
Why you should swap Santorini and Mykonos for this peaceful Greek island instead
Even on my fourth visit, Hydra still waves her magic wand. I don't think I will ever tire of her hidden coves, whitewashed alleyways leading to bougainvillea-bright courtyards and the proud Neoclassical mansions standing testament to the island's naval history.
Hydra's magic is both aesthetic and visceral. A preservation order bans motor vehicles – only an ambulance, fire truck and refuse lorry are permitted. No motorbikes either. All goods, from groceries, building materials and household supplies, are transported by donkeys and mules.
The island is not just quaint; it's transformative. Hydra has the largest herd of working equines in the world, and the absence of engines lends a softness to life. Animals are relaxed, people are unhurried. Even the cats – Hydra is full of them – are mellow and happy to saunter over for a scratch rather than dash away.
With no traffic noise to contend with, the peacefulness seeps into your soul. I found myself breathing deeper, moving more slowly and absorbing Hydra's rare, undisturbed energy.
Artists have long been drawn to its shores, from Leonard Cohen, who lived here and whose song 'Bird on the Wire' was said to be inspired by the island, to Jeff Koons, whose 2022 exhibition transformed the Deste Foundation Project Space Slaughterhouse into a sunlit shrine to Apollo. This edgy, seasonal art venue is perched dramatically above the sea, crowned by a massive bronze and copper alloy sun.
For a more traditional side of history, visit the Historical Archive Museum of Hydra near the port. Inside its handsome Neoclassical mansion, I enjoyed the naval paintings and intricate ship models, and pored over handwritten letters that tell the story of Hydra's vital role in the Greek War of Independence.
While the port's charms are undeniable, Hydra invites you to explore further. You can saddle up and ride a horse through olive groves, past centuries-old chapels – there are over 300 to discover dotted across the island. You could also charter a boat to circle the island and discover secluded beaches only accessible by sea, or cross to nearby Dokos island to dive among ancient shipwrecks and underwater cliffs.
For a taster of authentic island life, try traditional line fishing experiences aboard wooden caiques run by local fishermen whose families have worked these waters for generations.
As travel fever once again grips popular Greek islands such as Santorini and Mykonos, Hydra offers a compelling alternative. No airport chaos, no hours-long ferry rides, no jostling for the perfect sunset snap. Ferries are expensive throughout Greece, and the 75-minute catamaran ride from Athens to Hydra is no exception, starting from €60 (£50) return. But then you are there, in a place that feels both preserved and alive, chic yet authentic.
Whether you're swimming beneath ancient cliffs, sipping wine on a sand-speckled terrace, exploring bold art installations, or simply watching the sunset from the harbour, Hydra has a way of making you slow down, breathe deeper and stay longer.
Yes, Mykonos has pulsing beach clubs and Santorini has its famous sunsets – but Hydra has soul. And that is the Greek island escape I'm chasing.
How to do it
Where to stay
The five-star Mandraki Beach Resort (from €280 per night) is set on Hydra's only sandy beach. Tucked into Mandraki bay – a 10-minute water taxi ride from the harbour, transfers provided until 11pm – this former 19th-century shipbuilding yard has been reimagined into a unique escape with just 17 suites decked out with natural materials, original stone archways and soft linens. The real treat is Captain M, the resort's open-air restaurant, where dishes such as cauliflower couscous salad and seabream with creamed potatoes are seasonal and rooted in Greek tradition with playful modern twists. I enjoyed dinner with a chilled glass of assyrtiko as the sun set over the Peloponnese.
Easyjet flies from London Gatwick to Athens from £90 return; catch the 75-minute catamaran from Athens to Hydra, from €60 (£50) return.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


The Independent
2 hours ago
- The Independent
Video: Gaza protesters block Israeli tourists from entering Greek island
A cruise ship carrying Israeli tourists departed the Greek island of Syros on Tuesday without its passengers disembarking after a protest by more than 150 people at the port. Demonstrators waved Palestinian flags and called for an end to the conflict in Gaza. They displayed banners reading "Stop the Genocide" and "No a/c in hell." The vessel, identified as the Crown Iris operated by Israeli company Mano Cruise, had about 1,700 passengers on board. 'The management of Mano Cruise has decided in light of the situation in the city of Syros to now sail to another tourist destination,' the company said in a press release. 'All passengers and crew members are resting and spending time on the ship on their way to the new destination.'


