Hydra
Ύδρα
A car-free island town where donkeys carry goods and stone mansions surround the harbour. It is the most beautiful day-trip island in the Saronic Gulf.
Hydra bans motor vehicles across the whole island, so transport is by foot, donkey and water taxi. The horseshoe-shaped harbour is surrounded by stone mansions built by ship owners in the 18th and 19th centuries, which attracted artists including Leonard Cohen. Visit the harbour museum and monasteries, or follow the coastal path to Kamini and Vlychos for a swim. From Piraeus, it takes about 1.5–2 hours by fast ferry. A one-way ticket costs about €30–40. You can also join a day cruise to the three islands of Hydra, Poros and Aegina.
Opening hours
Open all day; check official site for ferry schedules
Nearby sights
- Poros
- Aegina
- Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus
- Lake Vouliagmeni
- Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center
- Cape Sounion & Temple of Poseidon
- Philopappos Hill
- Pnyx