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24 Hours in Hydra: Tips for Paradise

 

One of the best things to do while visiting Greece is jump on a ferry boat and visit the islands. Close to Athens, Hydra is the perfect getaway.
Port of Hydra (Photo by Gabi Ancarola)

One of the best things to do while visiting Greece is to jump on a ferry-boat and visit the islands. If you are short of time, however, it can be difficult to spend many hours sailing; which is why the island of Hydra is the perfect solution for a 24 hour getaway.
You can catch an early ferry from the port of Piraeus, and be in Hydra in approximately one hour.
One of the best things to do while visiting Greece is jump on a ferry boat and visit the islands. Close to Athens, Hydra is the perfect getaway. (photo by Gabi Ancarola)
Alleys in town (photo by Gabi Ancarola).

Tips for a Day in Paradise

  • Reaching the port

From the center of Athens take the metro (Line 1 Piraeus/Kifissia) to Piraeus; a 20-minute ride from the center. Arrive with plenty of time and have the trip details handy so as to find your departure gate.

  • Once on the island

Start the day with a walk along the port where mules and donkeys are waiting to be loaded with the bags from passengers. Hydra is one of the few places in Greece where cars, motorbikes and even bikes are banned.

Donkeys at the port of Hydra (by Gabi Ancarola) -One of the best things to do while visiting Greece is jump on a ferry boat and visit the islands. Close to Athens, Hydra is the perfect getaway.
Donkeys at the port (photo by Gabi Ancarola)

For a panoramic view, choose one of the paths that lead up the hills, to solitary monasteries. From there, the port of Hydra will look even more romantic.
Walk along the coastal road if you choose to spend the day on a beach near the port. The beaches of Avlaki and Kamini are the best option. If you prefer a more solitary atmosphere, you can arrange for a sea taxi at the port and choose between the beaches of Molos, Bisti or Agios Nikolaos. Being this far can be great to have some time on your own, but you will need to take your lunch with you because these are not organized beaches.
One of the best things to do while visiting Greece is jump on a ferry boat and visit the islands. Close to Athens, Hydra is the perfect getaway. (by Gabi Ancarola)
Avlaki (photo by Gabi Ancarola).

  • Move around

Sea taxis and water buses can help you reach the furthest angles of the island. To visit the rest of Hydra, prefer horses, donkeys or mules. However; if you really want to discover the most hidden corners on your own, the best way to do it is by walking.

Check Gabi Ancarola’s guide to Athens with a special section dedicated to Hydra.

  • Local food

There are many bars and taverns along the port, that serve traditional Greek dishes at all hours. The Pirate along with other music cocktails bars such as  Papagalos and The Skipper, are a few of the options available.
For fresh fish or an octopus salad, the best place is To Pefkaki, on the road that connects Avlaki and Kamini. They also serve traditional Greek yoghurt with homemade jam on top.

One of the best things to do while visiting Greece is jump on a ferry boat and visit the islands. Close to Athens, Hydra is the perfect getaway.
Taxi boats at the Port of Kamini (photo by Gabi Ancarola).

  • If you would rather spend the night than go back to Athens

Accommodation facilities are limited in off season months, however, if you intend to spend the night, it is advisable to search for a room the moment you arrive on the island or better still if you can, book in advance.

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