Planning a visit to the idyllic Greek island of Hydra? The island has an incredible selection of boutique hotels to suit all budgets, some offering a comforting and homely vibe, while others a taste a luxury. I visited earlier this year and quickly fell in love with the crystal-clear waters lapping against the fishing boats in the harbour.
As you stroll the winding streets, spot cats lazily stretching, while the donkeys bray gently. This cobblestoned car-free paradise feels like stepping back to a time when Sofia Loren first placed the island under the spotlight. It’s so beautiful that I almost don’t want to share the place and risk it changing or being ruined by too many tourists, but it’s not my secret to keep, so if you do visit, please respect the island and treat it as you would your home.
If you haven’t already read my Ultimate Guide to Visiting The Greek Island of Hydra – make sure you do for all my best tips on things to do when visiting the island and even tips on how to plan a day trip.
11 Best Boutique Hotels in Hydra, Greece
1. Hotel Miranda
££ – mid-range pricing
One of my favourites on this list, Hotel Miranda was originally a wealthy sea captain’s mansion built in 1810. Just 100 metres from the port and 200 metres from Ydra’s main beach. As one of the best boutique hotels in Hydra, it’s the perfect place to base yourself during a stay on the island of Hydra. Enjoy a warm welcome to the shady courtyard with fresh homemade lemonade, where bougainvillaea trail over the whitewashed walls and the floral scent wafts on the breeze.
The building has a history rich in art and has been declared a National Heritage monument by the Ministry of Culture, featuring a fine collection of 18th and 19th century furniture, prints and paintings. The rooms have garden or sea views and are uniquely styled, some with old hand-painted ceilings made by Venetian artists. Look forward to dining on a homemade breakfast of fresh local produce in the hotel’s beautiful garden.
>> Book a stay at Hotel Miranda
2. Hotel Sofia
£ – budget pricing
With views of the ocean and located just 15m from the sea, you couldn’t find a better balcony view on the island. Step inside a living history as you walk through the doors of Hotel Sofia, which is the first hotel that opened on the island of Hydra since 1934.
This beautifully restored 19th century building is centrally located and just 35m from the Ecclesiastic and Byzantine Museum. You will also find the The Hydra Museum Historical Archives just 350m away, a haven for history lovers. The staff are very welcoming and will bring a rich breakfast of traditional pies, homemade jams and juices to enjoy on the shared sea-view balcony in the morning.
3. Hydra Hotel
££ – mid-range pricing
This beautiful white-washed, turn-of-the-century building boasts magnificent views across Hydra, set in the very heart of the town. Just a five minute walk from the nearest swimming area which provides the perfect place to cool off in the heat of the summer.
With just eight tastefully decorated rooms, Hydra Hotel is a very small boutique hotel but considered one of the best boutique hotels in Hydra, which provides a peaceful atmosphere perfect for relaxing. Most of the rooms have panoramic views of the island, come with air conditioning and guests are welcomed with fresh flowers. Please note, there are a lot of stairs to reach this hotel and around the hotel itself.
4. Angelica Traditional Boutique Hotel
£ – budget pricing
If you’re looking for a romantic stay, the Angelica Traditional Boutique Hotel is the perfect place for you and your loved one. Set in a charming, historical building in the heart of Hydra, the hotel’s rooms are brimming with old-fashioned charm and luxury. But there’s no scrimping on the modern features of this hotel and guests can enjoy use of the spa baths or jet showers, and courtyard with a mini pool, hot tub and sauna.
Guests start their day with a traditional Greek breakfast served buffet-style, including fruit pies, local pastries and fresh eggs. Then it’s off to the garden where there are sunbeds and deck chairs, perfect for relaxing.
>> Book a stay at Angelica Traditional Boutique Hotel
5. Amaryllis Hotel
£ – budget pricing (very cheap!)
This one usually sells out very fast so be sure to book as far in advance as you can. Amaryllis Hotel is just metres away from the harbour on Hydra and in the heart of the old town. Enjoy the beautiful Mediterranean climate all year round on the sun terrace as you take in the ocean views across the red roofed buildings of Hydra.
There are just 10 rooms in the hotel, each offering all the amenities you could need, plus air conditioning and room service. The hotel is just a short walk from Kamini Beach with other popular sights and historical archives within a short walking distance.
