platforms and ledges with ladders leading directly into the deep, clear water. They are very convenient and often have adjacent bars.

Hydronetta Beach

Is it better to stay near a beach or in Hydra Town?

This depends on your preference. Staying in Hydra Town offers easy access to the majority of restaurants, shops, and nightlife, with swimming platforms like Spilia and Hydronetta just a short walk away. Staying near a beach like Vlychos or Mandraki provides a quieter, more resort-like atmosphere with the sea at your doorstep, but you will need to walk or take a water taxi to get to the main town for more variety.

See the full list of accommodation options here.

Hydronetta Beach

What are the beaches like on Hydra? Are they organized?

Hydra's beaches are very diverse. You'll find everything from rocky platforms (Spilia, Hydronetta) to pebbly coves (Vlychos, Kamini, Bisti) and one sandy beach (Mandraki). Many are organized with sunbeds, umbrellas, and nearby tavernas or beach bars, especially during the high season. However, there are also numerous secluded, non-organized coves like Limnioniza that you can have all to yourself, particularly if you hike or hire a private boat.

Hydronetta Beach

Bisti Beach

Which beach has the clearest water for swimming and snorkeling?

The water around Hydra is known for being exceptionally clear. Bisti Beach is particularly renowned for its excellent snorkeling opportunities due to its calm, shallow waters and abundant marine life. Avlaki Beach, with its rocky seabed, is also a great spot for snorkeling. For pure, deep blue swimming, the rock platforms at Spilia and Hydronetta are local favorites.

Bisti Beach

Avlaki Beach

Hydronetta Beach

Is Hydra or Spetses better for beaches?

Both islands have beautiful, clear water, but their beach styles differ. Hydra is famous for its dramatic, rocky coastline with pebble coves and swimming platforms, offering a more rugged and unique experience. Spetses has more organized, easily accessible beaches, some with sand, and a generally more cosmopolitan beach club scene. If you prefer traditional sandy or fine pebble beaches with lots of amenities, Spetses might be a better choice. If you enjoy diving off rocks and exploring secluded pebbly coves, Hydra is ideal.

People Also Ask

Are there beach clubs in Hydra?

Yes, but they are more low-key than on other Greek islands. The Mandraki Beach Resort offers a luxurious, fully-serviced beach club experience on the island's only sandy beach. Castello at Kamini Beach is a restaurant and bar with sunbeds on a small pebble beach. Additionally, the bars at Spilia and Hydronetta, while not traditional beach clubs, offer a similar vibe with music, drinks, and sunbathing platforms right by the sea.

Paralia Mandraki

Hydronetta Beach

Do I need to book sunbeds in advance?

For most beaches, it's not necessary to book in advance, as you can rent them upon arrival. However, at popular and well-organized spots like Mandraki Beach Resort or Castello during the peak season (July and August), it can be a good idea to call ahead or arrive early to secure a spot, especially on weekends.

Paralia Mandraki

What is the best beach for watching the sunset?

Hydronetta is the most famous spot on the island for sunset views. It's not a beach in the traditional sense, but a series of rock platforms with a bar built into the cliffs. People gather here for cocktails and music as they watch the sun dip into the Aegean Sea. The atmosphere is relaxed and quintessentially Hydra.

Hydronetta Beach

Are there any hidden or secluded beaches in Hydra?

Yes, Hydra has several remote beaches for those seeking tranquility. Limnioniza, on the southeastern coast, is a stunning and peaceful pebble beach accessible via a challenging hike or by boat. Molos and the coves around Bisti, like Agios Georgios, are also more secluded options away from the main crowds. Reaching these often requires more effort, but you'll be rewarded with pristine nature and quiet.