Tucked away in the northeastern corner of the Greek mainland lies a small village that is fast becoming one of Greece’s most talked-about developments, earning nicknames like “The Venice of the Saronic Gulf” and “Little Venice” thanks to its striking water-based architecture. In this quiet part of the Peloponnese, elegant villas line peaceful canals instead of roads, small arched bridges connect flower-filled islets and small boats glide along turquoise waterways, with no cars in sight.
Unlike many Greek settlements, Porto Hydra is not an ancient marvel, but a modern one. The brainchild of Nikos Konstantinidis, it was built in the late 1970s to create a water-based village unlike anything else in Greece. This gated community combines the spirit of the Mediterranean with the charm of Venice. It boasts over two miles of canals that weave between over 300 impressive whitewashed villas, many of which have private docks that lead straight to the sea.
While it may look very similar to Venice, Porto Hydra feels distinctly Greek and with added bonus of none of its crowds. Instead of Italian gothic facades, the homes follow local island architecture with flat roofs, white walls, and bright blue shutters, all surrounded by olive trees, hibiscus and jasmine gardens. Sea breezes, hours of Aegean sunshine and average temperatures of 30C in the summer, and even highs of 18C in November, complete the picture.
There are two private beaches on either side of the village, perfect for a morning swim or a sunset stroll. Kayaking and paddleboarding through the canals are popular pastimes and the crystal-clear waters of the Saronic Gulf make for easy boating trips to the nearby islands of Hydra, Spetses and Dokos.
“Wander in the narrow streets next to the canals, in the gardens with the colorful bougainvilleas and the imposing palm trees. Cross the beautiful bridges, pass by the figurative Church and listen to the water in the fountain,” the official site of the village reads.
“A one-of-a-kind and serene destination for those looking for a quiet vacation for the whole family or not. You can enjoy the tranquil landscape all year round, away from tourist trails, next to canals instead of roads,” it adds.
Porto Hydra lies about three hours from Athens by car. Travellers can follow the scenic coastal route through Epidavros and Ermioni. They can also take a ferry from Piraeus to Ermioni and drive a short distance to the village gates.
Only a few dozen people live there permanently. During the summer, the villa owners spend their holidays there and it attracts many visitors who want to admire this small Greek paradise.
It is a gated village, and many villas are privately owned. That being said, some properties are available for short-term stays. If you were planning a three-night stay in summer in a decent three-bedroom villa in Porto Hydra with good amenities, visitors can expect prices of between £300 and £435 per night.
For example, Villa 44 is available for rent on Booking.com, with prices starting from £118 per night in March 2026.
“The village itself is quiet, safe, and ideal for families. We loved the proximity to the beach and the unique layout of the area with the canals – it felt like a little hidden paradise,” one reviewer wrote. “We would definitely come back again and highly recommend this place to anyone looking for a relaxing and memorable vacation in Greece!”
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
