Despite Hydra’s cosmopolitan vibe and proximity to Athens, the best hotels in Hydra remain easygoing and simple. The island’s timeless charm unfolds around the historic harbor and winds its way through narrow cobbled streets where the absence of cars helps preserve the island’s slow and peaceful rhythm.
fashion‘s guide to the best hotels and Airbnbs in Hydra:
Hydra’s leisurely pace has inspired artists and writers who have long settled on its shores, often making their home in some of Hydra’s most famous guesthouses, such as Sébastien Meyer and Arnaud Vaillant of Coperni, who had long vacationed on the island before choosing it as the venue for their wedding. Today, the idyllic Aegean hamlet is a popular destination for the fashion world for the same reasons; proof of this is the seasonal arrival of new fashion brands that appear on the island every summer. This season, from June to August, By Malene Birger will activate its mid-summer pop-up at Melisses Gallery, where they will sell their collection, alongside special collaborations with various local curators and artists living on the island, such as Josh Hickey of Hydra Book Club, ceramicist Vittoria Berardinone of Potteryinhydra, artist Tom Powell and Rafalias, the local pharmacy dating back to 1890, known for its olive oil soaps.
Since Hydra is also a haven for the art world, fashion lovers and contemporary art enthusiasts should take the time to visit Deste’s Hydra Slaughterhouse Project – part of the Deste Foundation, founded in 1983 by art collector Dakis Joannou (“deste” means “to see” in Greek). Set in an old slaughterhouse, visitors have been able to view site-specific art exhibitions by solo and group artists since 2009 during the summer season (June to October); previous exhibitions have brought Jeff Koons, Urs Fischer and Kara Walker to the island.
To reach Hydra and explore the island and its many charming boutique accommodations, all you need to do is take a one-hour ferry from Athens port or book a private transfer with the popular yacht brand Cyanos. No matter how you arrive, you have a choice of numerous idyllic hotels.