The Sun
3 hours ago
- The Sun
Amanda Holden's lookalike daughter Lexi goes public with boyfriend in steamy snaps – as BGT host shares her thoughts
AMANDA Holden's teenager daughter Lexi Hughes did not hold back when going Instagram official with her boyfriend. Lexi, 19, is currently on holiday with her famous mum and new man in Greece, and shared photos of the loved-up pair enjoying a snog on a luxury boat. 4 The model and content creator wore a yellow bikini as she lay back on the bow of the boat and her unnamed boyfriend leaned over her to kiss her. "Vitamin D and a little PDA," Lexi captioned the Instagram post. She was inundated with comments, including from Britain's Got Talent judge mum, who posted a love-heart eye emoji in reply to the photo. Another person commented: "oh get it get it." "HELLO," added another. Before their trip, Lexi and Amanda, 54, were recently spotted in Wimbledon looking glamourous while watching the tennis on Centre Court. The Britain's Got Talent judge put on a stunning display in a yellow sleeveless dress and giant sunglasses. Lexi wore a white crop top and pinstripe trousers, accessorising with mirrored shades. While Lexi is often compared to her TV mum, Amanda revealed that her oldest daughter finds it embarrassing when people compare them. 'I think they find it a bit embarrassing,' Amanda told The Sun's Fabulous magazine in April. Amanda beams with joy as Lexi finishes school 'Lexi said that there are a lot of people at uni who make cheeky comments, which I find very flattering. 'Hollie doesn't really give a damn. But I do have to walk behind her. She doesn't want anyone to know I'm her mother!' Amanda also admitted to struggling with the fact Lexi has flown the nest and is now at university. 'I miss her like crazy and it's really weird sitting down to a family meal with just the three of us. The house does feel a bit empty, so I'm just gradually filling it up with more pets," Amanda said. "We've recently rescued a dog from Battersea Dogs & Cats Home and I'm planning to rescue another one in September. We've also got a cat and another dog.' Amanda is realistic about her daughters getting older and is proud of how Lexi, who also works as a model for the agency Storm, has embraced her next chapter. 'I do miss her but, at the same time, it's really nice seeing her become a little bit more independent,' she explains. 'She's all loved-up. She's got good friends and I like her strong morals.' 4


Times
7 hours ago
- Times
17 of the best hotels with swim-up rooms in Turkey
Snooze, swim. Snooze, swim. It's the ultimate in holiday relaxation, slipping between lounger and pool, and it's never easier than when you can swim right up to your room. Turkish hoteliers are never slow to embrace new trends, and there are swim-up rooms, apartments and suites in every type of hotel, from family-friendly all-inclusives to romantic boutique hotels. Not that relaxing in this sun-drenched, spectacularly beautiful country is ever difficult; it may not have the super-slow pace of the Greek islands, but Turkish hospitality is second to none, with families particularly welcomed. Throw in crystal-clear seas, fantastic food and the sense of a culture rich in tradition and history and it's not difficult to see why so many British holidaymakers return to Turkey for a relaxing week in the sun. These are the country's best hotels with swim-up rooms. This article contains affiliate links, which may earn us revenue £££ | SPA | POOL | 2 RESTAURANTS | Best for views The swim-up rooms at the Garcia also command the very best of the hotel's views over the lush green forests and sparkling waters of the Blue Lagoon. Each comes with a private poolside terrace, while inside you'll find rooms decorated in relaxing Mediterranean blues and natural finish wood (swim-up family suites are also available). Even if you go for one of the standard rooms you'll find plenty of swimming options, with four adult and two children's pools. And when you're ready to tear yourself away, it's just a short drive down to the beach. • Discover our full guide to Turkey £££ | SPA | POOL | 6 RESTAURANTS | Best for seclusion Most foreign tourists overlook the northern part of Turkey's Aegean coast, but it's worth a visit — the waters are bracingly cold and the temperatures less scorching than in the more southerly resorts. The high-end Paloma chain's Izmir offering is on a secluded part of the coast, right on a stretch of golden beach. Poolside rooms come with their own