Hydra Night Life Greece - Greek Holidays
More on Hydra - Accommodation - Beaches - Day Trips - Introduction
Hydra's waterfront during the long hot summer nights has a party scene to rival that of the most hedonistic Greek islands. Numerous music bars throb with young trendsetters and loud music, wealthy yachties invite friends aboard for glittering cocktail parties and the disco dance floors heave till dawn.
The bars and cafes which line the waterfront are relatively pricey but they provide a perfect venue for an early evening sundowner enjoyed with a spot of people watching. Sip a glass of ouzo or retsina as the sunsets sets and the halyards of the sailboat masts tinkle in the harbour. Stroll up and down the port long enough and you may even be lucky enough to get invited on board for a drink by one of the yacht set!
Most Greek visitors don't even think about sitting down for dinner before 10pm. Your best bet, unless you're hell bent on a harbour view, is to go for one of the excellent and reasonably priced tavernas in the narrow back streets away from waterfront. You'll find hearty, home-cooked food at a fraction of the price charged at snazzier portside restaurants.
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One of the classiest places to eat in town is provided by the Bratsera Hotel in Odos Tombazis. This lovingly restored 19th century building was once used as a sponge factory and is now regarded as being one of the finest hotels in Greece. Meals are served either in the indoor dining room, which is adorned with antique maps and oozes rustic charm, or on the outdoor terrace where poolside tables are canopied by wisteria-covered trellises.
The town's tavernas and restaurants offer a good range of cuisine - from tasty mezedes snacks and traditional Greek dishes to Italian, German, Chinese and American fare.
Hot haunts to head for after dining include the Pirate Bar which is probably the best-known meeting place in town. You'll find it in the south western corner of the harbour - just follow the crowds and blaring rock music which continues until the early hours. Nearby Nautilus is a trendy place to quaff a cocktail or try Saronicos if you're into Greek pop music.
Most of the town's discos are only open from June to September but you'll find a lively late night scene at weekends throughout the year. A hike up the hill to the west of the town takes you to Heaven Disco which has an indoor dance floor and outdoor bar with superb sea views. Energetic young things frequent this clifftop dance spot which opens at 11pm and keeps going till revellers head off for breakfast or an early morning swim.
If you favour more traditional entertainment try to plan your visit around one of the island's major festivals. The Miaoulia Festival in mid-June sees a spectacular mock battle in the harbour to honour the exploits of Greek hero Admiral Miaoulis during the War of Independence. Elaborate celebrations are held at Easter and at the end of July there's the International Puppet Theatre Festival which attracts leading puppeteers from all over the world to the delight of children and adults alike.
Greek Guide
North Eastern Aegean Greek Islands 
