HYDRA TRAVEL ADVICE
OCTOBER 3, 4 & 5, 2025
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For any queries about the ArtCinema Hydra events and schedule please reach out to guest@artcinemahydra.com
WHY WE LOVE HYDRA
ArtCinema Hydra, set in a uniquely enchanting location. This invitation-only event takes place in the heart of the Aegean Sea, just 90 minutes from Athens.
The name Hydra comes from ancient Greek ὕδρα (hydra), derived from the Greek word for "water", a reference to the natural springs on the island. Hydra is known for its exquisite architecture and spectacular neoclassical stone mansions, built by the island's shipping merchants.
Hydra became famous all over the world thanks to the film “Boy on a Dolphin,” shot on the island in 1957 with Sophia Loren leading the leading role. Among the most famous films shot in Hydra is the famous "Girl with black" of Michael Cacoyannis with Ellie Lambeti, which received rave reviews in European festivals and the great Jules Dassin's film "Phaedra" with lovely Melina Merkouri and the famous Anthony Perkins and Ralph Vallone.
Hydra became a famous destination mainly between 1960-1970 when celebrities from around the world, like Lennon, Klapton, Rolling Stones, Onassis and Callas, Rex Harrison, Peter Ustinov, Leonard Cohen and many others passed through here and a place of inspiration for many people of the arts and culture like Xatzikyriakos, Gikas, Seferis, Engonopoulos, Henry Miller, Tetsis, Byzantios amd today Hydra continues to offer high a beautiful and authentic cultural life, and remains the jewel of the Gulf Islands.
PLANNING YOUR JOURNEY
For assistance with your travel plans, our dedicated ArtCinema guest travel team is happy to assist with any specific requests you may have. Please contact Julia Grinberg at guest@artcinemahydra.com before or during your trip.
Our hotel partners - Hydroussa and Douskos Port House - also offer their own concierge services (see below).
For an extended stay in Greece we are also pleased to offer the exclusive services of the award-winning luxury travel agency, Wanderlux, led by CEO Rebecca Puttock. For bespoke itinerary planning, please feel free to contact Rebecca directly at rebecca@wanderlux.co.uk or via WhatsApp at +44 7896 139797. You can also learn more at wanderlux.co.uk.
Julia Grinberg
Rebecca Puttock
INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS: GETTING THERE FROM
USA TO ATHENS
Multiple airlines offer daily non-stop flights (9 hours) from US east coast. Star Alliance members, United Airlines flies twice daily from Newark and Washington, Aegean flies daily from Newark (operated by Emirates).
EUROPE TO ATHENS
Daily flights from most European cities (2-4 hours) & Middle East (4 hours.)
ATHENS TO HYDRA
From Piraeus Port, 90 mins private boat or public ferry. See below for details.
BOOKING YOUR STAY
IN ATHENS
For early arrivals in Athens for an overnight stay, ArtCinema can offer guests preferred rates at the bold, boundary-pushing YES! Hotels group that include Periscope, New Hotel, and Semiramis in Athens.
You can find the site at www.yeshotels.gr/our-hotels
If you need further assistance, please contact our guest team at guest@artcinemahydra.com
OUR HYDRA HOTEL PARTNERS
This year, ArtCinema has partnered with two of our favorite hotels in Hydra, reserving beautiful rooms exclusively for our guests. These centrally located accommodations ensure you're right in the heart of Hydra and our events during the extended peak season in October - when the island is at its most tranquil and the sea remains warm and inviting.
Our guest team will allocate rooms based on your preferences, and each of our partner hotels offers full concierge services.
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Located just a few minutes from Hydra’s Port, in the tranquil Votsi area, Hydroussa Hotel is steeped in cinematic history. During the 1950s, this stunning property was a grand mansion and famously served as a filming location for two iconic films: Boy on a Dolphin starring Sophia Loren, and A Girl in Black starring Elli Lambeti. It is also where Sophia Loren stayed during the Boy on a Dolphin shoot, adding to its legendary status.
The hotel is set on a charming square surrounded by lemon trees, with beautiful views of Hydra’s traditional village. To the left, guests can see the historic Five Prime Ministers Square, and to the right, the family residence of Lazaros Kountouriotis.
Our guest team will take care of your reservations, but for any other inquiries, please contact the wonderful Hydroussa Hotel team at:
Manager: Theodora Sidirokastriti
info@hydroussahotel.gr
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Operated by local hotelier Christos Douskos, his Douskos Hydra Hotels and Apartments offers a beautiful collection of air-conditioned, seaside and port-side accommodations, combining comfort with authentic island charm.
The Douskos Port House is located just 300 metres from Hydra Port and the George Kountouriotis Manor, and 3 km from the historic Profitis Ilias Monastery. Guests enjoy free WiFi, and a stunning terrace breakfast overlooking the port. The beach at Paralia Vlichos is only 2.1 km away.
For a truly special stay, consider Doukos by the Sea, which features two private apartments located at the original filming site of Boy on a Dolphin. Just steps from one of our favourite beaches, it is also the site of our Sophia Loren tribute evening, and sits beside the much-loved Lefteraki Taverna.
Our guest team will take care of your reservations, but for any other inquiries, please contact the Douskas hospitality team at:
Julietta Mourantian:
info@douskoshydrahotel.gr
BOUTIQUE LUXURY STAYS
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Hydrea is a refined boutique hotel located in the heart of Hydra’s main port - just moments from Omilos Restaurant and Spilia Beach, and right next to the School of Fine Arts. Its prime location offers both tranquility and easy access to the island’s cultural and culinary highlights.
