Lying in the Argo Saronic Gulf, Hydra is one of Greece’s most serene islands. There are no cars here, with boats, donkeys, and hiking being the preferred way of traveling around. Join a day trip to Hydra from Athens for the ultimate city escape, only a short boat ride away. Hydra is scenic and sleepy, with dazzling blue bays and sun-baked mansions dotted around the steep hillsides. Here’s everything you need to know about Hydra, one of the most exciting destinations for day trips from Athens.
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Lying in the Argo Saronic Gulf, Hydra is one of Greece’s most serene islands. There are no cars here, with boats, donkeys, and hiking being the preferred way of traveling around.
Join a day trip to Hydra from Athens for the ultimate city escape, only a short boat ride away. Hydra is scenic and sleepy, with dazzling blue bays and sun-baked mansions dotted around the steep hillsides.
Here’s everything you need to know about Hydra, one of the most exciting destinations for day trips from Athens.
Hydra is in the Aegean Sea, just a short distance from the Peloponnese mainland. To get to Hydra from Athens, you’ll need to take the ferry or go on a guided boat tour.
Most Hydra day trips from Athens begin with a hotel pick up, followed by a half-hour road transfer to Piraeus port. For some tours, you will need to make your own way to the designated departure point in Piraeus.
You’ll then board the yacht, ship, or rib boat and travel to Hydra, which takes an average of 1.5 hours. Speed boats are faster.
Once on the island, you will have free time to wander. Walking tours and other optional activities are available. Lunch can be purchased at taverns on Hydra.
After your adventure, you will return to Athens in the evening.
Combine a day trip to Hydra with visits to the nearby Saronic islands of Poros and Aegina. You will have free time to discover the islands, as well as opportunities for swimming and snorkeling.
For the ultimate Hydra jaunt, choose a private day tour and sail to the island in style. You will have an exclusive vessel, and there is often flexibility in the itinerary. Sailing yachts and luxury speedboats are both available.
These multi-day adventures shows you the best of Hydra and nearby Spetses, as well as taking in some of Greece’s other gems. These tours typically accommodation and roundtrip transportation.
Highlights of tours in the Peloponnese include the archaeological site of Mycenae, the old Greek capital city of Nafplio, and the Ancient Theater of Epidaurus. Alternatively, your multi-day excursion may take you to Meteora and Delphi on mainland Greece.
The charming port is your first stop on all Hydra excursions. The laid-back vibe will have you running on island time the instant you set foot ashore. Watch yachts and fishing boats bobbing around in the harbor, and pop into boutique shops for souvenirs.
Quintessential white and blue houses line the narrow streets, and sunny plazas make great spots for soaking up the atmosphere. Enjoy lunch in a traditional restaurant, then visit the 17th-century Church of the Assumption.
This is a must on all day trips to Hydra. The island played an integral role during the War of Independence and in 1821 was the site of a fierce battle against the Turks. You can see old cannons dotted around the port that were used to defend Hydra’s inhabitants.
Inside the museum, military uniforms and weapons give a glimpse into the island’s past.
Kamini and Vlychos are hidden gems worth checking out on your Hydra jaunt. These fishing villages are the most beautiful on the island and can be accessed by a hiking trail from Hydra Town.
It’s less crowded here, and you’ll see local fishermen getting their boats ready for work. This is Hydra at its most authentic.
It takes a couple of hours to hike up to the monastery, but the views are worth the effort. Sitting on Mount Eros, Hydra’s highest peak, the monastery is home to some stunning frescoes.
You can visit Hydra at any time of year, but if you’re after some sun, try and come between April and October.
To avoid the crowds but still enjoy the warm temperatures, we recommend booking a Hydra day tour in spring or fall.
For swimming, June – August are the best months.