Secret Spots of Hydra, Greece - Travel Guide Near & Yonder

Every summer, the small, sun-soaked island of Hydra attracts chic locals, international artists and yachting billionaires.

Hydra comes pretty close to a perfect holiday island: Car-free and protected by a preservation order, the island has always been the artists' muse of the greek islands. Leonard Cohen set the scene in the 60s; now Brice Marden, Sadie Coles and Juergen Teller all have homes here. They come to disconnect and slow down, but also to see and be seen.

Wily cats and weary donkeys patrol the back alleys, but all the action happens along the beautiful crescent harbour, from which whitewashed buildings with blue shutters and purple bougainvilleas spread across the hillside. Days are spent indulging in simple pleasures: lazing in the different coves, swimming in the clearest water in the world,strolling through the quaint village streets or looking for a cozy tavern to enjoy fresh seafood dishes with a glass of Greek rosé.