Bisti Beach

Bisti is the prettiest beach on Hydra as far as many people are concerned, and it is easy to see why: a cove of small white pebbles on the south western tip of the island, ringed by a natural amphitheatre of pines that come almost down to the water, with a sandy bottom and deep blue water. The lack of roads and the isolation have kept it safe from mass tourism, so even in August it feels like a small private paradise. But getting there is awkward, and that is exactly what saves it.

There are two ways to arrive. The practical one, the water taxi from Hydra’s main harbour: it takes around 30 minutes by fast boat (longer in a traditional caique), costs between 20 and 25 euros per person in a group, and the boatmen will usually agree a pick up time for the afternoon. The good news is that the boat ride is one of the loveliest on the island: you skirt rock walls, pass hidden coves and start to see the open water of the Saronic Gulf. The epic one, the walk: about 2 to 2.5 hours from the harbour along the coastal path through Vlychos, Plakes and Episkopi, crossing pine woods, abandoned vineyards and dry stone walls. It is one of the finest walks in the Saronic islands but it needs preparation: carry water for the whole day (at least 2 litres per person), closed sole footwear, a hat and sun cream.

The beach itself is around 120 metres long and has one special feature: the pines grow so close to the water that you get natural shade without needing an umbrella if you arrive early and choose your spot sensibly. That sets it apart from Vlychos or Mandraki, where shade is something you rent. The bottom is small pebbles and pale sand, with beds of posidonia meadow from 3 or 4 metres down where there is plenty of marine life: shoals of salema, the odd wrasse, octopus hiding among the rocks. It is probably the best place on Hydra for snorkelling: take a mask and snorkel, the locals recommend it unanimously.

On the critical pain points worth knowing before you come: the beach bar is basic and sometimes closes without warning, especially in May, June and September, when demand is lower. Always bring extra food and water even if you plan to eat there: you may get the surprise of finding everything shut. The single toilet is 50 metres inland and does not always have paper. Water shoes are a good idea for getting into the sea: the polished stone bottom is more slippery than it looks. And mobile coverage is non existent or very weak: tell someone before you set off for Bisti and, above all, bring cash (the bar barely takes cards in any reliable way).

Who is Bisti for? For couples and travellers without very small children who want a day of calm and wild beauty. For people in decent shape who want to combine a coastal walk with a swim. For anyone who takes snorkelling seriously. If you are travelling with a baby, if you have reduced mobility or if you need resort levels of comfort, go for Vlychos or Mandraki instead. Bisti is an experience, not a serviced beach, and that is precisely the point of it.