Hydra · Getting there
Hydra is a long, bare ridge off the tip of the Argolid peninsula, and everything arrives by sea. The fast catamarans of the Saronic line run from Piraeus all year, more often in summer, and dock in the middle of the harbour. Drivers come the other way: they leave the car on the mainland at Metochi and take the short hop across, because no private car or scooter is allowed on the island.
By plane
The nearest airport is Athens. From there it is about an hour to the port of Piraeus, then the fast boat. A long day of travel from northern Europe usually still ends with dinner on the harbour.
Spata, east of Athens
Flights from across Europe and beyond, all year.
Into town: Metro line 3 and a change, the X96 express bus or a taxi to Piraeus, about an hour. The Saronic fast boats use the gates near the metro station; check yours on the ticket.
By ferry
There is no car ferry to Hydra. Foot passengers take the fast catamarans from Piraeus, which usually call at Poros or Ermioni on the way and run on to Spetses. With a car, drive round the Saronic Gulf to the little port of Metochi opposite the island and cross on a small passenger boat or a water taxi.
Piraeus Hydra
Catamarans for foot passengers only, with assigned seats. Book ahead for Friday evenings and Sunday afternoons in summer; strong winds can cancel sailings.
Metochi (Peloponnese) Hydra
The way in by road: Metochi is about 2 h 30 to 3 h by car from Athens. Leave the car in the parking area by the quay.
Island hopping
Hydra Poros
On the fast-boat line back towards Piraeus.
Hydra Spetses
The third of the naval islands of 1821, with pine woods and fine captains' houses of its own.
Hydra Ermioni
Some fast boats call here; a handy mainland port for the ancient theatre of Epidaurus by car.
When you land
Your luggage goes by mule
Hydra Town is a hill of steps. At the quay you will find men with mules and porters with hand carts who will carry bags to your door for a fee; travel light if you mean to walk up yourself.
Water taxis are the taxis
The water taxi rank is in the harbour. Prices are fixed per trip rather than per person, so they are good value in a group for Kamini, Vlychos, Bisti or Mandraki. Beach boats also run to the coves in summer.
Wear shoes with a grip
The lanes are paved with polished stone and steps that get slippery, and almost everything worth seeing is on foot. Leave the thin sandals for the café.
Book the last boat back
If you come for the day, the fast boats to Piraeus in the late afternoon fill first in summer. Buy the return with the outward ticket.
Times and frequencies are typical for the summer season and change every year. Check the current timetable before you book.
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