Autumn on Hydra Island: Three Days of Tranquillity

The constant hustle and bustle, noise and chaos of the city you live in can sometimes be exhausting. It is precisely at times like these that breathing in the salty sea air, strolling step by step along quiet cobblestone streets, listening to the distant sounds of donkeys and slowly sipping your coffee in small cafés can soothe the soul. Hydra remains warm and lively even after the end of summer, yet it shows a side free from the stress of crowds. During this holiday I took at the beginning of September, getting lost in the island's quiet streets, watching the reflection of the afternoon sun on the boats in the harbour, and sampling delicious food in small taverns gave me an indescribable sense of peace. In this article, I will share my favourite moments from my short but fulfilling three-day holiday in Hydra, the hidden corners I discovered, and how I felt the island's autumn spirit. Perhaps you will find inspiration for your own holiday plans and want to create a little escape for yourself.

Getting to Hydra – Transport

Getting to Hydra requires a bit of a journey, but every minute is worth it. You fly to Athens from Turkey, then transfer to the port of Piraeus; from there, you take the ferry to Hydra and arrive on the island. Although ferry options are not as frequent as in the summer months, there are still regular services in September. Ticket prices from Piraeus to Hydra generally start at €28, and it takes about 1 hour and 5 minutes to reach the island on the fast ferries. If you want a more economical option, you can choose the slower ferries; although the journey takes a little longer, it offers a pleasant trip with beautiful views. Another alternative way to reach Hydra is by ferries departing from smaller ports, such as Ermioni. Prices from here start at around €11.50, and although the journey takes a little longer, it offers a very peaceful start accompanied by the tranquillity of the Aegean Sea.

Tip: Ferry services are not as frequent in autumn as they are in summer. Therefore, checking departure times in advance and planning your port connections will ensure a comfortable holiday. It is particularly important to keep a close eye on departure times for crossings from smaller ports.

3 Days in Hydra – Daily Plan & My Recommendations

Hydra is a small paradise waiting to be discovered. With its narrow streets, sparkling harbor, and peaceful cafés, there’s more than enough to fill your days. Three days might seem short, but with the right plan you can make the most of every moment. In this guide, I’ll share my personal experience: a 3-day plan full of routes, hidden corners, and local flavors. From short walks and photo stops to seaside coffees and traditional tavern dinners, here’s how to enjoy Hydra step by step.

 
Day 1: Journey into Hydra’s Heart

Start your day early to see Hydra at its quietest and most peaceful. As soon as you step off the boat, the salty scent of the Aegean and the island’s slow rhythm will greet you. Take a stroll around the harbor; cafés are just opening, with steaming coffee and freshly baked croissants ready to enjoy with the sea view. Sitting by the water in the calm of the morning feels like time itself is slowing down. By lunchtime, choose a small taverna along the waterfront. Fresh fish, olive oil dishes, and crisp green salads simple, yet full of the Aegean’s spirit. Afterward, wander into the backstreets. The old stone houses, colorful doors, cascading bougainvillea, and boutique shops create a postcard-like scene. You might stop at art galleries, browse handmade crafts, or follow traces of Leonard Cohen, who once lived here – the island’s inspiring past is everywhere. As evening approaches, take a light walk by the harbor before settling at a seaside restaurant. Watch the sunset as the sky turns shades of orange and pink, with a plate of fresh seafood and a glass of local wine in front of you. It’s the perfect beginning to your Hydra experience. End the night at a small bar tucked away in the harbor or side streets. With a cocktail or a glass of wine, you’ll soak in the island’s rhythm and gentle pace of life.

 
Day 2: Sea, Sun & Hidden Coves

Start the morning with a light breakfast – a croissant and coffee in the harbor cafés are the perfect way to get ready for a beach day. Head towards Vlychos or Mandraki, two of Hydra’s most beautiful and peaceful beaches.

