Greek travel Archives - Insights Greece

Stylish Escape at Meli Suites

Imagine for a moment that you are soaking in the warm rays of the Greek sun in your own private swimming pool overlooking the sea. It feels nourishing and healing- as all your aches and pains just fade away. Welcome to Meli Suites in Skala Potamia, a little piece of paradise!

We visited the Meli Suites Isle before and loved every single bit of our stay. Having chatted with the staff it sounded like we shouldn’t leave the island without taking a look at the Meli Suites, the original hotel of the Meli Suites hotel collection.

Meli Suites is mainly comprised of stylish suites embracing a mixture of Scandinavian and Aegean architecture with private swimming pools and sea views. Inside the suites, the luxury brief is taken seriously with eye-popping decor and details that recall the famous, white-washed Cycladic islands.

Insights Greece - Stylish Escape at Meli Suites

Lavish interiors aside, Meli Suites is located in Skala Potamias centre, right next to the busy seafront with a number of bars and restaurants, making it the perfect launchpad for exploring the village on foot. It didn’t take much to persuade my husband that we had to extend our stay on the island. Thankfully, the idea was equally appealing to him, too.

We stayed at the Superior Suite and our time here can only be described as indelible!

With a private balcony that featured our very own swimming pool, big, comfy sunbeds and spectacular sea views, we didn’t see any need to leave the hotel and travel further afield. In the morning, we would indulge in our homemade breakfast by the main swimming pool, then sunbathe on our private balcony and would only leave to take a quick dip in the sea before lunch. At night, we would drop into one of the seafront bars and enjoy a cocktail while gazing at the sea.

But enough with the words, let the pictures speak for themselves!

If you are thinking of visiting the verdant green island of Thassos, then Skala Potamia is a good place to start. From here you can embark on daily trips to the nearby villages of Panagia and Limenaria, and explore beaches like the Giola Lagoon with its crystal emerald waters. Beyond this, Meli Suites is the most luxurious and stylish hotel in the area so book your stay in one of their luxurious suites and let the positive vibes of this unique hotel work wonders for your mind and body.

Images by: Alexandros Iconomidis ©

Architecture design: BMMB Architects

The “Other Cyclades”: Kea and Kythnos

Take a break from Mykonos, Santorini and Paros, and take in the must-see spots of Kea and Kythnos- two Cycladic islands that have long been favoured holiday escapes for Greek locals in-the-know.

Stop 1: Kea

An hour’s ferry ride from Athens’ Lavrio port, Kea’s rugged, rocky terrain is in stark contrast to its sparkling blue Aegean waters. The most popular beaches on the island Koundouros and Koundouraki boast incredibly inviting pristine waters that will keep you going back in for more. The beaches of Spathi and Xyla subscribe to the saying that “nothing good ever comes easy”, and are well worth the 10-15 minutes of bumpy dirt track to get there. Most beaches on Kea offer sunbeds at around 20-25 € per set, but also have plenty of space for those with their own umbrellas.

Insights Greece - The “Other Cyclades”: Kea and Kythnos — Stunning beaches in Kea

The ancient archaeological site of Karthaia is located on the southeastern side of the island and can be accessed via a 45 min rocky walking path. The walk is rewarded by impressive ancient acropolis remains, perched rather majestically on the sea and makes for the perfect post-hike swim. Mythology says that the Lion of Kea (located near the town of Ioulida) was created by Zeus in response to the pleas of the island locals who were troubled by the muses. The lion’s impressively lifelike features make it worth visiting, particularly in the early evening when the summer sun is a little more forgiving.

All this swimming and hiking will no doubt work up an appetite, and Filippas psistaria in Korrisia is known for the best grilled meat on the island (try their lamb paidakia). 9 Kores sits on the small beach of Vourkari and offers excellent fresh seafood (try their mussels steamed in wine). Steki tou Kalofagadon in Ioulida is your quintessential taverna with an excellent array of traditional cooked dishes like mince-stuffed zucchini topped with avgolemono sauce.

