Discover Hydra: A Breathtaking Car-Free Island in Greece

In 1950, the powers that be in Greece decided that the best way to preserve the historic character of the island of Hydra was to ban all vehicular traffic. For centuries, Hydra has been home to narrow alleyways and buildings constructed side by side. The narrow cobblestone streets of Hydra are filled with donkeys and horses that are adept at navigating tight spaces. Artists such as musician Leonard Cohen, actress Sophia Loren, and painter Pablo Picasso have been drawn to Hydra because they viewed the island as a tranquil place where they could step back in time.

One of the best ways to explore Hydra is on horseback. A tour company known as Harriet’s Hydra Horses offers equestrian tours of the island. One of Harriet’s most popular tours is a Seahorse excursion that allows participants to venture into the ocean on horseback. Each swimming horse is accompanied by a trained equestrian to ensure the safety of the horse and the rider. Few travel experiences are quite as thrilling as holding onto the reins of a swimming horse as you bob up and down in the sapphire waters of the Aegean Sea.

If you’re searching for a panoramic view of the Aegean Sea, consider visiting the Church of Agios Konstantinos which is dedicated to the patron saint of Hydra. The Church of Agios Konstantinos features a bell tower, a lush garden, and sweeping views of Hydra’s stunning beaches. An ascending path leads to two monasteries—the Monastery of Prophet Elias and the Monastery of Agia Efpraxia—which allow visitors to glimpse the Peloponnese Peninsula. The Monastery of Prophet Elias features a collection of historic manuscripts and the Monastery of Agia Efpraxia is populated by nuns who occasionally host embroidery classes.

Hydra is celebrated for its delectable seafood. Numerous charming seaside eateries serve freshly caught squid, octopus, and scallops. Visitors can listen to crashing waves as they sip Greek wine or coffee and munch on delicious sweet treats such as baklava while watching fishing vessels return to the harbor in the distance.

If congested city life is getting you down, consider a relaxing holiday on the island of Hydra. Few things are more rejuvenating than spending time on a picturesque island where you will not hear a single car whiz by. After a day spent exploring quaint and peaceful Hydra, you will understand why the island has served as a sanctuary to some of the world’s most celebrated artists.