"Hydra: Wander the Cosmopolitan Car-Free Island on Foot"
Description
Hydra is a gem of the Greek islands that seamlessly blends natural beauty with cosmopolitan charm. Famous for its picturesque harbor, stone mansions, and narrow cobblestone streets, the island exudes an old-world elegance that captivates visitors from around the world. Hydra is unique in that cars are prohibited, preserving its tranquil atmosphere and traditional character. Donkeys, bicycles, and water taxis are the main modes of transport, allowing visitors to explore the island at a relaxed pace. Beyond its natural beauty, Hydra boasts a rich cultural scene. The island’s cafes, waterfront restaurants provide a cosmopolitan flair, making it a favorite destination for both relaxation and sophistication. Whether wandering through its charming alleys, watching the sunset over the harbor, Hydra captures the essence of a cosmopolitan yet authentically Greek experience. It is an island where tradition meets modern elegance, offering visitors a truly unforgettable escape.
Tour Options
Itinerary
The Isthmus of Corinth is a narrow strip of land that connects Central Greece with the Peloponnese , while the canal that has been opened in it connects the Saronic Gulf with the Gulf of Corinth . It is about 6 kilometers long and the narrowest point is where the Corinth Canal was built (1880-1893). It was a strategic point and for this reason a wall had already been built since ancient times (end of the 5th century BC), which had been preserved until the Byzantines ( Hexamilion ).
Metochi is a small agricultural hamlet of a few homes. The car park and jetty for the passenger ferries and sea taxis to moor up at is east of the area called Metochi. This is the closest point that you can get to Hydra by car before you have to take to the sea.From Metochi, there are routes to Hydra. One option is with Hydra Line, where the trip takes about 30 minutes and the ticket price is 7.50€ per person for one way. Another option is with a private taxi boat, and the trip takes about 20 minutes, and the ticket price is 60€ per group for one way. ***On the island of Hydra, motor vehicles are not allowed, and all transportation is done on foot. Therefore, the driver will not be able to bring the car to the island. However, the driver will accompany you to assist with your visit, provide guidance, and share all the necessary information to help you enjoy your time on the island. The cost of the driver’s ticket is covered and will not be an additional expense for you.
The island of Hydra is a popular small island of the Saronic Gulf, just a couple of hours from Athens. It is famous for its picturesque architecture, the vivid nightlife, and cosmopolitan character. Is a picturesque place to stroll around, with elegant mansions, with bastions - cannons that were used for protection in the past. They surround the port of Hydra and serve as reminders of a glorious past. Also you can visit the first Merchant Marine Academy that operated in Greece and finally the Auditorium Melina Merkouri, also known as The Exhibition and Concert Municipal Hall on the island of Hydra. So you can explore the island and enjoy your lunch.
The Museum of Historical Archives is located in an elegant stone mansion, at the port of Hydra Town. It houses manuscripts from the revolutionary period, paintings and ship models, rare books and other interesting exhibits.
This elegant stone mansion is an outhouse of the National Historical Museum. It includes relics of the Koundouriotis family, such as weaponry, traditional clothes, woodcarvings, paintings, and jewelry.
After the tour we will drive back to Athens.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
The guide driver will be happy to pick you up from any location you prefer — whether it is a hotel (where they will be waiting for you at the reception), an Airbnb, the Port of Piraeus (meeting you right outside your cruise ship with a sign displaying your name), or a metro or bus station. Simply provide us with the exact address or meeting point when you make your booking. If, for any reason, you are unable to locate your driver, please contact the emergency number shown on your voucher. Additionally, one day before your tour, we will send you the driver’s full contact details so you can reach them directly if needed.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Additional fees if the tour concludes at a location other than the designated meeting point.
- Flexible Pick-Up Times - Customize pick-up times to suit your schedule.
- Hourly Extensions - Extend your tour for a fee, adaptable to your needs.
Reviews(5)
Our tour was day two of our trip to Greece. The day was relaxing. We had our own private driver for the day. Great drive to Hydra. We stopped at the Corinth Canel. What an amazing site. Hydra was a neat place to visit. No cars on the island. Everything was just perfect.
Thank you very much for your wonderful review. We are delighted to hear that your second day in Greece was such a relaxing and enjoyable experience. It’s great to know that you enjoyed the scenic drive, the stop at the Corinth Canal, and the unique charm of Hydra. We are pleased that everything met your expectations and helped make your visit memorable. We hope to have the pleasure of welcoming you back to Greece for another unforgettable experience in the future.
We had such an amazing time on this tour. We booked it without knowing much about it, but it turned out to be the perfect choice, especially since we were traveling with my elderly dad who has trouble with longer boat rides. Taking the shorter ferry to Hydra made things so much easier. Our driver, Spyros, was incredible. He was attentive to every detail, making sure we were comfortable the whole way. He shared history and stories about the area, but also kept the pace relaxed. He even made sure we had time to stop for coffee, treats, and really nice scenic spots. When we got to Hydra, he gave us a list of must-see spots, including a fantastic bakery and a great restaurant we loved. After the island visit, he was waiting for us on the other side of the ferry, he had originally planned to take us back at 3 p.m. but ended up waiting until 5 p.m. at no extra charge. That small act of kindness really stood out. If you’re looking for a more relaxed visit without the stress of the busy port and long ferry ride, this is a great option. For us, it was the hospitality and generosity of our driver that made the day so special. I can honestly say I’d recommend this service just based on him alone, and I’m sure any other tour you book with them would give you the same warm, welcoming experience.
Hello from Athens 😊😊😊 We are truly delighted to hear that you had such a wonderful experience on your tour in Hydra. We are especially happy because, although you were a little hesitant at first due to your elderly father, it turned out to be such a beautiful and special day. It means so much to us that you returned with the best impressions, images, and memories from this picturesque island. We are even more pleased that our driver played a part in making the experience so enjoyable for you. Hearing such kind words about our team is the greatest reward we could ask for. We would be delighted to welcome you back to Greece in the future and to show you even more of its beauty. We also truly appreciate the time you took to write such detailed and thoughtful feedback about your experience. Many thanks, Marina
Andreas was friendly, prompt and very knowledgeable! I would absolutely recommend a trip! I would book with him again if I go back to Greece!
Thank you very much for your review ... I appreciate it!!!! We are very happy that you enjoyed our services!!!! This feedback helps us improve our ability to provide you with the best service possible. We look forward to welcoming you again to Athens!!!!!!!! Best regards, Marina Apostolou
Hydra is the most beautiful place! We loved every minute of our visit except you do need to be prepared for a long 2.5 hour drive to the dock for the ferry. Instead of waiting for the ferry which runs every 2 hours, we hired the water taxi to take our group of 4 to Hydra and back. This was a 15-20 minute boat ride. Andreas, our guide, was excellent at driving and giving information. I would give this trip a 5+ stars if it wasn’t for the long drive to and from Athens to get to the dock. Hydra should not be missed if you can get out of Athens for a full day.
Horseback riding was educational and fun. Food was fabulous. Seafront village was eye candy with many outdoor restaurants.
Thank you very much for your review to Viator... This feedback helps us improve our ability to provide you with the best service possible. We look forward to welcoming you again to Athens and offer you our services !!! Best regards, Marina Apostolou