Stop 2: Kythnos

After a blissful few days on Kea, jump on the one-hour ferry ride to nearby Kythnos. While you’ll probably never get to see all of Kythnos’ 99 beaches, Kolona beach is its crowning beauty and a hot favourite of the super yacht crowd (insider tip: due to its open landscape, Kolona is best visited on a low-wind day). After deciding which side of the sand bar you’ll rest on, take a dip in the crystal waters and then make your way up to the church for a birds-eye view of Kolona in all its glory. Nearby Apokrousi beach is another stunner, while the seaside town of Kanala is a sweet little spot for a quiet afternoon dip. Hamsa beach bar is located near the port and offers a relaxing all-day beach bar experience.

The small town of Dryopida and its characteristic sokakia are lined with tiny cafes and restaurants and make for a lovely morning stroll. While there, step into the folklore museum, which is a beautifully restored traditional home of Kythnos.

Chora is where the island gathers in the evening and has no shortage of food and drink options. To Steki tou Ntetzi will scratch your Greek taverna itch with excellent grilled meats (try their pork kontosouvli) while Margiora offers a modern take on Greek food (try the watermelon and beetroot salad) with an exciting cocktail list and range of Greek wines.

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Visiting Fanari, a Magnificent Seaside Village in Rodopi

Seaside villages such as Fanari, in northern Greece are often overlooked by sun-seekers heading to the islands. Barring the classic blue domes of the Aegean and the Italian-influenced architecture of the Ionian islands, travelling to northern Greece is a whole different experience worth one’s time and urge to explore.

Once in Thrace, visitors will come upon rows of seaside hamlets and villages- think of whitewashed harbours, beach taverns and hilltop churches- ready to be ransacked by those who don’t like to leave any stone unturned.

A great example of this is the magnificent Fanari village in Rodopi.

Fanari, with its postcard-like appearance, is located in the southwest of the prefecture of Rodopi, in the centre of Thrace. The settlement has no more than 700 permanent residents but as it is positioned between the big cities of Xanthi and Komotini, it has fast become a tourist attraction something which is not going to change anytime soon!

Insights Greece - Visiting Fanari, a Magnificent Seaside Village in Rodopi

TOP THINGS TO DO IN FANARI

1. Visit Lake Vistonida

Adjacent to the village of Fanari is part of the famous Lake Vistonida, which circumscribes a unique ecosystem with several types of fish, mammals and birds. Driving through the highway from Komotini to Fanari, visitors can spot in Lake Vistonida a flamboyance of pink African flamingos and pelicans flying over from Lake Prespa, making Fanari the ideal destination for wild photography and bird watching, especially in late October when the flocks arrive.

2. Swim at one of Fanari’s beaches

Fanari is famous for its iconic blue flag beaches, a marker for environmental safety, and quality standards. Barakouda beach, the village’s main beach, is the place to go for a refreshing midday swim. Skala, the beach in front of the crowded promenade with the restaurants and cafés, is ideal for families and children playing whereas Ioulia beach, parallel to the main port of Fanari, is ideal for people with reduced mobility as a wheelchair ramp has recently been installed. In total, Fanari has five beaches and a coastline stretch that many Greek islands would be jealous of!

3. Fresh seafood at the port

Fanari has a plentiful of seaside restaurants and traditional taverns to serve you the best of seafood and fish. Whether you choose to sit at one in front of the promenade of the old harbour is totally up to you but our personal favourite is the traditional tavern ‘To Limani‘ (which in Greek literally means ‘The Harbour’). From here you can watch the fishing trawlers coming and going and the cats fighting for the remains of the catch of the day!

4. Sunset spotting

Skala is the best place for sunset spotting in Fanari. The wide, uninterrupted opening to the sea coupled with the changing sky colours reflected on the sea, makes this perfect for a romantic afternoon by the sea.

