How to Spend One Day in Hydra: A Great Itinerary You Will Want to Copy (+ Food & Accommodation)
This post offers a tested itinerary for spending one day in Hydra, a gorgeous island just a short ride from Athens. It includes the best things to do in Hydra in one day.
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An easy thing to do in Athens is to jump on a ferryboat and leave the chaos behind! The Saronic Gulf offers a quick, relaxing break for Athenians and visitors.
Among the many islands, one stands out: Hydra. Book a return ticket and let the magic of Hydra carry you away to a day of marine atmosphere and stunning landscapes. Let’s see what things to do in Hydra in one day!
Boat Trip from Piraeus to Hydra
If you’re planning to spend one day on one of Athens’ closest islands, get up early in the morning and reach the Port of Piraeus by bus or—even easier—the metro. It takes about 25 minutes from the center of Athens, and the metro station is right opposite the port.
It’s always better to book your ferry ticket to Hydra in advance since it’s not always easy to find available tickets. Although several ferries cross every day, finding the right ticket is not always easy, especially in summer. I always use Ferryhopper for convenient fees.
>> Read more about ferry travel in Greece.
Things to Do in Hydra in One Day
When arriving in Hydra, you will notice a line of mules and donkeys waiting to carry somebody’s luggage. The island offers plenty of interesting things to do even if you don’t plan to spend more than a day in Hydra. For instance, you can hike some trails (or not), swim in the crystal waters, and indulge in authentic food from the best Greek traditions.
Morning in Hydra
Arriving in Hydra early is a great way to enjoy a less busy waterfront and a laid-back vibe. During the early hours of the morning, the small town is peaceful and silent, especially along the narrow streets that lead to the heart of the island.
At the port, you will find lines of mules and donkeys ready to help visitors with luggage and locals waiting for goods arriving from Athens.
Several paths are going through the hills from the port, leading to lonely monasteries overlooking the sea. This is the right time to walk past the port and follow the coastal path next to the sea until you spot three old windmills.
Right after the road bends, you will find a gorgeous small shore where the sea looks like a tiny angle of emerald. This tiny pebbled shore is known as Paralia Avlaki, and it’s heavenly for a quick, refreshing swim.
Lunchtime in Hydra
Not far from the beach, there’s one of the nicest tavernas in the area, To Pefkaki. Here,, you can feast on tasty seafood dishes (octopus is delicious), combine them with a rustic glass of retsina wine, and have a simple bowl of homemade yogurt with quince.
Choose a table under the trees, overlooking the sea, and get lost in the amazing sea views.
Afternoon in Hydra
Not far from this family-run taverna, you will find the small port of Kamini, where you can spend some time discovering the island’s beautiful landscape and traditional homes.
If you plan to spend more time on the beach in the afternoon, walk a few more minutes until you reach the next shore on Hydra’s coastal trail, Vlychos. Or move on and extend your beach towel on Kastello, another popular beach on the island.
Spend a peaceful afternoon sleeping or swimming, then climb the steps back to the main path and head back to the main port before sunset… the landscape is stunning.
If, instead, you prefer to explore the island, then head inland for stunning views!
Spending a few hours visiting Profitis Ilias Monastery can be a great idea. Although there are many religious sites on the island, Profitis Ilias offers some spectacular views. It’s situated on Mount Eros, Hydra’s highest hill, at the end of one of Hydra’s hiking paths, about 6 km from the port.
And since the views from the site are stunning, I strongly urge you to head there before sunset to see some unforgettable landscapes of the island.
The traditional Orthodox monastery dates from the seventeenth century, and its central church is richly adorned with paintings and icons.
The ascent to the monastery is quite steep, so if you want to avoid the hike, you can explore the area by hiring a donkey. Once on the site, keep in mind that the monastery is no longer fully active; however, you can schedule a chapel tour with the caretaker priest assigned to the monastery.
Walking to the monastery takes about 2 hours (each way), so don’t forget to wear comfortable walking shoes and carry enough water for the way.
Getting Back to Athens
Before it’s dinner time, it is a good idea to walk along the seaside promenade, purchase a few souvenirs from the island, or enjoy a good cup of Greek coffee.
If you want to avoid the crowds, find a table at a bar closer to where the boats from Athens arrive; this area tends to be less crowded.
Try the local cakes (chocolate or my favorite: orange cake soaked in honey with whipped cream), and spend some time people-watching.
Before it’s finally time to get back to Athens, grab your camera and walk to the extreme of the port to capture the sunset over the hills, the beautiful shapes of the yachts, and the sun setting over the sea.
Organized Activities in Hydra
Suppose you’d like to visit Hydra but are unsure about booking a ferry ticket and venturing on an adventure. In that case, you can join an organized daily cruise like this one, including stops in other incredible islands. The tour is a top-rated activity that also includes lunch and offers great value for money
Tips to Visit Hydra
Keep these tips at hand for the next time you spend 1 day in Hydra!
- Reaching Piraeus Port from Athens
From the center of Athens, take the metro (Line 1 Piraeus/Kifissia) to Piraeus.
It’s a 20-minute ride from the center. Arrive with plenty of time to spare and have your trip information at hand: You will have to find your gate in one of the busiest places ever and probably need to walk!
- Spending the Night in Hydra
Most visitors come only for the day (accommodation is limited and tends to be on the expensive side). If you intend to spend the night, search for a room when you arrive or book before leaving Athens.
If you fall in love with the island’s beauty and want to extend your one-day trip, check out this guide to the best rental homes on Hydra.
- Where to Stay in Hydra
- If you’re looking for an inexpensive place to stay in Hydra, Botsis is a comfy guest house with very convenient prices and impeccable facilities.
Click here for the latest prices.
- If you can spend a little more during your stay, I suggest Mistral Hotel. It is centrally located and offers great value for money.
Click here for the latest prices.
Moving Around in Hydra
Water buses or taxi boats can reach the beaches further from the port. To see the inner part of the island, choose a donkey, a mule, or a horse. If you are there just for the day, explore or move along the coast in the best way: walking.
Where to Eat in Hydra
Choose one of the bars facing the seafront. Most serve local dishes, and the prices are in the middle range. Mezes (traditional small dishes similar to the Spanish tapas) and ouzo or a glass of local beer can be a good choice.
Late at night, The Pirate and Papagalos are there for music and cocktails. My orange cake comes from The Skipper.
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How to Spend One Day in Hydra, Greece
Gabi Ancarola
I have been living in Chania, Crete, since 2016. This has given me an intimate knowledge of Greece. In Crete, I’m a travel writer and also host culinary experiences. I co-authored DK Eyewitness Top 10 Crete. I write about Crete at Crete Insider and about Greek food at My Cretan Recipe.
