Hydra is a Greek island which is absolutely unique. The only hustle and bustle you will find here are created by tourists themselves. There are no cars, only cats and donkeys and beautiful clear water. If you’re based in Athens and want island vibes without burning two days on ferries traveling to the more popular Santorini and Mykonos etc… Hydra is the sweet spot. This island is easy to reach, easy to wander, and in this post you will find a list of packed things to do in Hydra,
Below you’ll find a tight, budget-friendly day trip plan: how to get there, the best things to do, a few short hikes, and some quick beach options plus all the details most guides miss (like which port gate your ferry actually leaves from, where to swim right in town, and realistic hike times).
Getting to Hydra from Athens (Times, Costs & Simple Booking)
Before discussing what things to do in Hydra, we need to actually get there. There is only one way really and that is to catch a ferry from Piraeus port in Athens. The ferry takes around 1.5 to 2.5 hours depends if you are taking a fast ferry or the regular ferry. The price is around €30 one way but some operators will provide discounts on same day returns or if you book the return through the same company.
Check live schedules and book online at Ferryhopper. I actually choose to pay slightly more and got myself on the fast ferry to make the most out of my day in Hydra. If you are not looking to hike or swim then you can enjoy your time on the slow ferry and enjoy your time on the boat. With the slow ferry you can go out on deck which may be a nice addition to soak in the views of the other greek islands.
If you prefer booking direct, see Hellenic Seaways (Blue Star) and Alpha Lines; Magic Sea Ferries also publishes a 2025 price list showing Hydra economy seats at €38 from Piraeus.
Where to board Piraeus Gate E8 handles Saronic Gulf ferries (Hydra/Poros/Spetses). Your ticket and the port screens will confirm, but 99% of the time it’s E8 or E9. Take Metro Line 1 to “Piraeus” and walk ~10–15 min to the gate area.
The route: Athens (Piraeus Port) to Hydra (Idra).
How long: ~1 hr 20 min to 2 hr 20 min, depending on stops and operator.
Typical one-way price: ~€30–€39 for the high-speed catamarans (prices vary by season/operator).
Who runs it: Blue Star/Hellenic Seaways (FlyingCat/Aero Highspeed), Alpha Lines, and Magic Sea Ferries.
Your Perfect Hydra Day Trip
Once you arrive in Hydra I was faced with the question whether to head down left or right. I didn’t do much planning on this trip which was very unlike me but here is how I spent my day and all the things to do in Hydra so you avoid the pointless roaming around that I did before eventually finding my way! This will depend on what you want to do and the time of year you actually visit but if you have a full day I would start it off like this.
1) Stroll along the harbor
Once arrived I headed left because I saw a lot of people go right so I headed in the opposite direction away from the hustle and bustle. I was glad I did as immediately I came along this bastion where I could enjoy postcard like views over the town of Hydra. It isn’t difficult to find a good spot though as the harbor is picturesque from every angle but I would say this is a great photo spot for you to enjoy.
2) Get lost in Hydra’s Backstreets
Right by the harbor, this is the island’s spiritual heart. It’s small, and offers context into the island before you head off to beaches and hikes mentioned further down this post. You’ll find yourself in a maze of narrow cobbled alleys and whitewashed stairways climbing the hills. Exploring these backstreets is one of the greatest things to do in Hydra – I truly felt like stepping into another era. You’ll pass grand 18th-century mansions with colorful doors, tiny chapels on quiet squares, and maybe a snoozing cat on a window sill.
Don’t miss Rafalia’s Pharmacy, an apothecary shop founded in 1890 that still operates today; it’s often called one of the most beautiful pharmacies in the world, stocked with remedies in old wooden cabinets and displaying vintage pharmaceutical tools. It is experiences like this that made me grateful as not having a strict plan as I could just roam around the backstreets as I pleased grabbing photos as I go.
