Astraios Aviation

Helicopter Access to a Car-Free Island

Hydra is one of the very few islands in Greece where cars, motorcycles, and even bicycles are banned. All movement takes place on foot or by donkey, making the arrival experience part of the charm. While the island has no airport, it features a designated helipad near Mandraki Bay, approximately 10 minutes by boat from Hydra Town. Helicopter flights from Athens take around 25 minutes, offering a direct and scenic alternative to the usual two-hour ferry. Upon landing, guests are transferred by boat or arranged tender into town—a seamless and refined arrival for those prioritizing time and privacy.

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Hydra Town: Harmony in Stone and Sea

Hydra Town is an architectural masterpiece of neoclassical mansions, slate-roofed houses and marble-paved alleys, gently cascading down to a natural amphitheater harbor. From the port, water taxis and donkeys transport luggage to villas or boutique hotels nestled among the hills. The car-free setting preserves a rare tranquility, enhanced by the absence of modern noise. After arriving via helicopter and water transfer, guests can step directly into this elegant, preserved world—ideal for artistic retreats, romantic escapes, or simply escaping the pace of daily life.

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Artistic Heritage and Maritime Glory

Hydra has long attracted artists, writers and thinkers—from Leonard Cohen to contemporary European painters. The DESTE Foundation’s Slaughterhouse Project Space, the Historical Archives Museum, and seasonal exhibitions in repurposed mansions give the island a rich cultural pulse. Historically, Hydra was a naval powerhouse during the Greek War of Independence. Helicopter arrivals make cultural day trips feasible, especially for visitors staying on the mainland or other Saronic islands. From the sky, the town’s stone silhouettes and flag-draped churches speak of both aesthetic sensitivity and maritime pride.

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Coastal Trails and Hidden Swimming Spots

With no cars, Hydra’s beauty is best explored on foot or by sea. Stone-paved paths wind along the coast from Hydra Town to Vlychos, Plakes and Bisti, offering scenic walks and access to quiet swimming coves. Water taxis offer another elegant way to reach remote beaches. Though helicopters do not land near the coast, aerial arrival offers stunning views of Hydra’s shoreline, peppered with 19th-century villas, cliffs and turquoise bays. Once landed, a short boat ride ensures smooth transition from sky to shore without compromising the island’s delicate infrastructure.

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Gastronomy and Slow Evenings

Hydra’s culinary offerings are shaped by its setting: grilled fish, fava, wild greens and almond desserts reflect a proud local tradition. Restaurants like those along Kaminia or perched above the harbor serve fresh seafood and local wine against stunning backdrops. Evenings unfold slowly—cocktails at sunset, dinner by candlelight, and stargazing on roof terraces. Guests arriving by helicopter in the afternoon can enjoy dinner on the island and return to Athens the same evening if needed, or stay overnight in a restored stone mansion. Either way, the experience is intimate and unhurried.

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Discreet Luxury and Seamless Returns

Hydra has built its reputation on quiet sophistication rather than overt luxury. You’ll find no beach clubs or loud nightlife, but instead, thoughtful service, private homes and a sense of space that appeals to high-end travelers. Helicopter return flights can be scheduled on demand—often within daylight flight rules—and allow full flexibility, especially for guests combining Hydra with Athens, Porto Heli, or Spetses. Whether for a long weekend or a cultural interlude, Hydra offers a rare combination: proximity to the capital, strong identity, and the quiet luxury of no engines.

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