In a concerted effort to keep two of Greece’s most beloved islands free from vehicles, senior officials agreed on stricter controls for Hydra and Spetses.
The high-level meeting brought together Culture Minister Lina Mendoni, Attica Governor Nikos Hardalias, Minister of State Akis Skertsos, and a number of senior police, coast guard, and municipal leaders—all united in their determination to protect what makes these two Saronic gems unique.
Hydra, famed for its elegant stone mansions, winding donkey paths, and total ban on motor vehicles, will see its already strict regulations more rigorously enforced. While the legal framework is crystal clear—requiring a Ministry of Culture permit for every bicycle and delivery cart—officials acknowledged that enforcement has often lagged.
That’s about to change. A live, publicly accessible online register will soon list all authorized vehicles, offering both residents and tourists full transparency. In parallel, new hotlines at the Hellenic Police and Coast Guard will allow locals to report unauthorized vehicles in real time, triggering immediate inspections.
Hydra has long been a destination for artists, musicians, and free spirits inspired by its stunning natural beauty and vibrant port town.
Internationally known as the muse and longtime home of poet and songwriter Leonard Cohen, Hydra is imbued with a spirit of creativity and beauty that is felt just by exploring the breathtaking island.
Wandering through Hydra’s lovely main town, visitors encounter stunning neoclassical homes, fascinating museums, and picturesque scenes of idyllic life on a Greek island.
Spetses, where scooters, quad bikes, and light trucks have gradually become more common, is set for a more nuanced overhaul. Years of growing exemptions have blurred the line between necessary transport and creeping over-motorization.
With the mayor’s approval, the National Technical University of Athens is fast-tracking a traffic capacity study, due by June 15. Once completed, a special task force will draft new regulations aimed at cutting exemptions down to essential needs, helping ensure that the scent of jasmine, not exhaust, remains Spetses’ signature.
The island of Spetses, with its picturesque old harbor, is a well-known destination for a fabulous weekend getaway. Spetses has an especially elegant atmosphere, mainly due to its many Venetian mansions, which bring to mind a distant place and time.
The scenic capital of the island, Spetses Town, is ideal for meandering and romantic walks, while there’s plentiful swimming and sunbathing to be enjoyed at the many beaches along its shores.
A selection of boutique hotels, sophisticated restaurants, and marinas filled with yachts from all over the world are just some of the more cosmopolitan attractions of this island.
