Three nights and four days in Hydra (pronounced Ee-dra). A beautiful island just 90 minutes ferry from the Athens Port of Piraeus.
The Port of Piraeus dates back to 2000-3000 BC and is the largest passenger port in Europe. Piraeus metro station is located next to the port and there is a direct Express bus route X96 which runs 24/7 between the Port and Athens International Airport. There are also free shuttle buses inside the Port that run to the Metro Line 1 Terminal Station.
There are multiple crossings daily to many destinations from the Port such as to Crete, Santorini and Aegina and there are a number of comparison websites to book with but we recommend booking direct with Blue Star Ferries via their sister company Hellenic Seaways (all part of the Attica Group) whose ferries are modern, comfortable and fast and you get to choose your seats when booking.
The Hellenic Seaways ferries leave to Hydra from Gate E8 but make sure you get there at least 90 minutes before departure, check the departure gate with the Attica offices (at Gate E8) and check there whether you need to exchange your email booking confirmation for a ticket – be punctual as the ferries are efficient and leave on schedule.
The 90 minute trip to Hydra with a couple of stops on the way is fast and comfortable and we chose Hydra specifically due to its proximity to Athens and as a place to relax at the end of this Greek holiday. You can go there as a day trip which many tourists do but if you can stay a few days we highly recommend.
The island of Hydra is a relaxed and picturesque destination which doesn’t allow cars or motorbikes so the only way to get around is by foot or…donkey which you can get in the tiny harbour to carry your luggage for €20/£17/$22. As the town is built on the hillside most of the accommodation is above the main town area and there can be a lot of steps so if you’re not very mobile bear this in mind if you visit and where you book to stay.
Hydra is steeped in history, is visited by many celebrities and frequented daily by super yachts which moor right in the small harbour. Despite its proximity to Athens, and day trippers on the ferries, it doesn’t have an overly busy feel to it and maintains its peaceful vibe. It has amazing restaurants and bars and beautiful costal walks. It’s also famous for its cats! We counted thirty just from our villa to the harbour one night and they are mostly well cared for and friendly. There are small pebbly beaches dotted around the island which you can get to walking along the paved coastal paths or you can take a water taxi from the harbour.
There are many accommodation options on the island either from Airbnb or Booking.com but we recommend KK Houses who have a number of excellent property choices above the main town with stunning views from their private terraces. Hotel options include the five star Mandraki Beach Resort with its own private sandy beach or Douskos Port House located right in the port.
Hydra has a great range of restaurant options to choose from with many reasonably priced right on the harbour waterfront or take a short stroll along the coast to Téchnē or Omilos and its amazing seafood right by the sea or Sunset which has great menu options, stunning sea views and the best location to watch the sunset but the service is very hit and miss. Jeff Bezos and his partner were recently in Hydra and dined at Sunset but I am sure they got much better service than us mere mortals!
For the best traditional Greek food on the island and a beautiful setting go to Xeri Elia which has been in the family for 200 years and was regularly visited by Leonard Cohen. Despite its size Hydra has a great little nightlife and in the summer has a lively cosmopolitan feel with DJ’s and live music. Check out The Pirate Bar, Amalour and Hydronetta which is also great place to chill by the sea and relax with a cocktail.