5. Coffee at the promenade

The best way to end your day in Fanari is to sit for a coffee at one of the promenade cafes. We recommend Daf Cafe for the sea views and Ioulia seaside café bar for the views of the port and the delicious beverages and cocktails. It also gets bonus points as it has access for people with mobility issues.

Fanari is not the place of glitz and glamour that makes headlines but it is definitely a place that will offer you the most nonchalant time ever!

Need more information about Fanari village? Have a look at the official website offering information on hotels, restaurants and more.

Images By Anastasia Fountouli ©

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Temperatures Set to Rise Across Greece this Weekend

Spring has sprung and the beautiful summer weather is on its way, with temperatures set to exceed 30 degrees Celsius in some parts of Greece this weekend.

For those currently travelling around the country and hoping to get a swim, the warmer weather is expected in the coming days with the temperature predicted to gradually exceed 30 degrees Celsius in some areas of the country on Saturday, May 14, 2022.

The weather service of the National Observatory of Athens meteo.gr forecasts up to 28-29 degrees Celsius in Athens, Thessaloniki and Patras and up to 31°-32° C in Larissa, central Greece.

The temperature will rise slightly in the north and will range from 10 to 28 degrees, in the west from 11 to 26 to 27 degrees, in the eastern mainland from 12 to 28 degrees and on the Aegean islands from 14 to 25 degrees Celsius; Rethymno and Chania in Crete are also expected to have warmer days, reaching the mid-20’s over the next few days.

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Travelling Through Greece Over Summer Just Got a Whole Lot Easier

Greece has officially announced that travelling throughout the country from May 1st will be a whole lot easier, as Covid 19 vaccination or recovery certificates will no longer be required, and mask rules relaxed in time for the peak summer holiday season.

Greek Health Minister Thanos Plevris on Wednesday outlined the roadmap from May 1 through to August 31, confirming that domestic Covid passports will be scrapped with the rule applying to vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals and to both indoor and outdoor areas, including museums, archaeological sites, restaurants, taverns, cafes, bars and other venues.

Plevris said that the requirement to show a Covid pass to enter bars, restaurants and other public venues would be withdrawn on May 1 and from June 1, mask rules will be relaxed in most venues, with a few exceptions – likely to include healthcare settings – this will be outlined in the coming days.

He added that the removal of international entry requirements, where visitors must show proof of either vaccination (including a booster if their second dose was administered more than 270 days before), recent recovery from Covid, or a negative test to visit Greece – are also under consideration.

For all the latest travel requirements to Greece head to travel.gov.gr

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Greece Looking to Scrap Vaccination Certificate by Easter

According to Gkikas Magiorkinis, professor of epidemiology and a member of the committee of experts advising the Greek Health Ministry on the management of the COVID-19 crisis, Greek authorities are currently discussing scrapping the vaccination certificate before Greek Easter, which falls on Sunday, April 24, 2022.

“It will happen in the next one to two months and quite possibly, by Holy week, Greece will no longer have a Green pass,” Magiorkinis told broadcaster ERT.

Greek authorities are considering the removal of most Covid-19 measures by the end of April, including the need to present a vaccination certificate to enter restaurants, cafes, bars, museums and entertainment venues.

“As there is no pressure on the health system at the moment, there is no reason to use it,” stressed Magiorkinis.

Although Magiorkinis did not elaborate on the details of abolishing the Green Pass, Greece is expected to follow Italy, which as of May 1st, 2022, will no longer require individuals to show proof of coronavirus vaccination, testing, or recovery to enter any public spaces.

Currently, if you’re entering a dining area, bar, club, theatre, cinema, or museum in Greece, you need to show a COVID-19 vaccination certificate that’s no more than 9 months old and if you’ve had a booster shot, your vaccination certificate isn’t subject to an expiry limit.

