Hydra is one of the most beautiful islands in Greece — and one of my personal favorites for a quick escape from Athens. Part of the Saronic Islands, Hydra feels like stepping back in time: there are no cars on the island, and transport is limited to donkeys, mules, and water taxis.
Once a wealthy hub of trade in the 18th century, today Hydra thrives on tourism while still keeping its authentic charm. Between the stone mansions, winding alleys, clear waters, and laid-back vibe, it’s no wonder Hydra is a favorite for artists, locals, and visitors alike.
The best part? You can easily visit on a day trip from Athens. In this guide, I’ll show you how to get there, what to do, and where to eat on this enchanting island.
Want a sneak peek of Hydra before you go? Watch my video on the best things to do in Hydra, filmed on the island so you can see the highlights for yourself.
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How to get to Hydra from Athens
Hydra is one of the easiest islands to reach from Athens, which is why it’s so popular for a day trip. Here are your main options:
Ferry (Most Popular)
The fastest and most convenient way is by high-speed ferry (Flying Dolphin or Catamaran) from Piraeus Port. The trip takes about 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours, with multiple departures daily.
Click here for the ferry schedule and to book your tickets.
Car
Although cars aren’t allowed on Hydra, you can drive from Athens to Metochi (about 2 hours), where you’ll find parking. From there, take a short 20–25 minute boat or water taxi across to Hydra. This is a good option if you’re combining Hydra with a Peloponnese road trip.
Guided Tour
For a completely hassle-free experience, join a day cruise from Athens. Many tours include Hydra along with Poros and Aegina, giving you a taste of three Saronic Islands in one day. Everything from transport to the schedule is taken care of, making it perfect if you’re short on time.
👉 I recommend this Hydra, Poros & Aegina Day Cruise
Things to do in Hydra
Though Hydra is very small, there is no shortage of amazing things to do and see during your Athens to Hydra day trip; here are some of the highlights:
See the Donkeys of Hydra
Though it is not recommended to ride these donkeys, they are nonetheless an essential part of the local culture; there are over 1000 donkeys on the island, and they have historically been the go-to mode of transport in Hydra.
Ride a horse with Harriet’s Hydra Horses
For a unique way to explore the island, join a ride with Harriet’s Hydra Horses. Harriet grew up on the island and runs horseback excursions that range from short 45-minute rides to full-day adventures.
The horses are rescues, cared for with a focus on animal well-being, and the experience is both romantic and family-friendly. It’s a wonderful alternative to donkeys and lets you see Hydra from a different perspective.
See the local architecture
Hydra is known for its stone mansions, cobbled streets, and colorful bougainvillea spilling over whitewashed walls. Simply wandering the alleys is one of the best things to do here — every corner reveals another hidden courtyard, church, or view over the harbor.
👉 Tip: Wear comfortable shoes — the island is hilly, and many streets are steep.
Visit the Monastery of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary
Right in the heart of the harbor, beneath Hydra’s clock tower, you’ll find the Monastery of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary — the island’s main cathedral. Built in 1643, it’s known for its Byzantine frescoes, Orthodox icons, and peaceful atmosphere.
👉 Tip: Remember to dress modestly (covered shoulders and knees), as this is an active place of worship.
Discover the Museums of Hydra
For a small island, Hydra has some excellent museums that showcase its rich history:
- Historical Archives Museum – Founded in 1918, with artifacts, rare documents, and exhibits on Hydra’s role in Greek history.
- Kountouriotis Mansion – A grand 18th-century mansion turned museum, dedicated to Lazaros Kountouriotis, a key figure in the Greek War of Independence.
- Ecclesiastical Museum – Inside the Monastery of the Assumption, with religious relics, manuscripts, and icons.
👉 Tip: Even if you’re not a museum lover, step into Kountouriotis Mansion — the interiors and sea views are stunning.
