A car-free Greek island of stone mansions around a horseshoe harbour, where donkeys carry the luggage, two hours from Athens by ferry. Here's what Hydra is like, when to go and how long to stay.
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Temperatures are the average daytime high in °C.
May, June, September and October are best, warm with calm seas and quieter lanes. July and August are hot and busy with day-trippers and yachts. Winter is quiet, with many places closed.
Cafés and stone mansions around the old port, watching boats and donkeys.
Swim from the platforms at Spilia and Hydronetta, just west of the harbour.
An easy path to a fishing village with a tavern by the water.
Pine-backed coves on the far side of the island.
Island history and its role in the Greek War of Independence.
Climb to the Profitis Ilias monastery for big views.
Yes. With no cars, it's peaceful and beautiful, and an easy escape from Athens.
Fly into Athens, then take a fast ferry from Piraeus, about 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours.
Yes, but staying a night or two is much better, when the day-trippers have gone.
Mostly rocks and small pebble coves, reached on foot or by water taxi.
May, June, September and October, around 23 to 29°C.
Put Hydra on standby with everyone's other ideas. You each spread your points in secret, get one veto, and the draw picks where you go.