Town & Villages of Hydra Island Greece
Because of the ban of motorised or wheeled vehicles on Hydra, the residential, built-up areas of the island have never spread very far. So everywhere on Hydra is within walking distance (or by boat). Click the links to see what to expect in each area as I've added a summary of what accommodation, restaurants, beaches, shops & services, activities and landmarks for each.
Hydra Harbour/Port
The main harbour/port of Hydra Island is also called Hydra. This is the focal point of the island where everyone arrives, departs and socialises.
Hydra Town
Hydra Town covers is the area at the back of the harbour and east & west sides of the mountainous amphitheatre that cradles the harbour as the town spreads away from the waterfront.
Kala Pigadia
Kala Pigadi is at the top of the central road that leads down to Hydra Harbour. The original 'Good Wells' built circa 1820 sadly became un-potable as recently as 2019.
Kiafa
Way back in the past when the island was more heavily populated, the community tended to live further up the hill in the area known as Kiafa, above Hydra Bay. It was safer up there because Hydriots could see marauding ships coming from afar. The most notable landmark is the Church of Ag. Konstandinos the Patron Saint of Hydra.
Avlaki
Avlaki is a quiet residential area west of Hydra Town along the coast road before you arrive at Kamini Harbour. The area extends up from the coast road to the top of the hill At the Haramis Windmill landmark. When you go over the hill, you are in the Kamini area known as Four Corners.
Four Corners
Four Corners is the crossroads between upper, west Hydra Town and inland Kamini Village. It's a residential area that is now famous because Canadian poet & songwriter, Leonard Cohen, bought a house near the supermarket the area is named for.
Kamini Harbour
Kamini Harbour is a tiny inlet about 1 kilometre along the coast road going west from Hydra Harbour. Historically, it was the site of the kilns used to make the roof tiles of Hydra's houses.
Kamini Valley
The Kamini Valley extends east to west from Four Corners down to Kamini Harbour. It's a popular holiday area because it has a much more laid-back, typical Greek Island atmosphere and many local Hydriots live here.
Upper Kamini
The south side of Kamini Valley runs east-to-west inland from Kiaffa towards Vlychos Village. The houses on the side of the hill look north across to the sea too the Peloponnese mainland and most have terrific views.
Vlychos
Vlychos is a small, coastal hamlet about 1.7 kilometres west of Hydra Harbour. There's a small community of long-standing local residents and a very popular beach. Vlychos is also home to the Hydrama Theatre & Arts Centre. There area is much more countryside than residential homes.
Plakes
Plakes is the 'newest' residential area on Hydra and is another 500m further west from Vlychos. The coast road from Vlychos to Plakes is dotted with large well spaced properties either side of the road. It's a great destination for a walk or a horse trek when you want to end with a rewarding swim followed by lunch.
Palamidas/Molos
Palamida is the island's boatyard and Hydra's biggest olive grove, which stretches back from the shore. Palamida is also the furthest west that you can walk to along the coast road before having to turn inland passing behind Molos on the way to Episkopi.
Episkopi
Episkopi Village is inland and if you stand on the top of the highest hill in the centre you can see both the North and South coasts of the island at the same time. The valley has many more cultivable fields than elsewhere on the island. Crops are grown here by the twenty-ish families who live self-sufficiently in the valley. It's a great walking destination but take your own refreshments because there are no cafes or shops.
Mandraki
Mandraki Bay is a quiet residential area 1k going East from Hydra harbour along the coast road. There are approximately 50 families living in the area with 2 beaches, a taverna, restaurant, guesthouse and a few holiday house rentals. On the far corner of the bay entrance there is a sturdy battlement left over from the days in the early 1800s when the battle ships were built on the beach.