Hydra Ferries

The port of Hydra plays a key role in the ferry network of Greece, offering a convenient, scenic, and often essential way to connect with nearby islands. With 1 ferry routes operated by - ferry companies, Hydra serves as a busy hub for both passenger and freight travel.

Ferries depart regularly from Hydra, with schedules varying seasonally depending on demand, weather conditions, and tourism activity.

Popular routes from this port include Piraeus - Hydra connecting Hydra with key coastal and island destinations. Depending on the route, crossings can range from quick local hops to longer overnight journeys, often with a choice between high-speed ferries and traditional vessels.

Operators such as - run regular services from Hydra, offering a range of onboard amenities including comfortable seating, food and drink options, cabins, and vehicle transport. Ticket options vary by company and vessel type, with choices to suit solo travellers, families, and business passengers alike.

Whether you're island hopping, heading home, or starting a new adventure, Hydra offers a reliable and enjoyable gateway to the sea.

Hydra is primarily accessible by ferry from Athens' port of Piraeus, with journeys taking approximately 1.5-2 hours depending on the vessel type. High-speed hydrofoils offer the quickest connections, while conventional ferries provide a more leisurely experience. From Athens city center, the Piraeus port is easily reached via metro (green line) in about 30 minutes. Once at Piraeus, clear signage directs travelers to the Saronic Gulf ferry gates. Remember that Hydra's port gets busy during summer weekends, so booking ferry tickets in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak season.

Hydra stands as one of Greece's most enchanting islands, where donkeys replace cars and time seems to slow to the gentle rhythm of lapping waves. Just a short ferry ride from Athens, this Saronic Gulf gem combines sophisticated charm with authentic Greek island character. Marble-cobbled lanes wind between elegant stone mansions and humble whitewashed homes, creating a magical setting that has inspired artists and travelers for generations.

Hydra shines brightest during the late spring (May-June) and early autumn (September-October) when temperatures are pleasantly warm, ranging from 22-28°C, and the island feels refreshingly uncrowded. Summer (July-August) brings vibrant energy with warmer seas perfect for swimming, though expect more visitors and higher prices. The Miaoulia Festival in late June commemorates the island's naval heritage with processions and fireworks, making it a particularly lively time to visit. Winter offers a peaceful atmosphere with mild temperatures (10-15°C), though ferry services become less frequent and some establishments close for the season.

Hydra serves as an excellent starting point for exploring other Saronic Gulf treasures. Spetses, just 30 minutes away by ferry, offers pine-scented landscapes and elegant architecture reminiscent of its maritime wealth. Poros, reachable in about 45 minutes, charms visitors with its lemon groves and neoclassical buildings cascading down to twin harbors. The larger island of Aegina, approximately one hour from Hydra, boasts the magnificent Temple of Aphaia and famous pistachios. For those seeking more remote experiences, water taxis from Hydra's main port connect to secluded beaches along the island's rugged coastline, including the peaceful Bisti and crystal-clear waters of Agios Nikolaos.

Walking Hydra's car-free pathways reveals treasures at every turn, from the impressive Monastery of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary to the cannons and bastions of the harbor's historic defenses. Art enthusiasts shouldn't miss the Hydra Museum of Historical Archives housed in an old stone mansion, or the numerous galleries showcasing why this island has been a creative haven for decades. Culinary adventures await at waterfront tavernas where freshly-caught fish and local specialties like xidato (fish cooked in vinegar) pair perfectly with views of bobbing fishing boats. For swimming, venture beyond the main harbor to Kamini or Vlichos, where crystal waters and authentic tavernas reward the 20-minute coastal walk.

Hydra has maintained its car-free status for centuries, relying instead on a 'taxi service' of over 500 donkeys and mules that transport everything from groceries to furniture up the steep hillsides. The island played a crucial role in Greece's 1821 War of Independence, contributing significant naval power under the leadership of local hero Admiral Andreas Miaoulis. Leonard Cohen purchased a house here in the 1960s, writing many of his famous songs while living on the island and helping establish Hydra's reputation as an artistic haven. Despite its small size (just 50 square kilometers), Hydra boasts over 300 churches and six monasteries, many dating back several centuries.