Latest news with #SaronicIslands
Daily Mail
4 days ago
- General
- Daily Mail
The little-known Greek island that's just as beautiful as Santorini - but much more peaceful over the summer
A hotspot for tourists, Santorini has long been regarded as the perfect destination to soak up the sun and Greek culture. But there's a little-known island that's just as peaceful, located in the southern Aegean Sea. Hydra, which is one of the Saronic Islands of Greece, is just as beautiful as Santorini - and is less crowded. The secret idyllic island is just 75-minutes from Athens, with donkeys on hand to transport the luggage of visitors. This is due to the breathtaking location being protected by a preservation order, which bans the use of vehicles and motorbikes, with the exception of ambulances and fire brigades. It means traffic noise is unheard, allowing your ears to tune into the sound of the tranquil waves as they crash against the shore and the unbeatable ambience of nature. With neoclassical mansions standing as a backdrop to the island, it's filled with alleyways that lead into gorgeous courtyards. The island has a healthy and diverse range of animals and is even home to the largest herd of working equines in the world. Near Hydra's port, you'll find the Historical Archives Museum, showcasing the island's proud naval history. From attention-grabbing naval paintings, to handwritten notes dating back to Hydra's participation in the Greek War of Independence, the museum is a step back in time. Aside from history and Hydra's stunning port, there's also the chance to explore its olive groves on horseback, visiting ancient chapels on route. As many as 300 chapels are dotted across the charming island, which is a stone's throw away from Dokos Island, should you wish to set sail and explore. Underwater, the island is home to fascinating ancient sea wrecks and underwater cliffs. Meanwhile, while some residents of Santorini have warned the picture-perfect island is being swamped, other locals have claimed that the Greek holiday hotspot is struggling to bring in enough tourists. Last year a tourist operator branded the season their 'worst ever' in the 18 years that they had lived on the island. 'The truth is that the island is empty. Right now is like never before, it's the worst season ever,' said Gianluca Chimenti. Put off by videos of queues of cruise ship passengers and visitors shuffling through the streets in the hot sun, would-be tourists were opting to avoid staying on the island for long periods, he claimed. He told CNN travel: 'The problem is that the social media is showing something completely different from what is the reality.' Many of those flocking to the island's main attractions were cruise ship passengers, with Santorini a key stop on Greek cruises' itineraries. But, when the crowds were gone, Chimenti said, 'the hotels right now are more or less under 30 per cent of a normal season.'
The Independent
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Why you should swap Santorini and Mykonos for this car-free Greek island this summer
Stepping off the catamaran onto Hydra's ancient harbour feels like entering a living painting – an island caught between myth and a Mediterranean daydream. Unlike the high-energy crowds of Santorini or Mykonos, Hydra is calm, considered and blissfully car-free. On this diminutive island just 75 minutes from Athens, donkeys transport visitors' luggage, fishermen sit quayside mending their nets, and the island soundtrack features the gentle sound of water lapping the shore and the rhythmic clopping of hooves. This Saronic Island jewel delivers the charm of the Cyclades, without the chaos and crowds. 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 a 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/£237) 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.
