Travelling from Athens to Hydra

The beautiful island of Hydra is located only 39 miles south of Athens, making it a perfect route for day trips from the Greek capital. The ferry from Athens to Hydra operates regularly throughout the year, transporting thousands of tourists even in the off-season. Whenever you decide to visit, Hydra is one of the unsung treasures of the Saronic Islands. 

About Hydra Greece

Hydra is a small island in the Aegean Sea, popular for its vivacious nightlife, stunning architecture and picturesque beaches. As vehicles are not allowed on the island, Hydra seems like a place from a bygone era, with many locals still travelling around on horseback. The only way to get around the island is on foot or via a water taxi.

Athens to Hydra Ferry

The easiest way to travel from Athens to Hydra is via ferry. This service departs from Piraeus port and is currently available to book with Alpha Lines and Hellenic Seaways. Choose between 6 sailings per day and reach the island of Hydra in as little as 1 hour and 20 minutes. 

However, please keep in mind that sailing times are subject to change depending on the ferry operator, the vessel and weather conditions. We suggest that you check for live updates prior to your scheduled departure. 

Can I take a Athens to Hydra Day Trip?

If you are hoping to explore beyond the Greek capital, look no further than Hydra. With only 34 nautical miles separating them, Athens to Hydra is a popular route for day trips throughout the year. The first ferry leaves Pireaus at 09:00 and arrives in Hydra at around 11:00. This gives you plenty of time to visit all the top attractions on the island and make it back for the final departure. 

How long is the ferry from Athens to Hydra?

The Athens to Hydra ferry has an average sailing duration of 1 hour and 43 minutes. However, the sailing duration can range anywhere between 1 hour and 20 minutes to 2 hours, depending on which operator you are travelling with. 

How to get to Piraeus Port

The port of Piraeus is located 10km south of Athens city centre and is easily accessible via public transport. If you are coming from Athens Airport, you can either hire a taxi, take the metro or get the X96 bus. These are found within walking distance of the main terminal. 

A taxi from Athens Airport to Piraeus Port costs anywhere from €80 to €95. The cheapest option is a one-way metro ticket, which typically costs €9 for adults and €4.50 for children, students or anyone over the age of 55. 

Port of Piraeus Guide

As Piraeus is the largest port in Greece, you might need some help finding your way around. There are 12 departure gates and each are accessible via a free shuttle bus service. The port provides ferries to many destinations in Greece. If you’re unsure which gate you are departing from, here is a list:

• Cyclades (departure gates: E6, E7, E9, E10)

• Saronic Gulf (departure gate E8)

• Crete (departure gates E2, E3, E6)

• Northeast Aegean Islands (departure gates E2, E9, E10)

• Dodecanese Islands (departure gate E1)

• Kythira (departure gate E3)

Those embarking on the ferry from Athens to Hydra will subsequently need to head to departure gate 8. However, please check the departure board for the latest details regarding your sailing. 

Things to do in Hydra Greece

Even though Hydra is only 50 sq km, there is still many things to do on the island. It offers various activities from hiking trails to museums. Here are some of the most popular attractions available. 

How long to spend in Hydra Greece?

While Hydra is a great destination to stay for a couple of nights, most travellers visit on a day trip. However, if you enjoy hiking to hidden monasteries or donkey rides along the beach, you might want to consider staying longer to fully experience everything that Hydra has to offer. 

Is Hydra Greece a party island?

Hydra is not usually known for being a party island, particularly when compared to other destinations in Greece like Ios and Mykonos. Although there are a few nightlife options located in Hydra Town, with tavernas and bars providing live music, the island generally offers a more relaxed atmosphere. 

When is the best month to visit Hydra?

The best time to visit Hydra depends on what you hope to experience on the island. If you prefer to go when it’s relatively quiet, April to June is a great choice as you can still take advantage of the nice weather. However, if you want to experience some of the festivals that take place in Hydra then we recommend going during the summer months. 

Does Hydra Greece have a beach?

Yes, Hydra does have a number of beaches. However, as the island’s coastline is quite rocky, these are typically pebble beaches. The most convenient is the Hydra Town Beach as it’s located only a short walk from the port. Alternatively, there are several other popular beaches including Mandraki Beach, Kamini Beach and Vlychos Beach.