Hydra sits in the Saronic Gulf, about 65 km southwest of Athens. It's been drawing artists, writers, and musicians since the 1960s -- Leonard Cohen lived here for years. The island has fiercely resisted development, which means no motor vehicles of any kind are allowed. You get around on foot, by donkey, or by water taxi. The result is an island that feels genuinely different from anywhere else in Greece.

Getting There

By Ferry from Piraeus

Ferries to Hydra depart from Piraeus port, which is connected to central Athens by metro (Line 1, about 25 minutes from Monastiraki).

Frequency: Up to 9-11 sailings per day, year-round. The route is served only by high-speed ferries (catamarans and hydrofoils).

Journey time: 1 hour 10 minutes to 2 hours depending on the operator and whether the ferry stops at Poros first. The fastest crossing (Hellenic Seaways Flyingcat) takes about 1 hour 5 minutes.

Cost: Roughly 30-42 EUR each way for a foot passenger.

Operators: Hellenic Seaways, Alpha Lines, Magic Sea Ferries.

For a day trip: Take the 09:00 departure from Piraeus. You'll arrive by 10:30-11:00 and have a full day. Return ferries run into the evening.

Tips: - Book tickets in advance during summer, especially for weekends. - Arrive at Piraeus at least 45 minutes before departure -- the port is large and finding the right gate takes time. - You cannot bring a car to Hydra (no vehicles allowed on the island).

By Organised Tour or Day Cruise

Several operators run day cruises from Athens that combine Hydra with Poros and Aegina (the "3-island cruise"). These are convenient but give you only 1-2 hours on each island. If Hydra is your priority, go independently by ferry.

Private boat tours and sailing trips from Athens to Hydra are also available, typically starting from 150+ EUR per person.

What to Do on Hydra

Hydra Town

All ferries arrive at Hydra's harbour, which is the island's only town. The waterfront is lined with cafes, restaurants, and shops. Behind it, narrow stone lanes climb steeply uphill past 18th-century captains' mansions built from the wealth of the island's once-powerful merchant fleet.

Key sights: - The harbour -- Photogenic crescent of grey stone buildings, fishing boats, and cafe terraces. Wander the waterfront first to get your bearings. - Historical Archive Museum of Hydra -- Small museum covering the island's naval history and role in the Greek War of Independence. Hydra's fleet was instrumental in the 1821 revolution. - Lazaros Koundouriotis Mansion -- A beautifully restored 18th-century mansion overlooking the harbour. Now a branch of the National Historical Museum with period furniture and art. - The clock tower -- Hydra's landmark, visible from the harbour.

Beaches

Hydra's beaches are small and pebbly -- this isn't a beach island in the Mykonos sense. But the water is exceptionally clean.

  • Spilia -- A swimming spot on rocks, 5 minutes' walk west of the harbour. Popular with locals.
  • Kamini -- A small pebble beach 20 minutes' walk west. Has a taverna.
  • Vlychos -- About 40 minutes' walk (or a water taxi) west. The nicest beach within easy reach, with a couple of tavernas.
  • Bisti -- On the south coast, accessible by water taxi. Turquoise water, rocks, pine trees. One of Hydra's best swimming spots.

Hiking

Hydra has surprisingly good walking. The absence of vehicles makes the trails quiet.

  • Mount Eros -- The island's highest point (593m). A 2-3 hour hike from town with panoramic views. Not for casual walkers -- it's steep and exposed.
  • Monastery of Profitis Ilias -- About 1 hour uphill from town. A working monastery with views.
  • Kamini to Vlychos coastal path -- An easy 30-minute walk along the coast.

Eating

Hydra has excellent restaurants for its size. Fresh fish is the speciality. The waterfront places are atmospheric but pricier -- the lanes behind the harbour have better-value tavernas. Try amygdalota (almond confections), the island's signature sweet.

How to Spend Your Day

A suggested day trip itinerary:

  • 09:00 -- Ferry from Piraeus
  • 10:30 -- Arrive Hydra. Coffee on the waterfront.
  • 11:00 -- Walk the town. Visit the Historical Archive Museum or Koundouriotis Mansion.
  • 12:30 -- Walk to Kamini or take a water taxi to Vlychos for a swim.
  • 14:00 -- Lunch at a seaside taverna.
  • 15:30 -- Back to town. Browse the shops and galleries.
  • 17:00 -- Final coffee or drink on the harbour.
  • 18:00-19:00 -- Evening ferry back to Piraeus.

Practical Tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes. The town is hilly with stone steps. No flat paths.
  • Bring cash. Some smaller shops and tavernas don't accept cards.
  • Water taxis are the main way to reach beaches beyond walking distance. Agree on the price before boarding. A one-way trip to Vlychos costs about 10-15 EUR.
  • Donkeys carry luggage and heavy goods around the island. They have right of way. Step aside on narrow lanes.
  • Hydra is popular on weekends with Athenians. For a quieter experience, visit on a weekday.
  • Pack light. You'll be carrying everything by hand from the ferry to wherever you go. No taxis, no cars.

Best Time to Visit

May-June and September-October are ideal. Warm enough to swim, not too crowded, and the light is beautiful.

July-August are hot and busy but the island handles crowds well because there are no cars creating congestion.

Winter is quiet -- many restaurants and hotels close. Ferries still run but on a reduced schedule. Hydra in winter has a melancholy beauty.

Combining With Other Islands

Hydra's ferry route passes through Poros, and many services also connect to Spetses and Ermioni on the Peloponnese coast. If you want a multi-island day, Hydra and Poros can be done together, but you'll get a more meaningful experience focusing on one.

Hydra is about 65 km from Athens. The ferry from Piraeus takes 1-2 hours. No cars are allowed on the island.