For all the latest travel requirements to Greece head to travel.gov.gr

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Direct Flights to Greece From US and Canada, Extended for 2022

Direct flights to Greece from the United States and Canada will begin a lot earlier and end later this year, as Greece aims to extend its tourism season for 2022.

Greek Tourism Minister Vassilis Kikilias this week announced that direct flights from the United States to Greece will begin on March 7, earlier than any other year.

Following a meeting with US Ambassador Geoffrey Pyatt at the Ministry, Kikilias also revealed that this summer American Airlines will operate 14 direct flights every week between eight large US airports and Athens International Airport.

“This amounts to a vote of confidence in our country by a key market, which adds high value to Greek tourism,” said Minister Kikilias.

Direct flights from Canada to Athens will also launch on April 2nd. This was announced by the Greek Tourism Ministry on Wednesday, following a meeting between Minister Kikilias and Canadian Ambassador Mark Allen.

The direct flights from Canada will extend to the end of November for the first time, which is also part of the Tourism Ministry’s aim to extend the tourism season in the country.

Kikilias emphasised that more international visitors from the United States and Canada are expected in Greece in 2022, following the recent lifting of mandatory coronavirus tests for fully vaccinated Americans, Canadians and Australians (which came into effect on February 12, 2022).

Image Courtesy of Dymabroad

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Greece’s Summer Season Opens March 1, as Travel Restrictions Ease

As of Monday, February 7, 2022, travellers to Greece with a European vaccination certificate can enter the country without showing a negative COVID-19 test, as the country prepares to open early for the summer season- marking March 1 as the day that the industry begins to officially welcome international visitors.

On Friday, Greece’s Health Minister Thanos Plevris announced, “Starting Monday, February 7, those entering the country with a European certificate will do so without a mandatory test.”

Tourism Minister Vassilis Kikilias supported Greece’s decision on easing travel restrictions for European Union citizens, as the country plans on opening the tourism sector earlier than ever.

“Our country is taking all the vital steps this year to welcome our visitors for the summer season, earlier than ever before, as of March 1,” Minister Kikilias said.

“Greece sends a strong message of security to its visitors with a valid European Covid Certificate. The decision follows a number of measures that facilitate potential travellers to plan their visit to Greece,” added Kikilias.

Greece welcomed more than 7.2 million tourists during the January to November period of 2021, however, the government is hoping these numbers increase to pre-pandemic times, with record levels of 2019, when travellers to the country spent more than 18 billion euros, according to receipts.

For non-European citizens, it should be noted that so far, 33 non-EU countries (and territories) have joined the EU Digital COVID Certificate system, based on EU equivalence decisions.

The COVID certificates issued in those 33 countries (and territories) are accepted in the EU under the same conditions as the EU Digital COVID Certificate. These countries are: Albania, Andorra, Armenia, Cabo Verde, El Salvador, Faroe Islands, Georgia, Israel, Iceland, Lebanon, Liechtenstein, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, Morocco, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Norway, Panama, San Marino, Serbia, Singapore, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Tunisia, Togo, Turkey, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom and the Crown Dependencies (Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man), Uruguay and The Vatican.

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1920’s Industrial Winery Converted Into a Seaside Retreat

Set on the Peloponnesian peninsula, right on Koutoura beach, Dexamenes is an architecturally award-winning hotel that has been transformed from a former 1920s industrial winery into a standout seaside retreat.

Boasting stunning surroundings filled with sunflowers, watermelon fields, olive groves, vineyards, and citrus trees, this tranquil spot is the ideal place to unwind, in between visits to nearby archaeological sites, wineries, and historical sites.

Dexamenes is about an hour from Patras city, right next to the town of Amaliada, allowing easy access to the Unesco World Heritage-listed Ancient Olympia – the birthplace of the Olympic Games, as well as the nearby forested mountains of Elis.

