Hydra is the third island in the Saronic Gulf just off the Peloponnesian mainland, a study of delightful contrasts across its 50 square kilometers. The hilly island has an untouched quality yet thrives with tourists, especially in the summer months. It is popular with the international jet-set, though the main means of transportation is the donkey. Hop on your own four-legged taxi and you'll weave through well-worn paths on Hydra's waterfront and steep streets, crossing several of its famous archontika along the way. Leftover by the wealthy ship-merchant class that built up here in past centuries, these mansions contrast with the unpresumptuous nature of the island's friendly people. You'll also pass monasteries and chic European boutiques, side by side in evidence of Greece's traditional and modern character.

For all its sun and beachy weather, though, Hydra actually has no real sandy beaches. To cool off, locals will invite you to swim right off the rocks at Spilia. A frosty drink may do the trick too, the sipping of which in one of Hydra's starlit tavernas is a tradition not to pass up. It is here, along the waterfront, where Hydra really comes alive with the energy that has made the Greek isles so famous.

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Costa Holiday Homes has expanded outside the Costa's and is proud to now offer you a wide selection of villas in many of the world’s most relaxing, most fascinating and most romantic vacation destinations. Choose from over 30 destinations from the idyllic Caribbean to mysterious Morocco and points beyond.

Our villa destinations are each special in their own way but they all have one thing in common – first class quality. You can be sure you’ll be surrounded by luxury and magnificent scenery at these destinations so the only question left to ask is: where will your vacation of a lifetime be?