Despite Hydra’s cosmopolitan flair and proximity to Athens, the best hotels in Hydra still remain cheerfully elementary. The island’s timeless charm unfolds around the historic harbor and winds its way through narrow cobbled streets where the absence of cars helps maintain the slow and peaceful rhythm of the island.
FashionGuide to the best hotels and Airbnbs in Hydra:
Hydra’s leisurely pace has inspired artists and writers who have long descended to its coast, often creating a home for themselves in some of Hydra’s most iconic guesthouse hotels, such as Sébastien Meyer and Arnaud Vaillant of Coperni, who have long holidayed were on the island before they chose it as their wedding venue. Today, the idyllic Aegean hamlet has become a favorite destination among the fashion world for the same reasons; Proof of this is the seasonal arrival of fashion brands that appear on the island every summer. This season, By Malene Birger will activate their high summer pop-up on Melisses Gallery from June to August, where they sell their collection, in addition to special collaborations with several local curators and artists living on the island, such as Josh Hickey of Hydra Book Clubceramist Vittoria Berardinone from Pottery inhydraartist Tom Powell And Rafaliasthe local pharmacy from 1890, known for their olive oil soaps.
Since Hydra is also a haven for the art world, fashion enthusiasts and contemporary art enthusiasts should make time to visit Deste’s Hydra slaughterhouse project-portion of the Deste Foundation which was founded in 1983 by art collector Dakis Joannou (“deste” means “to look” in Greek). Since 2009, it has housed an old slaughterhouse and during the summer season (June through October), visitors can attend site-specific art exhibitions by solo and group artists; previous installations brought Jeff Koons, Urs Fischer and Kara Walker to the island.
Accessing Hydra and experiencing the island and its hodgepodge of charming boutique stays is as easy as taking an hour-long ferry from Athens port or booking a private transfer with a beloved yacht brand Cyanos. However you arrive, there are plenty of idyllic hotels to choose from.
