5 Best Restaurants in The Saronic Gulf Islands, Greece

Set right on Mikro Kamini, a leisurely 15-minute walk from the port (or 5 minutes by mule or couple of minutes by water taxi), this fully renovated 18th-century fortress is a popular bar-restaurant offering some of the most fortifying dining on the island. Castello is the only place where you can find sushi, or if you are craving a snack, try the catch of the day served with wild greens and saffron. Its multilevel café serves breakfast, coffee, drinks, and snacks and is the ideal spot for enjoying Hydra sunsets over the best apple martini on the island. Renting a sun bed for the day on the beach right in front of Castello will set you back €5.

The charming young trio of owners—Yiannis, Kostas, and Alexandros—have imbued this beach taverna just 100 feet from Vlichos Beach with energy and attentive service. The traditional taverna fare includes favorite Greek dishes like ntakos, prawn linguine, and lively salads, which all go perfectly with a glass of house wine or a cold beer. The all-white surroundings (with cool-blue undertones) contrast gloriously with the injection of color from the surrounding pink bougainvillea. At the back of the taverna, you will find the headquarters of the Hydra Diving Center.

For a light bite, try this harborside ouzeri restaurant, a hangout for locals as well as tourists, where warm yellow walls are decorated with stencils. Except for the 30 varieties of ouzo, everything is homemade, including palate-pleasing Vouta Vouta (Dip Dip), a dish of shrimp and spicy sauce, and the real don't-miss dishes: custom omelets for breakfast and baked apple in cognac. Reservations are recommended in the evening during the summer months.