terrace and small tropical garden, offering maximum privacy and tranquillity. ££ | POOL | 1 RESTAURANT | Best for honeymoons The honeymoon suites at the Nautical are showstoppers: self-contained bungalows with their own private terraces and pools, set just metres back from a sparkling crystal bay that is for guests only. The emphasis at this tiny boutique hotel is on nature and relaxation: you can join meditation and yoga classes among the lemon trees in the garden, and enjoy laid-back acoustic live music events in the evenings. The cheaper rooms aren't too shabby either: individual stone houses are cleverly arranged to make you feel as though you're out in the wilderness on your own. £££ | SPA | POOL | 2 RESTAURANTS | Best for a stress-free break This luxury hotel occupies one of the best stretches of beach in Bodrum, where you can feel the soft white sand between your toes and dive into the refreshing crystal waters. The service is top notch: the hotel's personal assistant can organise everything during your stay, from restaurant bookings to excursion recommendations. Sumptuously designed rooms and restaurants stocked with high-end accessories will make you feel like one of the celebrities who frequent this part of the Turkish coast. The superior suites are swim-up rooms, and there are also beach villas available, each featuring its own private pool. • Best hotels in Bodrum• Best things to do in Bodrum £££ | SPA | POOL | 5 RESTAURANTS | Best for a quieter retreat This luxury resort in Side manages to meld the ease of all-inclusive with the exclusive feel of a boutique hideaway. It is renowned for the quality of its gastronomy, with frequently changing menus at its three à la carte restaurants offering a range of cuisines. If you feel the need to work off the excess, staff can arrange for gym equipment to be brought to your room and can book you sessions with personal trainers — or you can join sports classes ranging from yoga to beach volleyball. Swim-up rooms share a separate swimming pool. • Best hotels in Antalya• Best things to do in Antalya ££ | SPA | POOL | 3 RESTAURANTS | Best for spa lovers Far smaller than most of Antalya's sprawling resorts, Dosinia is the place to stay if you prefer a more intimate vibe, while keeping all of the perks of all-inclusive. Packages include free use of the extensive spa, which features a Turkish-style hammam and has a range of treatments and massages, as well as plenty of outdoor activities. The pool is freshwater and there is an on-site waterpark with slides as well as separate indoor and outdoor pools for kids plus clubs to keep them entertained. £££ | SPA | POOL | 9 RESTAURANTS | Best for golf lovers The pool feels more like a secret lagoon at this five-star resort, weaving a path through lush gardens and between suites that open up straight into the water. This vast place nonetheless manages to feel intimate thanks to its clever design, based around a mix of individual units and the main hotel, which features spacious, luxurious rooms. Its biggest draw, though, is the 27-hole championship golf course, designed by golfing legend Sir Nick Faldo. Guests staying in the swim-up suites can opt to have dinner served in their rooms. £££ | SPA | POOL | 2 RESTAURANTS | Best for gastronomy There is a new chef every week at this high-end concept hotel, where the focus is firmly on food. Each brings their own twist to the locally grown, organic ingredients, guaranteeing that every meal will be a joy. The sleek and modern design of this hotel is a welcome change from the usual brash all-inclusives, and the swim-up rooms also feature private patios equipped with comfy outdoor furniture. Even the long sandy private beach is well-designed, featuring cabanas that you'll want to lounge in all day.£ | SPA | POOL | 1 RESTAURANT | Best for night life In the centre of the popular resort of Hisaronu – set above Olu Deniz's glorious beach – this is a perfect base if you feel like getting out of the hotel and dancing the night away. The main strip is a five-minute walk away and features dozens of bars and restaurants catering to the international crowd who holiday and live in this part of Turkey. The blue lagoon, a surreal beautiful inlet ringed with white sand, is also close by. Swim-up pool rooms make the perfect base for relaxing on the days when you feel like staying at the hotel. • Best things to do in Fethiye £££ | SPA | POOL | 10 RESTAURANTS | Best for group holidays The last word in all-inclusive luxury, the Maxx