Walk from Kamini to Hydra Town
Just west of Hydra Town lies the fishing village of Kamini, a peaceful spot with traditional houses, a small harbor, and fewer tourists. Walking the coastal path between Kamini and Hydra Town only takes about 15–20 minutes and offers beautiful sea views.
👉 Tip: Stop at Sunset Restaurant in Kamini for dinner with a view — it’s one of the island’s most romantic spots.
Climb the Bastions
For a taste of local history, you can climb the impressive bastions, which offer some astonishing views of the Aegean Sea. These bastions originally held cannons and served the purpose of protecting the harbor from Turkish fleets in the 18th century.
Explore the Beaches of Hydra
Hydra may be small, but it has plenty of lovely spots for swimming and sunbathing:
- Vlychos Beach – A pretty pebble beach with crystal-clear waters, reachable on foot or by water taxi. Great for a relaxed swim with tavernas nearby.
- Kaminia Beach – Family-friendly with shallow waters and tavernas right by the sea.
- Spilia – A rocky swimming spot close to Hydra Town, perfect if you just want a quick dip with easy access to cafés.
- Agios Nikolaos – A more remote and quiet beach, accessible by boat — ideal if you want to escape the crowds.
- Plakes Vlychos – In front of the Four Seasons Hotel, with sunbeds, tavernas, and panoramic views of mainland Greece.
👉 Tip: Water taxis are the easiest way to beach-hop around Hydra.
Visit Rafalia’s Pharmacy
Founded in the 1890s, Rafalia’s Pharmacy is often called one of the most beautiful historic pharmacies in the world. Still run by the same family, it feels like stepping back in time with its wooden shelves and vintage jars.
You’ll also find beautifully packaged products — from handmade soaps and lotions to traditional Greek colognes — making it a great place to pick up unique souvenirs.
👉 Tip: Ask about their fragrances made using old Greek recipes — they’re one of a kind.
Places to eat in Hydra
Hydra has a fantastic mix of traditional tavernas and cozy restaurants — here are some of the best spots:
Where to eat in Hydra Harbour/Town
To Piato – A classic Greek taverna right on the waterfront by the clock tower, serving fresh local dishes. Inside, you’ll see a quirky collection of painted plates left by customers over the years.
Caprice – A cozy Italian trattoria hidden in the alleys, decorated with old sponge-diving photos and tools. Great for pasta and pizza with a Greek twist.
Il Casta – Another excellent Italian choice, offering fresh seafood and pasta in a charming courtyard setting.
Prima – A lively all-day café-restaurant on the harbor, perfect for coffee, drinks, or light meals with a sea view.
Where to eat in Kamini Town
Kodylenia’s – A seafront favorite serving delicious fish and traditional Greek dishes, with beautiful views of the harbor.
Christina – A family-run taverna with authentic Greek home cooking made from fresh local ingredients.
👉 Tip: For a romantic evening, have dinner in Kamini and walk back along the coastal path under the stars.
Hydra is one of those islands that instantly steals your heart. With its car-free charm, stone mansions, crystal-clear waters, and relaxed pace of life, it’s the perfect escape from Athens — whether you visit for a day trip or stay a little longer.
Every time I come back, I find something new to love: a hidden alley, a sunset walk along the promenade, or a quiet swim at a pebbled beach. Hydra may be small, but it’s full of beauty and character.
Are you planning a day trip from Athens to Hydra, or would you like to stay overnight? Let me know in the comments below!
Chrysoula is an Athens-born travel writer, island explorer, and lifelong lover of Greece. She’s been sharing her insider knowledge of Athens, the Greek Islands, and local culture for nearly a decade — both on this blog and her YouTube channel. Having visited over 60 countries and every major region of Greece, she brings a traveler’s curiosity and a local’s insight to everything she writes.
📍 Based in Athens🎥 Also on YouTube: @GreeceandBeyond🧿 Favorite Greek escape: Lemnos & Crete (where her grandmothers were born)📬 Contact: unfoldinggreece@gmail.com
Learn more about me here.