3) Visit Hydra’s Museums
Right on the waterfront there was the Historical Archive – Museum of Hydra, housed in an elegant stone building. You will pass by it on your way to the bastion mentioned above. This museum (entrance around €5) features memorabilia from Hydra’s maritime past and its contribution to the Greek War of Independence. You will find vintage ship figureheads, captains’ portraits, maps, and historic documents. Personally I wasn’t too interested in this stuff so I skipped by but if you’re a historian then feel free to go in for a quick visit.
Another museum is the Kountouriotis Mansion which is a branch of the national historical museum. It is impossible to miss as it has distinctive mustard yellow walls overlooking the port. It is on the other side from where you came from and you need to walk a bit uphill to get to it. The entry is €10 where you can tour its period-furnished rooms and see traditional artifacts. The house itself is a highlight with its preserved interiors and a terrific terrace view, giving a glimpse into how Hydra’s elite lived two centuries ago.
4) Go for a hike on one of Hydra’s many hiking trails
There are plenty of hikes in Hydra and I will list some of the options in the hikes section. However if you are visiting in summer I would honestly recommend skipping hiking full length of the hikes unless you are truly up for it. The trails in Hydra are sun exposed, you are not walking in shade and battling uphill in that heat is no joke. When I visited in summer I started making my way up the trail to the monastery and then ditched half way through as I saw a path that would take me straight to a beach and that is what I did.
The views however were amazing so I do really recommend going on a hike if it is not in peak summer. I love myself a hike and I went on some pretty challenging ones including the Danube Bend hike in Hungary but the Greek sun defeated me on this occasion. If you decide to go make sure to carry with you plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated! One other major thing to keep note of while hiking in Hydra is to watch out for the donkey’s personal business littered around. Some of it might be too fresh for your shoes liking.
5) Ride on a Donkey
Speaking of donkeys, if you don’t want to hike up you can actually ride on a donkey and you get transported up Hydra’s steep lanes. Like I said in the intro, cars are banned so this is the mode of transport on the island. You’ll see them lined up at the harbor, especially when the ferries arrive, ready to carry luggage to hotels. If you do decide to ride, keep it short and light; the animals are well-cared for but it’s best not to overburden them (adult riders might opt for a larger mule or horse)
Even if you don’t ride one make sure to spot them on your waterfront stroll as these donkeys are part of Hydra’s identity and character making them iconic.
6) Go for a swim in one of Hydra’s beaches
A trip to a Greek island won’t be complete without a dip in the sea especially if you’re visiting in the summer! There are many little coves or lovely beaches within walking distance of the harbor. If you are being truly lazy there is another form of transport apart from the donkeys and that is via sea taxis!
Hydra’s sea taxis leave from the east corner of the harbor. Prices are per boat (not per person) and depend on distance; agree before boarding. For the remote beaches (Bisti, Agios Nikolaos) there are scheduled “beach boats” with per-person fares which are handy if you’re solo travelling. Ask at the kiosks on the harbor in the morning for times that day.
For a full list of prices check out HydraDirect, mind you they are not cheap but you can maybe negotiate a price or encounter other tourists wanting to go the same place as you. If you do want to walk here are my suggested beaches for you to go to without paying a cent
Top Beaches / Swimming Spots in Hydra
There are plenty of opportunities for you to relax at one of Hydra’s swimming spots. These range from right next to the harbour to small walks to full blown hikes. Others can also be reached by water taxi where you can find prices in the link in the previous section.
Spilia & Hydronetta (Hydra Town):
These are more of swimming spots rather than traditional beaches. Located a 5-minute walk from Hydra Port (just past the famous Pirate Bar), Spilia and nearby Hydronetta offer rocky platforms with ladders where you can dive straight into deep clear water. It’s like swimming in a giant natural pool. Hydronetta has a café-bar with lounge chairs on the rocks, making it a chill spot to sunbathe, swim, and sip a cold drink with an incredible view.
