Dreaming of relaxing under the sun on an idyllic Greek island? If you’re looking for peace and quiet, Hydra, a stunning island where cars are completely banned, might be the perfect spot.
Part of Greece’s Saronic islands in the Aegean Sea, Hydra is a quieter destination than busy Santorini or Mykonos.
Tourists are at no risk of being hit by a wayward moped or rental car driver on Hydra as all wheeled vehicles are completely banned on the island. The ban dates back to a 1950’s presidential decree which was designed to preserve Hydra’s traditional character.
That means the island’s 2,500 residents, and the tourists who visit, get around on mules, donkeys and their own two feet.
The only exceptions to the strict rule are rubbish trucks and children under 12 who are allowed to use bicycles during the winter season.
Hydra’s car-free lifestyle means the island is remarkably quiet without the honking of car horns or whirr of motorbikes.
The idyllic island has long attracted artists and musicians with its incredible vistas and minimalist lifestyle.
Songwriter Leonard Cohen bought a house on the island in the 1960s while Picasso also spent time there.
Saint Nicholas Beach is Hydra’s best-rated and it can be reached by water taxi from the island’s main port.
A tourist ‘Carmen T’ wrote on Tripadvisor: “I strongly recommend this beach. My favourite beach in Hydra, I have a great time here.”
Although the majority of tourists get around Hydra on foot, visitors should be warned that parts of the island are quite hilly.
