Greeka.com: Hydra Reviews - Greece and the Greek Islands

General: Relaxing and close

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 08:44:10 GMT

If you are keen on walking, do not miss Hydra since no vehicles are allowed! Except from one I think that cleans the garbage! When I came back home, I could not stand all this traffic jam. There the only think that I was aware were the donkeys and not to step on their poops!!! During the day, Hydra belongs to day-trippe...

General: Better for couples not families

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 08:44:10 GMT

Hydra is a romantic island and I'd say it is mostly suitable for couples. I went there with my husband a couple of years ago. Fortunately, we hadn't taken our children with us because beaches are rocky and they could hurt. I was impressed that there were no vehicles on the island, not even motorbikes were allowed in the Town! We tried the horse carriage around the port but it felt like the old,...

General: Take a ride on horse carriage

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 08:44:10 GMT

It is a pity that they took off normal boat to Hydra and put express hydrofoils. This way you can't really enjoy the trip at sea. It is like a bus, without the air hitting on your face and the sea gulls around. When you arrive on the island, especially in August, you get hit by a big wave of tourists who come and go along the waterfront. As cars are prohibited in Hydra, we were tired to carry o...

General: Christos Karas may be descended from Hydra

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 08:44:10 GMT

I am an Australian with some Ydra ancestry from the family Carras/Karras/Karas, nearly 200 years ago. If Christos did some research he would probably find that his love for this beautiful and historic island had a genetic basis as well as an emotive one. I could think of no greater gift to him, than to have him know that his family were originally from Ydra !

General: Nice scenery but rocky beaches

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 08:44:10 GMT

I saw some extremely clean streets on Hydra, which is not a regular thing to see in Greece (sorry, Greeks, but I am telling the truth!!). The scenery was also nice and peaceful. Swimming is not so great there because beaches are very rocky. No cars are allowed in the town and all transportation is done on foot or by horse carriage. Most hotels are found in the capital and have good services. At...

General: Rather expensive food

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 08:44:10 GMT

Hydra town is lovely and quiet because of the lack of mechanized transport. Beaches on Hydra (those in walking distance from the harbour) are small and stoney, but the swimming was great - good for snorkelling. Food was fairly good but rather expensive. Hydra feels like more of a pricey getaway place for the Greeks than a tourist town and the food prices were reflective of that. I had better fo...

General: Sailing to Hydra

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 08:44:10 GMT

We sailed into the port of Hydra so we spent a lot of time at the marina. The beaches closest to the marina are rocky - not much in way of atmopsphere - but there are lots of swanky cafes and tavernas overlooking the water. The village of Hydra was lovely, with all the whitewashed alleyways and blooming flowers and trees. The ban on motorized vehicles adds to Hydra's charm. Great sunset views ...

General: Improve water supply system

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 08:44:10 GMT

I went to Hydra for a very specific purpose, the Rebetika conference that takes place there every year. This is an international gathering of musicians for a musical style that I love. I liked a lot the main town and got to know only one beach, Manthraki, which is fine for a quick swim and sunbathe. Donkey riding is a nice experience, especially for the people of big cities as I doubt if they w...

General: A break from reality

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 08:44:10 GMT

Friends recommended Hydra as a true break from the excitement of places like Santorini and Mykonos. The fact that there are no cars and everything is transported by cart is extremely special in the world, where we take car transport for granted as a norm. I had the most amazing stay in Hydra and I loved the Mistral Hotel. The staff there are great, the rooms are beautiful and the location is pe...

General: Pack lightly

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 08:44:10 GMT

Hydra is a very calm and relaxing island filled with beauty and charm. The island is perfect for couples and family. The food is excellent, you can dine anywhere and the food is great. Some bars are too expensive. You will pay a lot for a drink which will end up tasting like fruit juice. Have in mind that there are no vehicles on Hydra, only donkeys. So pack lightly and be prepared to walk! W...

General: Hydra revisited

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 08:44:10 GMT

All Greek islands draw you back eventually but Hydra has a special power, ensuring you visit again and again! In addition, because I love visiting Athens, Hydra is a convenient island retreat - less than two hours away! Excellent choice of restaurants and accomodation. The Koundouriotis Mansion above the port is very interesting - I always find my way back there at some point during a stay. As ...

General: Keep the island cheap and clean

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 08:44:10 GMT

Hydra is an island that I really prefer. We have been there many times before, although the trip from Switzerlsnd takes a whole day! I think it's worth it. Hydra is simply a little paradise. But over the last years, it got too expensive (if you compare the prices with the services). The food and our general experience of the cafes, restaurants, etc, was excellent, except for the high prices. An...

General: Peace and quiet

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 08:44:10 GMT

I was on Hydra for professional reasons and stayed for the weekend. I enjoyed my stay there, although I didn't have enough spare time to explore the island. What I can tell for sure is that I liked the hotel I stayed at very much. The place is ideal for peace and quiet and the weather was warm and shiny. I loved the landscapes. I'd like to come again someday to get to know it better and I will ...

General: This is a wonderful island!

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 08:44:10 GMT

My family is Greek and I was born in Greece. I've visited this island all my life. The island is pure Greek charm. There are no cars on Hydra, except an occasional dump truck. Beaches are scarce and can be reached by walking or by water taxi. The best part of the island is simply to relax in a harbor cafe and watch the harbor activity. The weather is great in September. It's an arid island so n...

General: Different from the other places

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 08:44:10 GMT

It is a very quiet place and very much different from the other places since the only mode of transport were donkeys and boats. The sea there is simply amazing and the beaches are all clean and nice. Food is very good however in some restaurants at the port food and drinks are quite expensive. However, we managed to find a nice restaurant where food is very good and prices are very much reasona...