Hydra Ferries

Unlock your adventure to Greece at the incredible port of Hydra! It's your essential gateway to the stunning nearby islands. Imagine seamless connections and breath-taking scenic journeys – that's what awaits you.

As a bustling hub for both passengers and freight, Hydra boasts an impressive 33 ferry routes operated by 13 top-tier ferry companies. Get ready for a convenient sailing experience from Hydra, with schedules perfectly tailored to the seasons, ensuring you always find your ideal departure, no matter the demand, weather, or tourism buzz. Your unforgettable escape begins here!

Hydra offers wonderful connections to popular routes like Piraeus - Hydra, Poros - Hydra, Spetses - Hydra. You can customize your trip by choosing between a swift high-speed ferry to get there in a flash or a classic vessel for a more scenic, relaxing journey. From quick local hops to leisurely overnight voyages, your island adventure starts here.

Getting to your destination is a breeze with several excellent ferry operators departing regularly from Hydra. You'll find companies like Hellenic Seaways, San Lorenzo Ferries, Alpha lines ready to whisk you away.

Each offers a variety of onboard amenities to make your journey pleasant, from comfortable seating and delicious food and drink options to private cabins and even vehicle transport.

With a range of ticket options available depending on the company and vessel, there's something to suit everyone, whether you're traveling solo, with family, or on a business trip.

Whether you're dreaming of an exhilarating island-hopping escape, making your way back to the comfort of home, or embarking on a brand-new journey, your perfect voyage begins right here with Hydra.

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.