Spilia means cave in Greek. The rocky area on the west corner of the the harbour is known as Spilia and is the closest bathing area to the town. The area is divided into three distinct parts and each are accessed via the cafe or bar above them. First you have the rocks below the Spilia Cafe. The next part is below the cannons at the Sunset Restaurant and the third part is below the Ydronetta Bar.

Avlaki is probably one of the least favourite beaches on the island because it's at the bottom of a set of steps that would be better described as a ladder, a very long one at that. Mind you, this means that it's much quieter, so a good option if you're fit and looking for a bit of solitude. Remember to take water, food and everything else with you because there's no convenient shop, cafe or bar close by (the nearest bar is the Ydronetta and you have to walk back into town to get to the shops).

Kamini Beach is, as its alternative name of Baby Beach suggests, a really good option for families with young children. The beach is a mix of different size pebbles, is fairly level and the water shelves gently. It's only 1k from Hydra town along the level coast road. There are only a few steps to negotiate if you have a pushchair with you when you go around Kamini Harbour.

This is undoubtedly one of the more popular beaches on Hydra for a number of reasons. It's relatively close to Hydra town, only 2km along the coast road or a quick 3min water taxi ride if you don't fancy the walk in the high season heat. There are also two great places eat overlooking the beach and a small refreshments shop.

Molos beach has the most natural, untampered feel of all the beaches on Hydra. The back of the beach is bound by the perimiter fence of a substantial privately owned property. Either side there are footpaths so you can go exploring. The water is so shallow that the large caiques can't draw in to the beach and as a consequence the place is almost deserted.

Bisti Bay is one of the prettiest bathing places on Hydra to my mind. The pines crowd the back of the beach which is of gray and white pebbles and draws a line between the bright green of the trees and the stunning aqua marine and turquoise of the sea.

Ayios Nikolaos Beach is in one of the largest bays of Hydra which makes it particularly attractive to those visiting on large motor cruisers and yachts. There are always one or two moored for people sitting on the beach to admire!

Limnioniza beach is on the south side of Hydra island. It takes about 30 minutes to reach it by sea in one of the large speed boats operated by the people who run the beach. Or alternatively you can walk from Hydra town going straight over the top of the island passing through the little semi-deserted village of Episkopi on the way.

There are two areas of Mandraki Bay. The larger being in front of the the Miramare Hotel and the smaller below the Mandraki 1800 taverna. The main beach is operated by the hotel and is very busy with lots of umbrellas, sun-beds, bar on the beach that plays loud pop music and a restaurant.