Royal is so large and packed with amenities that you could easily spend a fortnight here without leaving the grounds. The Laguna suites have direct access to the pool and can sleep up to six adults in two bedrooms, and teenagers and young adults will love the hotel's laser tag area. Separate pools mean that you can enjoy an adult holiday here, although kids are well-served too, with an on-site aqua park with ten slides. ££ | SPA | POOL | 7 RESTAURANTS | Best for kids The focus is firmly on the kids at this resort just thirty minutes' drive from Antalya airport, with den-like children's rooms fitted out with bunk beds and clubs catering to all ages. Teenagers will love the nightclub and karaoke, and the watersports at the hotel's private beach. Six of the nine on-site swimming pools are designed with children in mind, and there is an aqua park with six slides too. If you opt for one of the swim-up suites you'll get a terrace that makes it feel like your own private pool. £££ | SPA | POOL | 15 RESTAURANTS | Best for entertainment Few hotels in Turkey can boast superstars Jennifer Lopez and Dua Lipa on their guest lists, but they are among the performers who have graced the stage at this all-inclusive resort. A few big names pop up here every summer, but even if you're not lucky enough to catch them you'll be spoilt for choice, with live bands and DJs performing every night. The hotel also hosts glamorous parties for adults only, with themes ranging from Cuban to Eighties glam. Shake off your hangover with one of the dozens of outdoors sports activities that take place during the day. £££ | SPA | POOL | 6 RESTAURANTS | Best for nature lovers In a pine forest on one of the most stirring stretches of the Turquoise Coast, this resort makes a great base for getting out and trekking through the pine forests of the Mediterranean or getting your adrenaline pumping with windsurfing, wakeboarding and waterskiing courses. But there is plenty to stay put for too: the hotel is split into adult and family sections, with swim-up rooms available in both. The six restaurants include a variety of world cuisines, and an intimate beachside option for romantic evenings. £££ | SPA | POOL | 13 RESTAURANTS | Best for wellness The hundreds of treatments available at the Ela's huge and luxurious spa alongside a full-size Turkish hammam decked out in beautiful traditional tiles and marble to make you feel like you are living in an Ottoman palace. There is plenty of organised entertainment for both small children and teenagers, and a huge range of sports activities available, so it will be easy to grab time for yourself and rewind. The best villas come with their own private pools. £ | SPA | POOL | 7 RESTAURANTS | Best for families The spacious family bungalows at this value-for-money resort have the feel of a self-catering hideaway, but with all the conveniences of a package holiday on the doorstep. Steps lead straight down from the balconies into the pool, and each has a private terrace complete with sunloungers. Cycle hire is a popular option here, with plenty of trails in the surrounding mountains and guides on hand to show you the best routes. There is a huge water sports programme, and children can also take swimming classes for a small extra cost. £ | POOL | 2 RESTAURANTS | Best for pool lovers All of the rooms and apartments at this well-designed hotel overlook the lagoon-style pool, with those on the ground floor having swim-up access to their private terrace. The pool has a lush, plant-filled island feature in the middle, where you can lounge with a good book between dips, and there's a cute kids' playground with slides, a trampoline and their own pool. The hotel also has owns the Buzz Beach Bar & Grill right on Olu Deniz's fabulous beach, with a 10 per cent discount for guests. £££ | SPA | POOL | 7 RESTAURANTS | Best for luxury Each sumptuous villa here comes not only with direct pool access, but with a garden area and decking where you can stretch out between swims. Down on the soft sand of the private beach you'll find luxury pavilions, the perfect place to watch the sunset with a cold cocktail from the beachside bar. It's a place made for relaxation, but if you want to get your blood pumping there is a well-equipped gym and full golf course, as well as a range of activities including yoga. For the best that money can buy, opt for the presidential villa, which comes with its own private pool. • Best places to visit in Turkey• Best luxury villas in Turkey