>> Book a stay at Amaryllis Hotel
6. Phaedra Hotel
£ – budget pricing
A former carpet factory and 19th century house that was lovingly restored and turned into one of the best boutique hotels with the Hydraic mansion architecture. Phaedra Hotel is nestled in a quiet picturesque part of the old town on Hydra, just a short stroll from the harbour. The hotel’s owners, Antonis and Alin, named their hotel in honour of actress Melina Merkouri who starred in the movie, Phaedra.
Experience true Greek hospitality with a warm welcome to Phaedra and enjoy the peace and harmony of this hotel. With a selection of suites and studios with a balcony or terrace featuring views of the city or mountains, while ground floor rooms have access to the charming courtyard that is full of flowers. Start the day with a selection of fresh pastries, fruits and juice for breakfast.
>> Book a stay at Phaedra Hotel
7. Orloff Boutique Hotel
££ – mid-range pricing
Stay in a historic 18th century Hydra mansion that has been lovingly restored to an elegant, luxurious 4 star boutique hotel. Take in the grandeur of Hydra’s traditional architecture with Orloff Boutique Hotel‘s secluded garden and courtyards. Set just 100m away from Hydra’s Port, the hotel offers 9 rooms and suites which have been individually designed to the smallest detail. Features include family antiques and rarer objects which have ben thoughtfully placed in the rooms, along with every contemporary comfort.
A delicious Greek breakfast including homemade sweets and pies, local cheese and fresh bread, is offered in the secluded garden, under the lemon trees and the sounds of selected classical music.
>> Book a stay at the Orloff Boutique Hotel
8. Hydroussa Hotel Hydra
£ – budget pricing
If you’re searching for luxury on a budget, Hydroussa Hotel Hydra is the place for you. Just 100m from Hydra Port, the renovated mansion surrounded by lemon trees has been used as a set for Hollywood films and is sure to give you the star experience.
Wander through the charming courtyard and enjoy the peaceful setting, but with all the modern touches that take this from a standard budget hotel to a more luxurious experience. Staff are on hand 24 hours a day to help with anything you might need, and a full breakfast is served each morning. You’ll be close to everything you need and just 400m away from the closest beach.
>> Book a stay at Hydroussa Hotel Hydra
9. Bratsera Boutique Hotel
£ – budget pricing
The perfect romantic escape with a story rooted in maritime history, Bratsera Boutique Hotel offers a charming space that has been thoughtfully restored into a boutique hotel. One of the best boutique hotels on the island of Hydra, it was originally a sponge factory and dates back to 1860. The hotel has been named “Bratsera” in homage to the place where fishing fleets once embarked on journeys for sponge harvesting.
Links to the hotel’s and the islands’ seafaring past are prevalent in every corner of this rare gem of a hotel which provides a lush and shaded retreat from the Mediterranean sun. The spacious garden offers a swimming pool and sun loungers – the only hotel of its kind on the island. Located in the heart of the old town, it’s easy to access and provides a perfect romantic stay.
>> Book a stay at Bratsera Boutique Hotel
10. Mandraki Beach Resort
£££ – luxury pricing
One of the most luxurious boutique hotels on the island of Hydra, Mandraki Beach Resort is accessed by private boat once you reach Hydra Port. Enjoy world-class service and celebrity treatment while staying at the hotel which features a swimming pool, plus private pools in some of the hotel rooms and private beach access. This hotel also has one of the best sunset views on the island, where the sun sets over the ocean as you dine on the terrace. Trust me, the view is incredible and the food is delicious.
The 5* hotel provides concierge services, allergy-free rooms, room service, air conditioning and all the amenities you could require plus free wifi throughout the property and a sea view. Enjoy an à la carte breakfast daily at the hotel.
>> Book a stay at Mandraki Beach Resort
11. Four Seasons Hydra Luxury Suites
£££ – luxury pricing
If you’re looking for a elegance and seclusion for your stay in Hydra, Four Seasons Hydra is the perfect combination of cosmopolitan flair, secluded beaches and incredible mountain views. This luxurious hotel offers a selection of suites that are accessed by private boat and are located on a private beach where crystal clear waters lap at the shore. Just minutes away from the port of Hydra, the accommodation offers panoramic views of Plakes Vlichos beach as well as balconies with mountain or Argo-Saronic Gulf views.
The spacious rooms are individually decorated and the hotel provides complimentary beach towels, sun beds and umbrellas. There is also a library onsite where guests can borrow a book, canoes available for guests free of charge and staff can arrange hiking trips and boat tours. Start the day with a hearty breakfast and don’t forget to dine in the on-site à la carte restaurant which serves fresh fish, seafood, traditional Greek dishes and a selection of wines. Room service is also available.
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