Looking for the ultimate holiday where culture and leisure meet? Combine lively Athens with the peaceful island atmosphere of nearby Hydra.
First, soak up culture of Ancient Greece with the Acropolis, Hadrian's library and the Temple of Olympian Zeus… Experience the old ánd modern Athens! When you are ready for a beach chair, cocktail and a good book, catch the ferry from Athens Port (Piraeus) to Hydra. Within 2 hours you are in the calm simplicity of Hydra Island.
The best of both worlds in one unforgettable journey
Many holiday makers look for a balance between culture and nature. A perfect mix between city and beach. A city trip to Athens is particularly suitable for this, because the coast of Athens is dotted with islands. The islands located near Athens are called the Saronic Islands.
These islands are easily accessible from Athens by ferry and can therefore be perfectly combined with a city trip:
- Hydra
- Aegina
- Poros
- Agistri
- Kea (Cyclades)
- Spetses
The port city of Piraeus, Athens
Piraeus is nice to visit when you are in Athens. The atmospheric port city is easily accessible by subway or hop-on-hop-off bus from Athens. All ferries depart from Piraeus to the Saronic Islands off the coast of Athens. But just an afternoon watching boats, shopping and having good food is also recommended. The Hellenic Maritime Museum is also located in Piraeus and is definitely worth a visit.
By ferry from Athens to Hydra
Hydra is slightly further from Athens than the other Saronic Islands. But it isn’t a long journey. One hour and 40 minutes on the catamaran ferry and you are there. Please note that the ferry is for foot passengers only. Like some other Greek islands (including Poros and Spetses), Hydra is car-free. Nice and quiet!
The island of Hydra is car-free
Vehicles are prohibited on the island. You don't even see mopeds or bicycles here. That means that both tourists and locals have to walk. That is not a problem, because the island is small (50 km²). So during your stay on Hydra you either walk or ride a mule or horse. You can also take a water taxi or ‘beach boat' (public transport by water) to discover other parts of the island.
You can best taste the atmosphere in Hydra by just wandering around the island. It is a charming island with a typical Greek vibe: narrow alleys, classic white houses with red roofs and colourful bougainvillea.
Enjoy the idyllic villages, terraces, beautiful viewpoints, fine taverns and of course the beach, the sun and the sea![1]https://www.hydra.com.gr/mobile/en-index.html
References
| ↑1 | https://www.hydra.com.gr/mobile/en-index.html |
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Copywriter & Travel Expert @ FerryGoGo.com
You’ve not really talked about accessibility, what about prams and wheelchairs? With it being a compact island how accessible is it for wheelchair users? I do plan on visiting but would need this clarifying!
I don’t know if I am wrong, this could be incorect information but i am sure that there is a ferry from Athens to Hydra that has space for vehicles? When I re read this statement I’ve decided it is a bit of a silly question! 😂 The island prohibits cars and bikes? I don’t think I like the idea of walking everywhere!
Wow, it is amazing that it only takes 1 hour and 40 minutes to visit the island from Athens. I would love to know is what is the best time of year to visit Hydra?
Before Mid- Summer probably: May / Jun, early July!