Insights Greece - 1920’s Industrial Winery Converted Into a Seaside Retreat

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Visiting Areopoli, One of Greece’s Prettiest Towns

Areopoli in the Peloponnese is one of the prettiest towns in Greece. Boasting a small historical centre, charming stone houses, cobblestone alleyways and prominent tower houses- it’s worth adding to your list if you are searching for a destination filled with authenticity, history and culture.

Centrally located in the heart of Mani, it has now become an attractive destination year-round thanks to its friendly locals who keep their traditional taverns, cafes, shops and hotels open summer and winter.

History of the Town

Insights Greece - Visiting Areopoli, One of Greece’s Prettiest Towns — A pretty town in Laconia | Image by Valantis M

Aeropoli played a huge role in the Greek War of Independence and took its name from the Greek God of War “Ares”. In fact, the people of Aeropoli were the first to raise the banner of the Revolution in Mani. This symbolic white decorated flag (with the Revolution’s symbols) is now exhibited in the Historical Museum of Athens.

Areopoli’s Architecture

The traditional architecture of Mani is highlighted throughout the town via its traditional stone, a raw material found in the cobbled streets, the churches, the houses and the towers of Aeropoli; it’s displayed everywhere you look in the “fortified settlement”. Stone was used not only as it was a material found in abundance throughout Mani but also because it provided the necessary protection for locals who were “hidden” by the eyes of the pirates.

Things to See in Areopoli

–Church of Taxiarches- the beautiful metropolitan church of Taxiarches was built by the family of Mavromichalis. Located in the centre of the city, at the historical square of the 17th of March 1821- it was right here where locals declared the revolution against the Ottoman Empire. Built with well-processed stones, it stands out with its impressive five-storied bell tower. The church’s dome features ten sides and the five-sided arch of the altar area is decorated with small marble columns and marble arches.

–Pikoulakis Tower- has three storeys, with a strong, two- storey tower-house. Here you will also discover the impressive Byzantine Museum of Mani and the Church of Agios Ioannis, built by the Mavromichalis family (check out the lovely wall paintings that date back to 1746.)

–Mavromichalis Tower is a four-storey tower surrounded by a large building complex and a tall enclosure, rendering it a real fortress; for many years it served as a school.

–The Pirgos (Tower) of Biroulakaou and Pikoulaki.

-At the central square of the village “Platia Athanaton” you will come across the statue of Petrompeis Mavromichalis, the famous chieftain and offspring of the Mavromichalis family.

Things to Do in Areopoli

-Stroll around its stone-built alleys that are filled with beautiful bougainvillea and charming homes that reveal so much about the town’s rich history. Hidden between the picturesque streets of Areopoli are many churches large and small, dating from the 17th to the 19th century. Many of them still retain part of their murals and icons. Make sure you sit at a kafenion that’s filled with locals chatting away and enjoy a traditional Greek coffee and a delicious dessert.

– Visit the Caves of Diros, which are among the most important natural sites in Greece and with great archaeological significance. The caves hidden among rugged rocks have revealed Palaeolithic finds- recent excavations at Apidima brought to light a human skeleton from 300,000 years ago, known as Tainaros Man. Access to these caves can be gained over the rocks by the sea to the left of Limeni. Driving south from Areopoli, it is 8 km to the village of Pirgos Dirou, where the road forks off to the underground caves.

-Not far from Areopolis, you will find Limeni, a seaside village where natural beauty, coastal vistas, and history combine. At Limeni, there are plenty of gorgeous places where you can swim, eat and stay at.

-If you are in Aeropoli on a Saturday, check out the open-air market in the main square with a lot of locals selling their organic produce and traditional delicacies.

-Only 1.5km away you will find the village Sotiras also known as Kouskouni. It is an amphitheatrically built village with a beautiful view of Areopoli.

