When my best friend, Lindsay, announced she and her beau would be tying the knot, the pressure I felt as maid of honor was immense. Exciting, of course, but immense – especially when it came to a bachelorette party. Because the thought of running around a city trying to get into clubs didn’t seem very “on brand” for us, I opted instead to woo the bride to be with a more low-key stagette. Now splitting half her time in London, it was easy for Linds to have a European weekend jaunt – so along with our friend Lucy, we ventured off to the sleepy chic island of Hydra. It’s a two-hour ferry from Athens, and a little rock trapped in time with the only mode of transportation being bikes or donkeys.
There is something wholly cathartic about being able to turn it all off – to sunbathe with no one watching, swim in the briny Mediterranean Sea, eat copious amounts of Greek salads and fried red mullets, and toast to the day. While most would qualify Hydra as a spot for a day trip, there are others like, Leonard Cohen, whom have made it home. The pace of life, local-schmocal vibe, and reality that much like the 80′s sitcom, “Cheers,” everyone knows your name, all make it the perfect contrast to our endlessly busy lives.
There’s not much to do on Hydra – and maybe that’s the point. You can stroll around the town center or dip into small tavernas for tzatziki and ouzo. Take a swim, then a nap, hike back to your hotel or apartment…rinse and repeat.
If this darling island hasn’t been on your radar, I suggest you give it a go before heading to the more popular islands of Mykonos and Santorini. With Hydra being such a quick hop, skip and jump from Athens, it’s a perfect weekend getaway – especially when you’ve got something to quietly, beautifully and peacefully celebrate. In this case, it was all for the love of Linds. Opa!
