PlanetSKI in the Summer: We’re in Greece.

7th July 2026 | James Cove, Hydra, Greece.

The lure of the Greek islands is irresistible outside of the winter ski season. The perfect place to reflect on the past winter and look forward to the next. NEW

Regular PlanetSKI readers will be aware of all our travels in the winter months and some ask what we get up to into in the summer months and enjoy our random travel posts outside of the winter ski season.

This summer we have posted from the mountains of Sweden and the coastal paths of England.

Now we are in Greece, on the island of Hydra.

PlanetSKI in the summer, Hydra in Greece. Image © PlanetSKI

Hydra lies an hour and a half across the Aegean from the Athens port of Piraeus.

We reached it aboard this rather futuristic catamaran craft that bears a passing resemblance to a storm trooper from Star Wars.

PlanetSKI in the summer, Hydra in Greece. Image © PlanetSKI

Hydra is car-free, much like the alpine ski resorts of Zermatt, Saas-Fee, Wengen and Avoriaz.

And like those ski resorts it is a pleasure to have no cars around with no exhaust fumes or horns honking.

Unlike the ski resorts that rely on electric carriages and skidoos, donkeys do the heavy lifting on Hydra and are used to transport people’s luggage to their accommodation with the tourists following in their wake.

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The island is also bicycle free and motorbike free.

Wheels are not allowed.

Each morning at the port the donkeys ferry supplies around the main town and beyond.

PlanetSKI in the summer, Hydra in Greece. Image © PlanetSKI

There is one main town, known simply as ‘Hydra Port’ with a local population of around 2,000.

The main island is 19.2 square miles.

It consists of a crescent-shaped harbour, around which are numerous restaurants, shops, markets, and galleries that cater to tourists and locals.

Steep stone streets lead up and outward from the harbour area.

Other small villages or hamlets on the island include Mandraki, Kamini, Vlychos, Palamidas, Episkopi, and Molos.

Hydra Port is littered with bars and restaurants in its narrow stone and cobbled streets.

PlanetSKI in the summer, Hydra in Greece. Image © PlanetSKI

The main town of Hydra Port has a passing resemblance to a ski resort, in the sense that once you are there then you aren’t going anywhere else.

Hydra is a laid-back place.

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PlanetSKI in the summer, Hydra in Greece. Image © PlanetSKI

It is mostly good value with reasonable prices, and I’m pleased to report a large beer away from the main tourist bars comes in at €5 (£4.25), well below ski resort prices.

There are a few upmarket shops and some would not look out of place in Zermatt, Val d’Isere or Verbier.

PlanetSKI in the summer, Hydra in Greece. Image © PlanetSKI

PlanetSKI is no stranger to Greece in the summer and it is where we have prepared much copy and articles for the following winter.

We are doing the same on this visit.

In 2024 we visited Kefalonia:

PlanetSKI in the summer: Kefalonia

In 2025 it was Tinos:

PlanetSKI prepares for winter on the Greek island of Tinos

The summer of 2026 is little different.

So, what about the beaches on Hydra?

They are mostly pebbles, rather than sand.

PlanetSKI in the summer, Hydra in Greece. Image © PlanetSKI

And as there are no roads so you get to and from them by sea taxi.

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In Hydra Port it is the rock face itself that acts as a ‘beach’ offering a few stony platforms.

PlanetSKI in the summer, Hydra in Greece. Image © PlanetSKI

We were up with the sun each morning to walk down these steps and take the plunge.

PlanetSKI in the summer, Hydra in Greece. Image © PlanetSKI

A perfect way to start the day, before writing ski copy for next season once the temperature pushed into the 30s.

What many people don’t know is that during the winter months there is some skiing in Greece with 25 resorts and 117 ski lifts that give access to 190 kms of marked slopes.

The main ones are:

Parnassos
Kalavrita
Katafygio-Oiti
Velouchi
Helmos
Vasilitsa
Mainalo
Ziria
Velouchi
Pertouli

We have written about the skiing in offer on our past visits:

Skiing in Greece

But, back to summertime on Hydra.

Boat watching is a relaxing pastime, with all manner of vessels heading in and out of port.

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Hydra’s journey to tourist hot-spot began in 1957 when the film ‘Boy on a Dolphin’ starring Sophia Loren was released.

In the 1960s it became a haven for artists with writers, painters, poets and musicians seeking inspiration.

A vibrant bohemian community formed and the musician Leonard Cohen made the island his home.

“Today, life may be far removed from the simplicity of that era, yet Hydra’s timeless character continues to preserve the spirit of that artistic legacy, ” said the island’s tourist office.

“The island maintains a compelling dual identity where history and contemporary culture exist in dialogue.”

The mansions of naval heroes have been re-imagined as museums or boutique hotels while historic buildings now host exhibitions by internationally acclaimed artists, set amoung stylish stores, modern restaurants and charming cafes.