Dishes to try in Areopoli

In Areopoli and in the wider area of Laconia you will find many traditional restaurants serving dishes and specialties of the Mani district. The main ingredient is pork- mainly roasted suckling pig, sausages, and salt pork, which you will find on most menus. The local specialty Sigklino is salt-cured pork, which is smoked and later boiled with olive oil and oranges. Also, try the Pasto (another cured pork meat that is smoked) and Hilopites– homemade pasta accompanied by local cheese. the local Xorta (wild greens) are also amazing. Mani is also known for Kagianas, which are fried eggs with tomato and cheese and Lalagia- fried dough strips. Around the central square, there are a lot of traditional restaurants and cafes where you can taste these dishes and more delightful delicacies.

Getting there

Around a three-and-a-half-hour drive from Athens, and an hour and 15-minute drive from Kalamata. Ktel Laconia runs three daily buses from Athens to Areopoli (a 4.5-hour trip) via Sparta and Gythio.

Main image courtesy of Web Greece

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New Travel Rules For Entering Greece Come Into Effect Today

If you are planning a Greek winter holiday, the country’s Health Ministry has made important changes to Greece’s entry requirements for travellers, which come into effect today Sunday, December 19, 2021.

Beginning at 6 am today, all travellers to Greece are required to present proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours or a laboratory rapid antigen test taken within 24 hours of arrival in Greece.

Mina Gaga, Greece’s Deputy Minister of Health, announced in a press conference that the testing requirement will apply to all travellers 5 years old or older, regardless of vaccination status or method of entry to Greece.

Furthermore, travellers eligible to enter Greece, carrying with them proof of recovery from COVID-19, should also now be aware that the validity of their certificates has been shortened in half by the Greek authorities.

The Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority announced that COVID-19 recovery certificates will now be valid for entry into Greece for a shorter period of 90 days instead of 180 as it was previously.

The decision will affect travellers from 43 world countries who haven’t been vaccinated but have so far been eligible to enter with proof of having previously fallen ill, in particular those who were infected with COVID 19 between April 15 and July 15 this year.

These 43 countries are: Australia, Albania, Andorra, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Argentina, Bahrain, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brunei, Canada, China, Chile, Chinese Taipei, Israel, India, Japan, Jordan, Kosovo, Kuwait, Lebanon, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, Mexico, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Oman, Qatar, Russia, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, South Korea, Singapore, Turkey, Ukraine, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, Uruguay, and the Vatican.

However, the same can enter Greece if they take a PCR test for COVID-19 in the previous 72 hours before reaching Greece or a rapid test within the 48 hours before.

Please note, travel is open to all Greek islands and around the mainland. Hotels are open, operating with strict government-imposed safety protocols, as are archaeological sites & museums (with reduced capacity).

Who Can Enter Greece Without Quarantine on Arrival?

If you belong to any of the following, you will not need to quarantine in Greece: Nationals and permanent residents of member states of the European Union & Schengen Area (including their spouses or partners with which they reside and their minor children). Additionally, permanent residents of the following countries do not need to quarantine: Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, Thailand, the United Arab Emirates, the United States of America, Singapore, Rwanda, Israel, the Russian Federation, Serbia, the United Kingdom, Canada, Belarus, Bahrain, Qatar, China, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, North Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ukraine, Montenegro, Albania, Japan, Lebanon, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Jordan, Moldova, Brunei and Kosovo.

Current Rules

Outdoor entertainment venues

Restaurants, cafes, bars & clubs are operating up to a maximum of 85% capacity, serving only seated customers and 10 people per table.
Open-air cinemas and live theatre and music shows (for seated guests only) are operating with reduced capacity.

Indoor entertainment venues

Restaurants & cafes, nightclubs, music spaces, theatres and cinemas will require guests to show an official certificate of vaccination (14 days since full vaccination) or recovery (within the last six months and minimum of 30 days since the first positive result). Paper or digital certificates are accepted.
Customers must be seated to be served at bars and clubs and under-18-year-olds are required to have carried out a Covid-19 self-test for all indoor venues.
The following signage is also being used in indoor restaurants, bars, cinemas and theatres to reassure customers of their specific Covid-19 safety levels:

1.   Covid-free– Catering only to guests able to show an official certificate of full immunity (vaccination or recovery)
2.   Mixed space– Also admitting unvaccinated individuals with a negative PCR or rapid test, taken within the last 72 or 48 hours respectively.
3.   Fully vaccinated staff – Indicating that all staff have been inoculated.

