Hydra is a picturesque and fascinating island, located less than two hours from Athens. It is also the only Greek island where there are no motor vehicles (except for the garbage truck). No car or scooter. No noise pollution and it is a real luxury.
Cobbled streets, bougainvillea in bloom, donkeys, charming little villages, one of the most beautiful harbors of all the Greek islands and the translucent sea everywhere… Hydra is a true marvel. We highly recommend a visit to this island of enchanting charm. A day trip to Hydra from Athens gives you a good overview and a chance to enjoy the mildness of the Greek islands.
How do I get to Hydra from Athens?
From Athens, it’s very easy to go to Hydra for a day and back.
Hydra can be reached by boat from the port of Piraeus (boarding gate E9). There are many hydrofoils all day long, about ten connections per day. And the journey takes about 1h30-1h45.
To get to Piraeus :
- if you’re looking for an economical solution, choose the metro. We tell you all about it in this article
- if you prefer a more comfortable option, opt for a cab. In this case, we recommend Welcome PickUps, the company we always use personally (reliable, quality service, good value for money).
- don’t drive to Piraeus – it’s pointless, as you won’t be able to take your car on the boat, and you’ll also have to pay for parking.
You will then disembark directly on the port of Hydra and be immediately immersed in the atmosphere.
You can buy your ferry tickets online. Personally, we always go through the Ferry Hopper website because it’s a user-friendly website, and allows you to compare fares very quickly and book at the best price. Best of all, there are no hidden fees. You pay the same price for your ticket as if you had bought it at the port.
A day in Hydra
In Hydra, donkeys and mules replace motor vehicles, which are prohibited on the island. No cars, all on foot.
You can easily make a day trip to Hydra from Athens or the Peloponnese. Allow half a day for a tour of the port, a stroll through the narrow streets and a climb to the heights. An extra half-day will allow you to take a lovely stroll along the sea on either side of the town of Hydra (towards Kamini or Mandraki).
What to do in Hydra? The island’s must-sees
Don’t miss a day in Hydra:
- The town of Hydra, of course, with its tangle of narrow cobbled streets. The bougainvillea-filled passageways are a joy to wander through.
- The port of Hydra is worth a visit in itself: small caiques and large yachts living harmoniously side by side, donkeys ready to carry all kinds of goods, cats waiting for fishermen to return, cafés and taverns lining the quayside. A postcard image!
- The home of Lazaros Koundouriotis: a traditional ochre-coloured building (archontiko) that was the residence of one of the historical figures of the Greek War of Independence. And the terrace offers a magnificent view of the port.
- The Assumption Monastery on the port and its small Byzantine museum
- There’s also the Archives Museum, which recounts the island’s rich maritime past.
- The view from the top of the hill overlooking the city: the panorama of the port is absolutely exceptional.
- The small village of Mandraki, a 20-minute walk from the port (heading northeast), with its pretty beach.
- And last but not least, don’t miss the stroll along the cobbled path that leads to the village of Kamini, a 20-minute walk from the port (heading south-west), and then to the small port of Vlichos. Sublime!
If you love Hydra so much that you want to spend a night there, here’s a list of our favorite hotels, plus a selection of Airbnb accommodations.
We wish you a wonderful day in Hydra!
Laure M.
Updated February 28, 2024