Spend your time sunbathing, swimming in the clear waters, or snorkeling to discover small fish and colorful pebbles beneath the surface. For lunch, choose one of the beach tavernas – fresh seafood, mezze, and light dishes will satisfy both your hunger and your soul.

If you’re up for more adventure, take a boat trip or water taxi to explore Hydra’s hidden coves. These untouched beaches, where it’s just you and the sea, will give you some of the most unforgettable memories of your trip.

In the late afternoon, walk along the coast towards Kamini, a charming fishing village. As the sun sets and the breeze picks up, the atmosphere becomes wonderfully romantic. For dinner, choose a stylish and romantic spot like Kodylenia’s Tavern or Castello. With candlelight, sea views, and freshly prepared mezze, you’ll end your second day in Hydra in the most magical way.

 
Day 3: Final Touches & Peaceful Farewells

For your last day, keep a slower but fulfilling pace. Begin with a short nature walk or a coastal path. Discover quiet spots like Avlaki Beach or Spilia, where you can swim one last time or simply sit on the rocks, listening to the rhythm of the waves.

For lunch, pick one of the island’s quiet tavernas. Traditional dishes with local ingredients – mezze, fresh fish, and olive oil flavors – will give you a final taste of Hydra. Afterward, wander back toward the harbor. Make your last stops at small shops, enjoy a coffee break, and take in the view one last time. Don’t forget to capture the sunset at the harbor – the perfect keepsake for your trip.

For your farewell dinner, treat yourself to a special restaurant or fine dining spot. Surrounded by Hydra’s calm evening atmosphere, savor beautifully prepared dishes before ending your night at a cozy harbor bar. A glass in hand, gentle conversations, and the quiet of the sea – a peaceful and memorable way to say goodbye.

The Most Beautiful Beaches and Coves in Hydra

Sandy beaches are rare in Hydra; most beaches are pebbly or rocky, sometimes mixed. However, in autumn the sea is still warm and ideal for swimming and feeling the rhythm of the waves. There are beautiful beaches and coves in different corners of the island; here are my favourites:

1. Mandraki Beach: Belonging to the Mandraki Beach Resort, this beach offers both comfort and an experience immersed in nature. With sun loungers, shade and restaurant service, you can enjoy a relaxing day. The clarity of the sea and the view are perfect for photos. It's a great option for those who want to swim or simply watch the sea and sunbathe.
2. Vlychos / Plakes Beach: If you're looking for a quieter, more natural atmosphere, Vlychos or Plakes beaches are perfect. There are hardly any crowds here, just the sound of the Aegean and the tranquillity of the waves. If your hotel is close to the beach, you can easily enjoy both the beach and the restaurant. Enjoying a light lunch on the beach with a sea view adds to the pleasure of your time on the island.
3. Avlaki / Spilia Bays: For those who enjoy nature walks or want to make small discoveries by water taxi, Avlaki and Spilia bays are ideal. These bays offer a unique experience for both the sea and nature. You can swim in tranquillity, sit on small pebble beaches and simply listen to the serenity of the Aegean. Bays like Avlaki, close to Téchnē Restaurant, are also perfect for combining the rest of the day with dining and enjoying the view.

Eating & Drinking in Hydra – Restaurants, Cafés & Bars

In Hydra, food is not just a necessity, but one of the most delightful ways to feel the soul of the island. The venues are full of character, the dishes are fresh and flavorful. Be sure to experience both the lively harbor spots and the hidden tavernas tucked into backstreets.