Mask Wearing

You will not be required to wear a mask in uncrowded open places. However, you will need to wear a mask in congested outdoor spaces and indoor spaces including public transport, shops, taxis and public utilities, as well as private communal areas including hotels.

Please note that you may find additional, temporary measures in place in some locations, such as a restriction on movement between 1-5 am and music is forbidden in public places. It is best to check with your holiday provider before departure for details of any local or updated measures.

Full details can be found at Travel.gov.gr

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Where to Eat and Drink in Hydra

A small island in the Saronic Gulf (just 2 hours away from Athens), Hydra is a stunning and aristocratic destination that is one of the only islands in Greece without vehicles, making it a tranquil and laid-back spot to sit back, relax and unwind.

Perched among thousands of steps and little alleyways, Hydra island offers an easy-going atmosphere, romantic sunsets, and some breathtaking places where you can enjoy fabulous food and drinks.

When it comes to where to eat and drink in Hydra, our list has it all: from early evening cocktails with light pre-dinner bites to the finest and freshest seafood dishes on offer – you won’t waste a meal, and you certainly won’t leave hungry.

So, if you’re heading to Hydra…here’s where you should eat and drink!

Techne Restaurant & Social

This seaside eatery is set in a renovated historic building, which, in fact, was an 1870s former boat factory. Located above Avlaki beach, a 10-minute walk from Hydra harbour, they serve great Mediterranean dishes on a stunning terrace that has great views out to the Aegean Sea (perfect place to enjoy a cocktail as you watch the sunset).

Insights Greece - Where to Eat and Drink in Hydra

Omilos Restaurant

Boasting an old-world charm, it’s also set right by the water, making it an ideal place for a late lunch or dinner. This chic, all-white waterside restaurant serves modern dishes and local cuisine using fresh ingredients and seasonal produce.

To Piato

This is a traditional restaurant with a big collection of plates, decorated by guests who eat here. Located in a prime spot, you can see the port while enjoying fabulous dishes. It’s actually located under the shade of the Clocktower of Hydra, right next to the Byzantine Museum and is famous for its great Greek food, relaxing vibe, and warm service.

Caprice

Is an Italian trattoria, only 150m from the port and is decorated with old photos, tools, and equipment used by sponge divers. Serving traditional Italian recipes made using fresh Greek ingredients, it’s located at a hidden spot behind Hydra’s port.

Il Casta

Another authentic Italian restaurant found in the alleyways of Hydra’s town, here they serve food from Napoli and the South of Italy. Located just off the port, it features a nice indoor dining space as well as a charming private courtyard. We recommend you try the handmade pasta with fresh seafood and top Italian wines.

Ostria Tavern

This is the place to go to for locally caught calamari and other fresh shellfish. Located on the corner of the port, next to the side entrance of Hydra’s Cathedral Temple, it’s the perfect spot for a casual meal.

Hydronetta

Hydra’s most famous café-bar is carved into the rustic coastline near Hydra’s harbour. Embraced by rocks and enwrapped by the sea, it offers a picturesque spot for swimming, diving, as well as a good place to spend the afternoon alternating between a drink and a dip. With a great cocktail menu- make sure you are here in time for the sunset.

Amalour

Cocktail lovers should head to Amalour and Isalos Café- they are by far the best spots for an aperitivo, wine or any drink of choice! Tip: Isalos is famous for its Caffe del Doge, a specialty coffee from Venice.

Pirate Bar

Another spot for pre-dinner drinks. Located on the corner of the harbour, it’s open all day and is a great place for people-watching or for those wanting to mingle with locals.

Main Images: Techne Restaurant and Social

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