TRAVEL & HOSPITALITY
OCTOBER 3, 4 & 5, 2025
For any queries about the ArtCinema Hydra events and schedule please reach out 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.
NO WHEELS GREEK ISLAND
A “No Wheels Greek Island” (i.e. no cars) with a population of 1800 locals and 3500 summer tourists. Hydra is committed to Sustainable Tourism and especially welcomes “Slow travellers” who believe in the art of not rushing around, enjoying cultural exchange, wellness activities and forging lasting connections.
CENTRE OF CULTURE
For 150 years, Hydra has been a centre of culture & a sanctuary for artists: Canadian songwriter Leonard Cohen, American writer Henry Miller, Australian writers Charmian Clift & George Johnston, Greek poet & Nobel Laureate George Seferis, Greek painters Panayiotis Tetsis & Nikos Hadjikyriakos-Gikas.
FILM & NATURE LOVERS
A “More than Human community” where film & nature lovers are welcome. Hydra is a known haven for ailurophiles (cat-lovers) because of its beloved feline residents that roam the island.
INTERNATIONAL CONCIERGE PACKAGES
For your trip to Hydra, we are pleased to offer the exclusive services of the award-winning Wanderlux travel agency, led by CEO Rebecca Puttock, in collaboration with the renowned Greek agency Seez, founded by George Eliades. The team offers two-tiered packages for your stay, which include private bookings for flights, car transport, yachts, fishing trips, sea taxis, tours, and restaurants. Additionally, a dedicated concierge service will be available on the ground in Hydra to assist with your needs.
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
30 mins helicopter or from Piraeus Port, 90 mins private boat or public ferry.
BOOKING YOUR OWN 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 Hilda Eksian at info@phaedrahotel.com or (+30) 697 221 3111 (WhatsApp is available).
IN HYDRA
With the weather still beautiful in Hydra during October, this remains peak season. If you are booking your own accommodation, please do so promptly. The best ways to do this are through booking.com or Airbnb.
If you need further assistance, please contact Hilda Eksian, owner of the beautiful Phaedra Hotel, named after the famous film made on the island. Hilda can be reached at info@phaedrahotel.com or (+30) 697 221 3111 (WhatsApp is available).
ArtCinema would not be possible without the support of Maria Kladaki, President of the Hydra Hotels Association, and her deputy, Hilda Eksian, who have become trusted advisors.
GETTING AROUND ATHENS
While in Athens, your hotel concierge can assist with arranging taxis. Alternatively, you can use “Uber” or “Free Now”. Otherwise please contact:
Rebecca Puttock at wanderlux@artcinemahydra.com
or Leonidas Skifankos of Athens Driver Service at (+30 693 865 0427)
GETTING TO HYDRA PORT BY SEA
For your journey to and from Hydra, 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 Rebecca Puttock by contacting her at: wanderlux@artcinemahydra.com
ARRIVING & 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.
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.
