Only 90 minutes away from Athens by hydrofoil, Hydra is one of the closest islands to mainland Greece, making it a favorite beach getaway among the Greeks. The buildings here are white stucco, with red Mediterranean-style roofs, and cluster around a perfect horseshoe-shaped harbor.
Only smaller cruise ships from companies such as Azamara, Windstar and Sea Dream stop in Hydra. The island provides a welcome beach break from tours of ruins in this area of the world, although bring your water shoes when you go, as the shores here are pebbly.