These, and the steep hills that encompass Hydra Town, assault the eye as one disembarks from the hydrofoil after a short crossing from Piraeus. The fact that there are no motor vehicles in any shape or form on Hydra, save the refuse collection lorries, lends the island a distinct advantage over its more popular, well known and noisy neighbors Poros and Spetse. Luggage transportation is undertaken by willing donkeys that line part of the harbor front. Away from the waterfront, narrow tracks and alleyways form a warren of exploring opportunities and eventually lead to tracks and pathways that are not surfaced and lead to the island's uncoil interior. There is no shortage of restaurants, taverns, bars and discos on Hydra.
Evenings are vibrant.
Not having to dodge the ubiquitous mopeds and motorbikes that are omnipresent on other Greek Islands is bliss. On the minus side, Hydra is not blessed with great beaches. Unless you are prepared to swim from rocks on the southern side of the harbor, the nearest sandy beach is 2km away at Mandraki. There is also a daily influx of day-trippers from Athens that disembark for an hour or two, normally afternoon. Island hoppers will be able to have a trip over to Aegina, Poros and Spetses for the day.