welcome to ydra a car-free island of timeless charm, beloved by artists and jet-setters, where life slows down and inspiration blooms.
rising like an emerald from the blue depths of the saronic gulf, hydra is a slow and sleepy place composed of rocky hilltops and shady pine forests. a preferred summertime destination for well-heeled athenians and the international arts crowd, the island is a rare gem, having effortlessly retained its authentic character and traditional charms.
perhaps due to its location less than 80km from athens, hydra has always been a favoured retreat of jet-setters and artists. aristotle onassis, pablo picasso, maria callas, patrick leigh fermor, the rolling stones, marc chagall and henry miller have all passed time on this shimmering island, although its most faithful lover was undoubtedly leonard cohen. the canadian singer-songwriter was inspired to write ‘bird on the wire’ after observing that very same scene from his peaceful, whitewashed house in the main town, and not much has changed since then. follow in his footsteps with a coffee at roloi cafe, once known as the famous kafenion o katsikas, where cohen and a generation of free-spirited artists while d away the long summer months.
these days, the summer months transform the island into a miniature st tropez, filled with glamorous visitors and the popping of champagne corks, although a distinctly bohemian vibe persists, particularly in the winter months. the car-free main town is a compact maze of winding streets and alleyways, quite untouched by the modern world, and forming an imposing amphitheatre over the harbour. mainland greece hovers on the horizon, just a few miles away but, at the same time, infinitely untouchable through a lavender evening haze. hydra boasts a strong maritime culture and is one of the most popular yachting destinations in greece, home to the prestigious kamini yacht club as well as a number of charter agencies.
as cohen quipped, ‘there is nowhere in the world where you can live like you can in hydra, and that includes hydra’.
located in the heart of hydra island, this exceptional historic property offers a rare opportunity to own a piece of the island’s storied past. built in the early 1900s, this magnificent residence once belonged to a greek shipowner and stands as a testament to hydra’s rich maritime heritage, with the bust of athanasios miaoulis proudly gracing the front of the house.
fully renovated with meticulous attention to detail, including modern structural enhancements, the property combines timeless elegance with contemporary comforts. inside, it features 5 spacious bedrooms, including a charming studio with a private bedroom that opens onto a picturesque square. with 6 beautifully appointed bathrooms, an original kitchen with a cozy breakfast area, a formal dining room, and a generous living room, the home offers ample space for relaxation and entertaining.
beyond the bustling harbor, a hidden treasure awaits. discover the magic of hydra in this meticulously renovated home, where history and elegance intertwine.
the ground floor opens to a delightful terrace and a serene back courtyard adorned with lemon trees, perfect for enjoying quiet moments in the shade. the first-floor terrace provides captivating views of the iconic hydra port, creating a stunning backdrop for unforgettable gatherings. modern amenities include air conditioning, a water filtration system, access to a shared generator, and high-speed wi-fi, ensuring comfort and convenience for year-round living.
this extraordinary residence is more than a home; it is a harmonious blend of history, beauty, and modernity in one of greece’s most sought-after destinations.
the buyer of this property is eligible for both the golden visa and the greek non dom program.
