Despite Hydra’s cosmopolitan élan and close proximity from Athens, the best hotels in Hydra still remain blithely elemental. The timeless charm of the island unfurls around its historic port and weaves its way through narrow cobblestone streets where the absence of cars helps preserve the island’s slow and peaceful rhythm.
Vogue’s Guide to the Best Hotels and Airbnbs in Hydra:
Hydra’s tranquil pace has inspired artists and writers who have long descended on its shores, often creating a home for themselves in some of Hydra’s most iconic guest house hotels, like Sébastien Meyer and Arnaud Vaillant of Coperni, who had long vacationed on the island before choosing it as their wedding location. Today, the idyllic Aegean hamlet has become a favored destination amongst the fashion set for those same reasons; evidence of this is the seasonal arrival of fashion brands popping up on the island each summer. This season, By Malene Birger will be activating their high summer pop-up at Melisses Gallery from June through August, where they will be selling their collection, alongside special collaborations with various local curators and artists who reside 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 their olive oil soaps.
Given Hydra is a bolthole for the art world as well, fashion lovers and contemporary art enthusiasts should make time to visit to Deste’s Hydra Slaughterhouse Project—part of the Deste Foundation which was established in 1983 by art collector Dakis Joannou (“deste” meaning “look” in Greek). Occupying an old slaughterhouse since 2009, visitors during the summer season—June through October—can attend site-specific art exhibitions of solo and group artists; previous installations brought Jeff Koons, Urs Fischer, and Kara Walker to the island.
Accessing Hydra and getting to experience the island and its medley of charming boutique stays is as easy as taking a one hour ferry from Athens port or booking a private transfer with beloved yachting brand Cyanos. No matter how you choose to arrive, you’ll have plenty of idyllic hotels to choose from.