Kamini
This tiny pebbly cove is great for families. It is a 15 min walk from town or a short water taxi hop. It’s shallow and usually has a few fishing boats moored nearby. Families like this spot as the water is gentle. It’s easy to grab a snack or drink from the taverna nearby. Plus, the setting is charming with the backdrop of Kamini’s white houses.
Vilchos Beach
Vlichos is often cited as Hydra’s most beautiful beach, thanks to its clear water and the stunning view back towards town and hills. This picturesque pebble beach is about 1.8 km west of Hydra Town (roughly a 30-minute walk, or reachable by water taxi). There are sunbeds for rent and a nice taverna (called Castello) right on the beach in a converted old fort building. Vlichos never feels too crowded either and is a top choice if you want a classic beach afternoon on Hydra.
Mandraki (east of town):
This is where I actually ended up going to swim after giving up on completing my hike to the other side of the island due to the scorching heat. It is easily reached by heading east from the main harbor (a 20–30 minute coastal walk. Mandraki holds the distinction of being Hydra’s only sandy beach. It’s a small bay that used to be a naval harbor. Today there’s a boutique resort and beach club there, with umbrellas, loungers, and a bar/restaurant which is not cheap. Instead I backtracked a bit and there was a small public beach and set up camp there.
Hydra Hiking Options
Hydra is laced with old mule trails and makes it a great island for hiking. The trails are well marked with yelow signs and range from easy strolls to more challenging climbs. These are ideal for the off seasons when it is too cold to swim. In the summer heat I really don’t recommend them unless you’re a very keen hiker. I attempted one and after an hour or so of climbing uphill I decided to cut corner and head straight to the beach.
A) Monastery of Prophet Elias
The trek up to Profitis Ilias (Prophet Elias) Monastery is the island’s classic hike. It’s roughly a 5 km round trip and takes about 2.5–3 hours total walking time (plus rest stops). The trailhead starts from Hydra Town’s backstreets, winding up hundreds of stone steps and then into a dirt path through the shrubs. You’ll pass another nunnery (Agia Eufimia) about halfway up, which has lovely courtyards and views if open. The final stretch is steep, zig-zagging up Mount Eros to reach the monastery gates. Once at the top, catch your breath and take in the panoramic views.
B) Monastery of Prophet Elias → Mount Eros (highest point)
If you’re up for even more, a rough path behind the monastery continues a short way to the actual summit of Mount Eros, the highest point on Hydra. Otherwise, after enjoying the summit, you’ll head back down the same way you came. Start early (morning) to avoid hiking in the harsh midday sun, especially in summer when temperatures soar and there’s no shade on the trail. I didn’t manage to achieve this on my day trip as even though I came here earliest I could with the ferry timings, it still was too late in the day and hence too hot. If you do decide to do this I definitely recommend a hat and carry loads of water.
To reach Mount Eros from the town is a 3-4 hour steep climb from the town.
C) Coastal Walks & Short Trails
If a big hike isn’t your go to or simply deem it too hot you can always do a leisurely coastal walk to one of the beaches mentioned above. The coast path to Kamini and Vlichos is one such walk, mostly flat and extremely scenic. It’s an easy walk suitable for anyone and you can turn it into a hike by continuing past Vlichos to even more remote coves if you have time.
Another option is hiking east to Mandraki: from the harbor, head in the opposite direction past the statue of Miaoulis (a famous Hydriot naval hero) and follow the path over the headland. This 25-minute walk brings you to Mandraki Bay, where you can reward yourself with a swim.
Final Tips for a Smooth Hydra Day Trip
That should cover all the options of things to do in Hydra whether you’re visiting in the lively season from April-October or in the winter for the peace and quiet and a hike or two. Remember to buy your ferry ticket a few days ahead and get the early ferry to maximize your time in Hydra. It is a proper island escape from Athens and if you want to take more inspiration on how to spend your days in Athens I got you covered with this Athens 3-Day Itinerary Guide.
