Meridian

A private travel office · Amsterdam You were given a word.

The Aegean · In season May to June and September to October

Hydra

The gem of the Saronic Gulf — free of cars and scooters, threaded with cobbled lanes and donkeys, and kept for those who prefer their beaches quiet.

Eat

  1. Omilos A patio hanging over the water — fresh pasta, taramasalata to start, and a table on the cliff edge for the occasion that deserves it. Hydra Port
  2. Spilia Beach Bar On the rocks below town — music, cocktails or a cold coffee, with the sea a step away whenever the heat decides. Hydra Port
  3. Hydronetta A spritz on the rocks, a swim between rounds, and the island’s definitive sunset — best at the hour it was named for. Hydra Port
  4. Kodylenias A waterfront taverna with a wide terrace facing the sunset — the day’s catch, grilled and left alone. Hydra Port
  5. Papagalos The people-watching post of the port — a morning cappuccino or a chilled rosé, depending on the hour. Hydra Town
  6. Sunset Local seafood with the view the name promises — the tables at the edge go first. Idra

Stay

  1. Four Seasons Hydra Panoramic views over Plakes beach, a superb stretch of shore and service to match — easy to arrive at, hard to argue with. Plakes Beach
  2. Orloff Hotel A former convent made a retreat by Count Orloff in 1796 — eight rooms, a garden where the Kalimera breakfast is served, and history in the walls. Idra
  3. Hotel Leto A love letter to and from Hydra — serene, romantic interiors, breakfast in the courtyard, art on the walls, and massages in the spa that carry a reputation. Hydra Town

Do

  1. Prophet Elias Monastery The monastery at the top of the hill — a proper hike up, a small shop of organic produce at the summit, and the descent to think about. Idra
  2. DESTE Foundation Slaughterhouse Every summer the DESTE Foundation takes over the renovated slaughterhouse above the sea — contemporary art on an island of ancient habits. Idra
  3. Castello Sand, a bar for the routine frappé, and a kitchen that skips the usual island canon — scallops with Jerusalem artichoke, calamari tagliatelle with kaffir-lime sorbet, and a Greek salad under Andros volaki. Idra

Shop

  1. Rafalias Pharmacy One of Europe’s oldest pharmacies, still in the family — the stories arrive with the house-made products. Hydra Port

The office can arrange any of this.

You were given a word.