Hydra Car Hire
Find the best deals in Hydra
With a massive choice from the biggest brands, Enjoy the best way to find the best prices for car hire in Hydra.
- Huge choice of cars to suit every budget
- Save up to 70% compared to buying on the day
- 10 years experience in car hire
Compare Hydra car hire with a click
Hydra has captured the imagination of artists, musicians and writers for generations. Located in the heart of the Saronic island group, the island’s idyllic white-washed houses, tumbling churches and terraced vineyards are just two hours from busy, bustling Athens. Hydra Town is the only settlement on the island. It’s famed for its terraced stone mansions, glamorous bars and restaurants and lovely nightlife scene, but beyond the main town, there are more laidback and leisurely pursuits to enjoy too. Popular with everyone from hikers and wildlife enthusiasts to beach lovers and day trippers, Hydra is a dream.
Hydra is one of the few car-free islands in Greece, so you won’t be able to bring your vehicle with you though it’s easy to leave it on the mainland or on a neighbouring island if you’re visiting for the day. For a smoother trip, you can book your car rental in advance with Enjoy Travel.
Guide of Hydra
Geography
Hydra lies between the Saronic and the Argolic Gulf, south of the Peloponnese. It makes up the Argosaronic Islands, along with Aegina, Poros and Spetses. The island is roughly 50 sq. km and shares a similar terrain with the neighbouring mainland. Much of Hydra is rocky, hilly and mountainous. The highest peak is Mount Kilmaki, at 600 metres high. The main population is concentrated around the coastline surrounding Hydra town.
Climate in Hydra
Hydra has a typically Mediterranean climate and enjoys pleasant temperatures all year round. Summers are hot and sunny and winters are cooler and rainy. Temperatures rarely drop below zero, even in January (the coldest month). August is the hottest month on the island, with temperatures ranging between 25-36°C. Sea temperatures during this time average around 27°C. If you prefer cooler temperatures, spring is one of the most pleasant times to travel.
Culture
Unlike most Greek islands, little is known about Hydra until around the 15th century. Hydra held little interest for the Ottomans given its lack of water supply, but by the 17th century it had built a powerful fleet. During the 18th century, this strong commercial fleet enabled the island to trade with Greece, France, Spain and even America. It peaked during the Napoleonic War. After World War II and a short period of decline, Hydra became a haven for artists, musicians and celebrities like Leonard Cohen and Sophia Loren. It still draws artistic crowds today, thanks to its artsy summer festivals and Instagram good looks.
Things To Do in Hydra
Brush up on local history
Set in an elegant mansion on the harbourfront, this superb museum houses an extensive collection of historical archives, manuscripts, books, paintings and naval artefacts. Much of the collection focuses on the island’s role in the War of Independence. There are concerts and pop-up exhibitions on the rooftop terrace in the summer too.
Explore the Monastery of Kimisis Ti Theotokou
The serene monastery complex is conveniently located right on the harbourfront. It encompasses a charming 17th-century cathedral, a Tinian-marble bell tower and the Ecclesiastical Museum.
Hike to the Monastery of Prophet Elias
Sitting 500 metres above sea level, this monastery is a good two-hour hike from central Hydra. The cobbled trail begins at the Church of Saint Constantine and winds through wildflower-filled fields and greenery. It is the only male monastery on the island and houses a rich library filled with valuable manuscripts. The views over the island and out to sea are spectacular.
Wander around the bastions
These bastions hold a special place in the heart of islanders. Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, Hydra used the canons to defend islanders against Turkish invasion.
Take in an exhibition
The Melina Merkouri Auditorium in Hydra hosts fantastic art exhibitions throughout the year. It is named after the actress, singer and politician of the same name.
Hit the beach
Most of Hydra’s beaches are pebbled and set in picturesque bays. The most popular beaches in Hydra are Vlichos, Kaminia and Bisti, all of which offer excellent facilities, including a lifeguard and sunbed rentals. Locals like to stretch out on the rocky area at Spilia and jump into the deep blue waters from here. Divers and water enthusiasts love the tiny cove of Bitsi while those looking for a little more seclusion might prefer Agios Nikolaos.
Eating Out in Hydra
It’s easy to eat well in Hydra. You’ll find everything from harborside tavernas to upmarket beachfront restaurants, with plenty to enjoy inbetween. Some of the best bars and restaurants can be found in the port of Hydra, in Kaminia and Vilches. Spilia and Hydronetta are the best places for nightlife.
Kodylenia’s offers one of the most authentic Greek taverna experiences, set in a typical fisherman’s house on the edge of Kamini harbour. Menu favourites include homemade tzatziki and warm bread, moussaka and lemon chicken. There’s often live music here too. For the best views, try Sunset. Located on the west of the harbour near the cannons, the restaurant specialises in delicious pasta dishes and fresh seafood.
Transport
Airport
There is no airport in Hydra. The closest airport to the island is Athens International Airport, which is served by hundreds of flights per day. At Athens, you will need to travel to Piraeus port where you can hop on a ferry to Hydra. There are seven daily crossings to Hyrda and journey times average two hours.
At least 45 international airlines fly to Hydra airport, including some of the largest airlines in Europe.
Getting Around Hydra
Hydra is one of the only totally car-free islands in Greece. A 1950s presidential decree, designed to preserve the island’s architecture and character, ruled that cars, motorbikes and even bicycles cannot be used on the island. The town is built on a steep hill, so donkeys are the main mode of transport. Otherwise, you’ll need to rely on your two legs. If you’ve decided to rent a car in Greece, we recommend either leaving it in Athens. If you’re island hopping, it’s worth bringing your car aboard the ferry and leaving it on a nearby island. Hydra is also well connected by ferry to the eastern coast of the Peloponnese, Poros and Spteses.