The Best Hotels on the Greek Island of Hydra for Every Traveller

It doesn’t get much more convenient than this charming hotel, which is just a three-minute walk from the harbour on the island’s main road. It’s named after the owners’ grandmother, which is fitting since the two old stone mansions previously belonged to their grandparents. The rooms are all named after ancient Greek gods and goddesses, and there are two room types to choose from – classic rooms on the ground floor, or superior rooms featuring private balconies. Guests also have access to a pretty courtyard garden with sun loungers, tables for dining and a jacuzzi, and a communal lounge with charismatic antique furnishings.

Follow in the footsteps of singer-songwriter Leonard Cohen and make Hydra your island home – even if it’s just for a few days. This two-bedroom holiday home is just 70 metres (230ft) from the port and a short walk to the Giorgios and Pavlos Koundouriotis Mansion, which is now the Museum of Modern History of Hydra. The home is decorated with traditional furniture that has been lovingly restored, and there’s even a jacuzzi for after-dinner relaxing. On arrival, you’ll find basics such as coffee, milk and fresh fruit in the fully equipped kitchen, along with a tray of traditional handmade desserts waiting for you in the living room.

In search of an authentic experience on Hydra? Book a room at this family-run pension in a traditional mansion. The rooms are simple but comfortable – think rustic timber furniture, colourful linens and brightly painted bathrooms – and they range from cosy single rooms for solo travellers to large apartment-style rooms with a double and two single beds. There’s a flower-filled internal courtyard with seating for breakfast and lounging in the sun, and a roof terrace with views out over the harbour.

Relive the Golden Age of cinema at the Hydroussa Hotel, which was a filming location in the Fifties for two of the best-known films set in Hydra: Boy on a Dolphin, which stars Sophia Loren, and A Girl in Black. Each of the 40 rooms takes inspiration from traditional local architecture – think white-washed walls, ornately carved timber furniture and handwoven rugs. If you’re planning on doing some island-hopping while you’re in Greece, there’s another Hydroussa Hotel on the island of Skyros, which is accessible by ferry from Evia, Alonissos and Skopelos.

The chic interiors at this cosy guesthouse, by the port, wouldn’t look out of place in a design magazine. Enter through the traditional timber gate, and you’ll discover a terrace overlooking the tiled roofs of the hillside town, where guests can take breakfast or relax. There are just two rooms, and each features artfully placed driftwood, elegant patinated mirrors, nautical stripes, handcrafted timber beds and luxe chandeliers. The Iris is a double room with a small balcony, and the Ethra is a two-level suite that can sleep up to four and features a fully equipped kitchen.

Stay in a piece of history at this hotel, built in 1810 in the Hydriot style as the residence of a wealthy sea captain. Today, this boutique hotel – declared a building of National Heritage by the Ministry of Culture – boasts nine rooms and three apartments, all decorated with 18th- and 19th-century furniture, antique artefacts and paintings by Greek artists. The ceilings of the rooms on the second floor even feature original Italian frescoes that date back to the time the mansion was built. The garden, planted with fragrant orange trees and jasmine, is known locally as the “yard of miracles.”

This 19th-century, whitewashed stone house, in a quiet neighbourhood in Hydra Town, has three apartments and a double room that can be rented either separately or together for groups. Each apartment is decorated using natural materials such as stone, timber and marble, and has a kitchen with a full-size fridge and coffeemaker. The Olive and Ochre apartments are arranged around a courtyard – paved with “Dokos Red” stones and marble and planted with local herbs such as lavender and thyme – while the Azure apartment boasts a terrace commanding views over the town and harbour. Need help planning your stay? Just ask the friendly owners, who can assist with organising tours, restaurant bookings and babysitting.

These serviced apartments by the port are named after one of the Nereid nymphs of ancient Greek mythology, who were tasked with protecting the sailors and fishermen of the Aegean islands. Like these ancient characters, the owners of Nesea pride themselves on their caring nature and aim to create a home away from home for their guests. Each of the five apartments features spacious bedrooms with luxurious Coco-Mat brand beds, generous living areas and kitchenettes—and the largest, Thetis, also boasts a flower-filled courtyard garden with seating and two outdoor showers.