Hydra: Day Trips and Tours from Athens

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.

Getting to Hydra 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.

• By ferry: If you want to travel independently, there are daily ferry crossings between the port of Piraeus and Hydra, taking about 1.5 hours to 2 hours each way.
• By guided tour: Guided day trips to Hydra are one of the best and stress-free ways to visit the island. Hotel pick-ups from selected hotels in Athens are usually included to take the hassle out of your excursion.

Typical itinerary for day tours to Hydra from Athens

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.

What kind of tours are available to go to Hydra?

Day tours to Hydra plus Poros and Aegina from Athens

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.

Our pick: Full-Day Hydra, Poros Aegina Cruise

• Visits: Hydra, Poros and Aegina
• Includes: Buffet lunch, multilingual guide, optional hotel pick-up
• Price: From €141
• Duration: 12 hours

Private day trips to Hydra from Athens

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.

Our pick: Private Hydra Day Tour

• Visits: Port of Piraes and Hydra
• Includes: Multilingual drivers & guide, hotel pickup
• Price: From €132 to €667 per person, depending on group size
• Duration: 7 hours

Multi-day private tours of Hydra, Spetses and Peloponnese

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.

Our pick: 3-day private tour of Hydra plus Mycenae, Nafplio, Epidaurus, and Spetses Island

• Visits: Hydra, Mycenae, Nafplio, Epidaurus and Spetses.
• Includes: Roundtrip transportation, overnight accommodation with breakfast & lunch
• Price: €827 to €1,452, depending on group size.
• Duration: 3 days

Highlights in Hydra

Hydra Port

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 17^th-century Church of the Assumption.

Museum of Hydra

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 Villages

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.

Prophet Elias Monastery

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.

Best time to visit Hydra

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.

Travel tips

• Book tickets for your Hydra day trip in advance. It’s a popular destination, and tours do sell out during peak season.
• Take comfortable footwear for wearing on the boat and hiking around the island.
• Pack sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sunhat to avoid getting burned out on the water.