1. Breakfast: To start the day, the cafés along the harbor offer a peaceful beginning. Isalos Café, with its port view, is a wonderful spot for coffee and a light breakfast. Watching the reflections on the sea while the harbor slowly wakes up feels like pure therapy. If your hotel includes breakfast, boutique hotels such as Bratsera Hotel or Orloff also serve excellent morning spreads. Their verandas and buffets feature fresh cheeses, olives, and local specialties the perfect way to welcome the day.
2. Lunch: At midday, lighter and fresher choices around the harbor are ideal. Fresh fish, mezze, and seafood bring the essence of the Aegean straight to your table. Téchnē Restaurant & Social is a great lunch option, combining delicious food with stunning views. If you’re at the beach, the seaside tavernas near Mandraki or Vlychos feel like little paradises. Enjoying a light lunch by the sea, with sun and salt in the air, is the perfect way to recharge.
3. Dinner / Taverns / Evening Atmosphere: In the evenings, Hydra turns romantic and intimate. For a special dinner, Omilos offers elegant dishes and an upscale atmosphere right by the sea. For something more local and authentic, Douskos (Xeri Elia Douskos) is a personal favorite – hearty dishes in a cozy setting, perfect for long conversations over good food. If you’d like a romantic option near Kamini, Castello Hydra is a fantastic choice. Located right on the waterfront, it offers unforgettable sunsets and a truly unique atmosphere.
4. Bars & Cocktails: To gently end the night or enjoy the sunset with a drink, visit the harbor’s bars. Pirate Bar and Hydronetta Beach Bar are excellent picks for the evening. With soft music, the sound of the waves, and carefully crafted cocktails, you’ll feel Hydra’s calm and magical night vibe to the fullest.

Hydra Island Accommodation Recommendations

Prices in autumn are a bit more reasonable compared to the summer season, and some hotels are still open. Three boutique hotel options where you can stay in Hydra:

Bratsera Boutique Hotel: Located in a historic sponge factory building, it features characteristic details + an open courtyard, pool and a lovely restaurant. Located in Hydra Town, a 2-3 minute walk from the harbour. In September, room rates are on average mid-to-high range; higher than the low season, but vary between ~€150-€250 (depending on the venue, room type and booking situation).

Hotel Leto Hydra: The 5-star Hotel Leto Hydra, just 200 metres from the picturesque Hydra Harbour, offers stylish rooms furnished like a traditional Hydra mansion. The hotel serves a daily buffet breakfast enriched with local products. 

The Magic of Hydra in Autumn & Why You Should Go

If what you’re after is a few days of sea, sun, and tranquility but the summer crowds and high prices put you off then Hydra in autumn is exactly the right choice.

• The weather is still warm (especially in the sun), the sea hasn’t cooled yet; but the scorching heat is gone, and the shade feels comfortable.
• Tourist numbers drop, restaurants and cafés feel more intimate, and you’ll have more chances to chat with locals.
• The light and atmosphere are perfect for walking, exploring the island’s streets, and taking photos.
• Prices are reasonable; hotels and dining aren’t as sky-high as in summer (especially with early booking).
• In the mornings, sipping my coffee at the harbor with that faint salty breeze from the sea and the sound of donkeys—sometimes making you wonder if they’re carrying loads or honking like cars—feels like a quirky reminder that you’re far from the city.

By midday, I’d gather my courage to dive into the cool waters from the rocks in Kamini. The stony entry and the initial shock of the chilly water quickly give way to a deep sense of calm once you start swimming. I caught myself thinking, “Well, I came all the way here this refreshing shock was worth it.”

In the evening, as the sun set, sitting on the terrace of Veranda Restaurant, dipping a slice of fresh bread into olive oil alongside mezze, I felt the urge to freeze time while watching the golden light pour over the sea.

Hydra gave me both the comfort and warmth of summer holidays, and the bittersweet beauty of autumn. The sea, fresh morning coffee, soft evening breezes, the flowers and stone houses along the quiet streets… If you want to leave behind the blazing sun, the crowds, and the stress of summer traffic and instead enjoy a slower, more soulful holiday Hydra in September is the perfect place.

Maybe now you’re already dreaming of “that swim I’ve been postponing for two summers,” “the soft warmth of the sun,” or “a sunset at Veranda with a glass of wine.”