"Hard Hydra" Hydra Island by janetanne

Hydra Island Travel Guide: 199 reviews and 597 photos

No Air Pollution, but watch where you step!

Your Taxi -Hydra Donkey Kong-Mafia is waiting!

If you think taxis on mainland Greece are expensive, wait until you get off the boat on Hydra and discover that a donkey is the only way to carry all your luggage to your hotel! Each donkey you hire, will cost a minimum of 15 Euros, and that is if your 'Donkey leader' likes your face! There are NO metres on the side of a donkey! So, these donkey owners on Hydra can charge what ever they feel like it seems.

If you are staying for any length of time on Hydra and you must buy goods from the supermarket, then be prepared to again 'pay the donkey man,' for carrying the goods up the mountain on his donkey!

Hydra means 'water' in Greek, but guess what...Hydra has no drinking water except that which is brought in bottles..and bought and paid for..and yes, carried by your friendly 'donkey kong guy' for a surcharge of no less than 15Euros!

Hard Hydra! Hard Rocks! Hard Climbs up the hills! Hard life!

Sunrise View of the Port from Above the Village

Early Morning LIght

The view from the top of the village is impressive at any time of the day. The morning light hits the colours of the houses in a magical way. If you are lucky and find this vantage point early in the morning, be sure you have your camera ready as the sun light makes its way across the roof tops.

Sunset View of the Port from Above the Village

As the Sun Sets, Hydra Sleeps

The same view at sunset in early July captures the sun setting just behind the acropolis of Hydra.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Old Original Architechure, No Noise from Cars or Motor Bikes, No Pollution.
Cons:It's an uphill climb everywhere by foot...or you pay through the nose for a local donkey.
In a nutshell:A Nice Place to Visit for a Few Days, But I wouldn't Want to Live There!

Last visit to Hydra Island: Jun 2007
Intro Updated Jul 19, 2007
Add to Trip Planner (?)
Report Abuse

Reviews (9)

Hydra's Best Secret Hotels (1)

Mistral, Hydra's best-kept secret, is a luxury stone mansion in the very heart of the island only 3 minutes from the... more travel advice

Old Houses Perched on the Side of the Mountain - Hydra Island

Why Hydra? Local Customs (1)

Hydra enchants its visitors with its traditional architecture and imposing mansions, its blooming gardens and scenic... more travel advice

Donkey Kong Transportation (1)

Because I found myself living on Hydra for a short time this summer, I found out exactly what it was like for the locals... more travel advice

Can't Afford the Donkey,Guess you'll have to walk! - Hydra Island

Walk, walk, walk, climb, walk.... Things to Do (1)

I suppose the most popular thing to do in Hydra is to walk! Well, that is unless you like riding the donkeys! Actually,... more travel advice

Nightlife (2)
See All Oupppa!

Restaurants (3)
See All On the Veranda

Travelogues (1)

Written Jul 19, 2007

8 photos

Bortier Villa

1 - 1 of 1

Comments (17)

Reply
- Report abuse
painterdave Jan 22, 2011 at 9:37 AM

good review because I want to hear Greek music when in Greece, not American rock like here in Italy.
Reply
- Report abuse
mindcrime Jan 20, 2011 at 12:54 PM

it seems you stayed in better hotel than we did :)
Reply
- Report abuse
hunterV Aug 25, 2010 at 10:47 AM

Thanks for your interesting story about Hydra Island ><><><><><><
Reply
- Report abuse
travelgourmet Oct 14, 2009 at 12:51 AM

Janet, I remember Hydra's port town on a 4 hour cruise stop. I found the people quite relaxed and they were enjoying an outdoor movie. Ah, Kalamari, Ouzo, and a Donkey Seranade. It doesn't get better. Larry
Reply
- Report abuse
icunme Oct 10, 2009 at 1:10 PM

If the Euro continues upward against the US$, I just might go in the donkey business on Hydra! I did enjoy your lovely photos and info. <(•¿•)>
Reply
- Report abuse
balhannah Sep 30, 2009 at 2:08 PM

Love this page. I would be walking, no way I would pay that for a Donkey, only as you said, if you lived there, and had a lot to carry. Do locals get it cheaper?, often countries do this for their own people.
Reply
- Report abuse
lynnehamman Apr 8, 2009 at 5:55 AM

Hi Janet- I am a long time Leonard Coehn fan, and read in his autobiography about his home on Hydra. I can understand why he loves the island. Its beautiful. Thanks for pics
Reply
- Report abuse
mariaschmidt Sep 13, 2008 at 5:34 AM

I have been in Hidra many years ago and I liked it very much. I don't remember having a hard time climbing then - I remember it was a very picturesque island -bye Mary
Reply
- Report abuse
Balam Jun 6, 2008 at 1:55 AM

Great Place, You are so lucky to be able to live in greece and visit all these places
Reply
- Report abuse
Toshioohsako Feb 3, 2008 at 1:22 AM

Hirda is such a beautiful place and your photos show that. Thank for your kind offer to show me around in Athens. I will certainly contact you when I come. Have a pleasant day.