Latitude 37.34980. Longitude 23.46588. This is the geographical location of Hotel Sophia. From here, we invite you to embark on a personalized vacation experience by discovering the unique attractions of Hydra.

During a guided tour, you’ll hear the echoes of your footsteps on the cobbled streets, admire well-preserved stone mansions that stand the test of time and nature, and walk past houses adorned with blooming bougainvillea from top to bottom.

As you explore the town, you’ll discover shops of rare aesthetics, restaurants, cafes, sailing and fishing boats, works of art, and many other attractions. Hydra offers a combination of austere and cosmopolitan experiences that are unparalleled anywhere else in the world.

At Hotel Sophia, we can arrange this fantastic guided tour for you, your family, or your group. Simply inquire with our reception for more details.

For thousands of years, the bond between man and horse has been celebrated in Greece through the beautiful sport of horse riding. Today, in Hydra, where wheeled vehicles are prohibited, horses serve as both a mode of transportation and a way to experience unique routes.

At the port of Hydra, located near Hotel Sophia, experienced guides lead one-of-a-kind equestrian tours. The tours include all necessary safety equipment such as helmets, first aid kits, and special gear for children.

Ride along the stunning coastal road to the port of Kamini or venture inland to explore the northern part of Hydra and the small village of Vlychos, which boasts a famous beach and only 19 inhabitants. Alternatively, ascend the hill above the harbor for a breathtaking panoramic view of the Argosaronic Gulf.

For pricing, route options, and guides, please inquire with our reception.

Experience Hydra like a local and explore its charming cobbled streets and inland routes in a relaxed and enjoyable manner. Donkey rides, which range from 1 to 3 hours, are available for individuals, couples, and groups, providing an excellent opportunity to discover the hidden gems of the island.

Always accompanied and guided by experienced professionals, wander the winding cobbled streets of Hydra’s old town or ascend to Agios Konstantinos Hydraios for a stunning panoramic view of the island, Spetses, and the Peloponnese.

For information on pricing, routes, and guides, please inquire with our reception.

Hydra is not just about magnificent mansions, cobblestone streets, and charming donkeys. The island is also rich in marine life, and visitors of all ages can experience the catch of a lifetime with Hydra Fishing.

If you are a morning person, fishing trips start at 9 am and conclude at 1 pm, while afternoon trips last from 4 pm to 8 pm. For the most determined, all-day fishing trips are also available.

The Hydra Fishing experience is conducted on a traditional fishing boat, equipped with top-of-the-line safety gear, and led by experienced Hydra fishermen. The list of seafood you may catch is endless and includes sea bass, mullet, bream, red snapper, grouper, mackerel, octopus, scallops, and more.

For additional information, please inquire with the reception of Hotel Sophia.

Since around the mid-1950s, twenty years after Hotel Sophia opened its doors, Hydra has not just been a travel destination, but also an international, artistic one. Many important exhibitions every year combined with the love of Greek and foreign collectors for the island have turned Hydra into an artistic hub.

For those seeking a journey through art, begin your exploration at the old Slaughterhouse of Hydra, where the DESTE Foundation (a non-profit organization established in Geneva in 1983 by collector Dakis Joannou) has been hosting contemporary art exhibitions since 2009. These exhibits are designed to blend harmoniously with the venue’s specific premises.

Its most iconic work? The sculpture “Apollo Windspinner”, the golden sun of the renowned American artist Jeff Koons, a wind spinner that rotates around itself, with the power of the wind. The sculpture is now a permanent installation in Hydra, providing every visitor and art lover with a truly unforgettable experience. The “sun” has found its port!

Other exhibition spaces include the mansion of Admiral Emmanuel Tompazis where a branch of the Athens School of Fine Arts is located, and the home and studio of Panagiotis Tetsis, a significant Greek painter born in Hydra.

Hydra’s history is intertwined with Greece’s naval struggle, as the island rebelled against the Ottoman rule on April 15, 1821, just twenty days after the start of the Greek Revolution. Visitors can delve into Hydra’s past at the Historical Archives Museum, which houses a collection of weapons used by Hydra’s fighters, Rigas Feraios’ Charta of Greece, a silver urn containing Admiral Andreas Miaoulis’ embalmed heart, and paintings depicting ships of the Greek War for Independence by Greek and foreign artists.

For a more immersive experience, head to the mansion of Lazaros Kountouriotis, which is part of the National Historical Museum. The ground floor hosts a permanent painting exhibition featuring the works of Konstantinos and Pericles Byzantios, while heirlooms of the Kountouriotis family are on display on the upper floors.

On the western side of the port, amidst pine trees, is the grand mansion of George Kountouriotis, one of Hydra’s five prime ministers, who served as Greece’s prime minister in 1848. Today, this mansion has been transformed into a museum displaying post-Byzantine art and history.

Crystal waters. Unique landscapes. Picturesque harbors. Beautiful beaches. The day cruise around Hydra is an experience you will never forget. Start with a hearty breakfast at Hotel Sophia, charge your mobile phone and check its memory, as you will be taking hundreds of photos, and… go!

The day cruises typically begin at 11 am from the port located right in front of our hotel. You’ll have the opportunity to see all the beaches on the island, with stops at specific locations for swimming.

Tip: don’t miss the chance to take a special sunset cruise that will soothe both body and soul as the sun sets behind the neighboring Peloponnese mountains.

For more information on cruise packages, please inquire at our Reception.

If you love hiking and spending long hours in nature, Hydra is the perfect destination for you. With over 80 kilometers of trails, there is something for every desire and preference, and most routes do not require any special technical equipment or climbing knowledge.

One of the most popular routes is the trail that starts from the Town of Hydra and leads to the top of Mount Eros (altitude 588 meters), where you can enjoy a stunning view of the sea to the south that will take your breath away.

For experienced hikers in good physical condition, there are longer routes that start from the Hydra town and end at Bisti Beach, passing by Vlychos, Molos, and Agios Nikolaos Beach, as well as routes from the town to the Zourvas lighthouse (a water taxi is required for the return journey).

For more information about hiking trails, visit our Reception.

Unique moments and fantastic images await you in some of the most charming and exciting seabeds of Greece. The clarity of the water that reaches almost 30 meters impresses every diver, while the vibrant marine life and breathtaking colors create an unforgettable experience.

Hydra’s scuba instructors are descendants of the island’s sponge divers, who once made a living risking their lives in the depths. Today, these professionals will guide you safely through the secrets of the island’s underwater world.

Visit our Reception to learn more about Hydra’s scuba diving opportunities.

As yoga enthusiasts know, after each class, the instructor bows and pronounces the Sanskrit phrase “Namaste”, which means “I humbly bow to you”. In Hydra, “Namaste” takes on additional meaning with its unique yoga sessions.

The island’s yoga instructors are all certified professionals who have been trained in a variety of relaxation techniques. After a yoga session, the already calming effect of Hydra on every visitor becomes even more pronounced. Just give it a try.

Learn more at our Reception.

Aromatherapy massage with raspberry and bubbly champagne? Relaxing face and body massage? Pantai Luar treatment with a Far East flavor? Hot stones and healing oils? Whatever type of massage you prefer, Hydra’s certified masseurs will ensure that you experience a unique, relaxing session.

On the island of Hydra, the pleasure of a soothing massage is heightened by the serene retreat from the noise and intense rhythms of big cities. The island’s beauty centers also offer exfoliation services for an added touch of freshness and well-being.

Visit our Reception to learn more.