M. H Journal

A car-free island basking in the Aegean sea, Hydra is a place of simple beauty and slow pleasures. Its sun-bleached stone mansions, pine-fringed coves and bougainvillaea-covered laneways offer a different pace of life, one that inspired us to create Hydra Figue, a scent shaped by warmth, salt air and the green ripeness of Mediterranean fig. Whether you’re planning a visit or simply wish to be transported, here’s our guide to experiencing Hydra. What to do in Hydra Days on Hydra unfold slowly. Whether you’re dipping into the sea, exploring winding stone paths, or enjoying long, sun-drenched meals, the island invites you to pause. With no cars and little noise, it’s a place for walking, swimming, reading, and reconnecting, with yourself, or simply with the moment. Take part in beautiful rooftop workshops at Hydra Edition Experience yoga retreat classes at Mandraki Resort Discover Hydra on horseback with a monastery stop Go fishing with local fishermen by boat Swim from the rocks at Hydronetta or Spilia Walk the coastal path to Vlychos Beach and take in views of the Aegean sea Where to stay Bratsera Once a 19th-century sponge factory, Bratsera is now a small hotel tucked just behind Hydra’s main harbour. Original features from the building’s industrial past remain, including an old sponge-washing well in the courtyard. Mandraki Mandraki Beach Resort is a luxury 5-star beachfront property set on Hydra’s only sandy beach, offering private pools, parasols, and sunbeds in a sheltered bay just east of the main harbour. Hotel Miranda Set in an 1810 sea captain’s mansion, Hotel Miranda combines traditional Hydriot architecture with a quiet garden setting. Many rooms feature sea or town views, and the property also houses seasonal art exhibitions. Orloff Orloff Boutique Hotel occupies a restored stone mansion built in 1796 by a Russian count and turned into a 4-star boutique property in 1986, featuring nine individually designed rooms and a secluded courtyard just steps from Hydra’s port. Leto Hydra Situated close to the main harbour, Leto Hydra is one of the few full-service hotels on the island. It occupies a restored Hydriot mansion and offers breakfast, spa treatments, and easy access to the town. Where to eat Mikra Anglia Just off the harbour, Mikra Anglia serves modern Greek and Mediterranean dishes in a shaded courtyard. The menu includes vegetarian options, coffee, wine, and light plates throughout the day. Manna Located on a small pedestrian street near the centre of town, Manna offers contemporary Mediterranean dishes made with local ingredients, alongside a selection of Greek wines. Techne Perched above Avlaki Bay, Techne is set in a restored stone building with sea views. It focuses on seasonal Greek-inspired cooking and serves lunch, dinner, and cocktails in a split-level courtyard. Giasemi A casual taverna tucked into Hydra’s quieter lanes, Giasemi serves traditional Greek home cooking, including grilled meats, salads, and daily specials. Veranda Veranda is a rooftop restaurant with views over the port, open from late afternoon into the evening. The menu includes seafood, pasta, and simple Mediterranean plates. And when the sun begins to fade and the scent of fig trees still lingers on warm skin, you start to understand Hydra’s quiet rhythm, unhurried, elemental, unforgettable. Whether you're there in body or only in spirit, Hydra Figue captures a trace of it all: the salt, the light, the stillness. Let it take you there. Read more:Why Hydra is our summer go-to Discover the soul of Mediterranean art Inside Hydra Edition Behind the scenes at our Hydra Edition event Hydra with photographer, Louis Sheridan