With just six luxury double rooms, one executive suite, and one deluxe suite, Hydrea offers an intimate and exclusive stay. The interiors combine elegant antique furnishings with modern design elements, striking the perfect balance between traditional charm and contemporary comfort.
The ArtCinema guest team can assist with preferred rates for our guests or contact the hotel directly at hydrea.gr
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Ten minutes from Hydra’s main port by sea taxi lies the elegant Mandraki Beach Resort, a peaceful escape nestled away from the island’s centre. In the 19th century, this picturesque bay was a naval base and shipyard for Admiral Miaoulis, a key figure in the Greek War of Independence - adding a rich layer of history to its stunning seaside setting. The resort is also located just a 5-minute walk from our Sophia Loren Tribute Evening at Mandraki Beach and the beloved Lefteraki Taverna - making it an ideal accommodation for those wishing to stay close to the heart of that second evening event.
ArtCinema guests can enjoy preferred rates at Mandraki Beach Resort by booking through our guest services team or contact the hotel directly at mandrakibeachresort.com
GETTING AROUND GREECE
GETTING AROUND ATHENS
While in Athens, your hotel concierge can assist with arranging taxis. Alternatively, you can use “Uber” or “Free Now”. Alternatively our guest team or Athens Driver Service at (+30 693 865 0427)
GETTING TO HYDRA PORT BY SEA
For your journey to and from Hydra, our guest team can book your ferries or you can download the Ferryhopper app at www.ferryhopper.com or you can book directly through Hellenic Seaways at www.hellenicseaways.gr/en-gb or Alpha Lines at www.alphalines.gr/en/ or Magic Sea Ferries www.magicseaferries.gr
Alternatively, you may arrange a local private boat with our hotels concierge or contact Rebecca Puttock at: wanderlux@artcinemahydra.com
GETTING AROUND HYDRA
Most hotels and accommodations will arrange for donkeys upon your arrival by boat, but we still recommend packing lightly, using backpacks or small suitcases, as there are no cars, taxis, or buses in Hydra—donkeys are the primary means of transporting goods.
Hydra is small, and walking here is both meditative and pleasant. Nearly all points of interest are located along the waterfront or in the narrow streets behind the port. In the charming town of Hydra, you can wander the cobbled streets and admire the traditional houses that extend up into the hills.
For those seeking a bit more adventure, water taxis are available to whisk travellers from the quaint harbour to secluded beaches and tavernas.
ISLAND STYLE
WHAT TO WEAR & BOUTIQUE SHOPPING
Hydra offers a charming and carefully curated shopping experience, with elegant boutiques, local fashion labels, and independent Greek designers whose work reflects the island’s unique spirit — artful, stylish, and authentic.
When it comes to attire, Hydra embraces a look best described as relaxed island chic — think breathable fabrics, effortless elegance, and outfits suited to cobblestone strolls and seaside dinners. Whether you're browsing boutiques, attending our opening night, or enjoying one of our outdoor screenings, the mood is refined yet informal: comfortable, stylish, and naturally Mediterranean.
And don’t forget to bring something that puts you in the spirit of Greek dancing — our Sophia Loren Tribute Evening will take place by the sea, and we plan to celebrate in true Hydra style.
MEDICAL CARE
HOSPITAL
The main medical facility on Hydra is Kouloureio Hospital, located near the main port and just moments from the Hydroussa Hotel. It offers primary (first-degree) healthcare services. Additionally, the island has the Hydra Health Center, which provides basic medical care, emergency services, and first aid. Staffed by doctors and nurses, it can manage most minor to moderate health issues.
For serious or specialized medical needs, patients are typically transferred by boat or helicopter to hospitals in Athens, the nearest major city with comprehensive medical facilities.
If you are planning an event or an extended stay, it is advisable to have basic travel insurance and be aware of emergency transport options as a precaution.
PHARMACY & OPTOMETRIST
There is an optometrist on the island and two pharmacies, all located near the main port, where most of the shops and services are concentrated. These pharmacies carry essential medications, personal care products, and over-the-counter remedies. Both speak English. If you require specific or prescription medications, it's a good idea to bring them with you or check availability in advance, as stock can be limited on a small island.
DONKEY & CAT POPULATION
Hydra's reliance on donkeys for transport dates back to a 1950s presidential decree aimed at preserving the island's architecture and character. This rule prohibits the use of wheeled vehicles—cars, motorbikes, and even bicycles. Given the town’s steep, amphitheatre-like hills rising from its horseshoe-shaped harbour, donkeys are the only form of transport capable of navigating the steep steps and narrow alleyways leading to many residents' homes.
For some visitors, one of Hydra's most charming features is its feline inhabitants. Cats have been an integral part of the island, believed to have arrived in the hulls of ships for rodent control since the 1600s. The Greek term for cat lover is ailurophile, which reflects the island's fondness for its feline residents.
There are two pet shops in Hydra’s main port if you wish to feed the cats. Unfortunately, there is no veterinary service on the island, so appointments must be arranged from another island. If you have any concerns about animal welfare, please report them to the pet shop, and they can guide you to Hydra Ark or the Small Animal Rescue Association. For more information, visit: www.hydradirect.com/animal-welfare.