Hydra

Day 1: Harbour life, cliff swims and sunset rituals

Arrive by hydrofoil and let the island’s slow rhythm take over. With no cars, everything happens at walking pace, framed by stone mansions and glittering sea light.

• Morning: Hand your bags to a mule handler at the quay (pre-arrange via your hotel), then orient yourself with a gentle harbour loop and a short climb to the bastions with their cannons for the classic amphitheatre view. Settle into island time with a long coffee at a front‑row table (try Roloi) and a first browse of boutiques and ateliers along the promenade and backstreets (peek into Elena Votsi’s jewellery and the atmospheric Rafalias Pharmacy).
• Midday: Swim from Spilia or the rock platforms by Hydronetta; bring water shoes for the ladders and rocks. If you prefer a beach setup, hop a five‑minute water taxi to Mandraki for loungers and calm water.
• Afternoon: Wander the lanes that climb into Kiafa, the quiet upper town; pause under bougainvillea and watch the harbour unfold below. Duck into small galleries and concept stores in the sokakia (Cool Projects, Turquoise) and save siesta time when the sun is fiercest.
• Evening: Claim a spot at Hydronetta Bar for an elemental sunset over open sea, then dine waterside at Téchnē or Omilos; book ahead for golden‑hour tables. Join the evening volta along the quay and end with a nightcap at Pirate Bar. Seasonal note: in high summer, book dinners for 9–10 pm; in spring/autumn, 8–9 pm feels perfect.

Day 2: Peaks, poetry and a harbour-to-harbour evening

Today blends Hydra’s wild heights with its bohemian soul, then slides into a seaside taverna supper in the fishing hamlet of Kamini.

• Morning: Set off early for the hike to Agia Efpraxia and Profitis Ilias (allow 60–90 minutes up; sturdy shoes, hat, at least 1.5 L water). Share the monastery’s silence, refill at the fountain, and, if energy allows, continue 20 minutes to Mount Eros for a 360‑degree panorama.
• Midday: Reward yourself with a shaded lunch at Xeri Elia Douskos, the timeless taverna under trees once favoured by Leonard Cohen. Stroll by Cohen’s house (view from outside) and the memorial bench; keep voices low out of respect for neighbours.
• Afternoon: Charter a water taxi to a secluded cove (ask for Limnioniza if conditions permit) for private swims and reading on sun‑warmed rocks; arrange pick‑up time before you’re dropped. If winds are up, choose the easier Hydronetta/Spilia combo instead.
• Evening: Walk the coastal path (15–20 minutes) to Kamini for dinner at Kodylenia’s, with fishing boats and Peloponnese views; reserve for sunset. Option to ride a water taxi back under the stars. Visiting at Greek Easter? Replace dinner with the Good Friday Epitaphios procession that enters the sea at Kamini—solemn, unforgettable.

Day 3: Coastal amble, long lunch and a farewell glow

Ease into your final day with a sea‑hugging walk and an unhurried feast, then savour Hydra’s soft evening light from above.

• Morning: Follow the coastal path beyond Kamini to Vlychos and the little cove of Plakes Vlychou; swim off the pebbles between photo stops looking back to town. Wear proper sandals/trainers—the path is stone and can be slippery after spray.
• Midday: Linger over a table‑by‑the‑water lunch at the taverna on Plakes Vlychou; order the day’s fish and a crisp white from the Peloponnese. If the meltemi is blowing, return by water taxi to avoid walking in the heat.
• Afternoon: Last flânerie through the backstreets for any “investment” purchases (sustainable Greek linens, handcrafted ceramics, a small silver piece), and arrange professional packing/shipping if needed. Pop into a quiet café for one more unhurried coffee—siga‑siga really is the island’s secret.
• Evening: Create your own aperitivo: pick up a bottle of wine, bread and local cheese, then climb a little into Kiafa to a low stone wall with harbour views and toast yamas at dusk. Or book Veranda for elevated sunset dining. Off‑season tip: on chilly nights, cosy tavernas with fireplaces replace sunset bars—and you’ll have the views largely to yourself.

By Sea

• High-speed passenger ferries (FlyingCat/Flying Dolphin) from Piraeus Port (Gate E8) to Hydra: about 1 hr 40 min–2 hrs, several departures daily (more in summer). Advance booking recommended.
• Regional links: ferries also run to/from Ermioni, Porto Heli and Spetses (approx. 25–70 min depending on route and stops).
• Metochi (Peloponnese): frequent small passenger boats and 24/7 water taxis to Hydra in 20–30 min; large paid car parks at the pier.

By Air

• Athens International Airport (ATH) is the main gateway.
  • To Piraeus Port: taxi 45–60 min; Metro Line 3 (Blue) to Piraeus or to Monastiraki then Line 1 (Green) to Piraeus, 55–75 min total; X96 express bus 60–90 min. Then ferry to Hydra (1 hr 40 min–2 hrs).
• Kalamata (KLX): drive about 3–3.5 hrs to Metochi, then 20–30 min boat to Hydra.

By Train

• No direct rail to the island. Long‑distance trains arrive at Athens (Larissa Station).
  • From Larissa Station: Metro Line 2 (Red) to Omonia/Monastiraki, then Line 1 (Green) to Piraeus (about 30–40 min), or taxi 25–40 min. Then ferry to Hydra.

By Bus

• From Athens Airport: X96 express bus to Piraeus Port (about 60–90 min).
• From Athens (Kifissos Bus Station): KTEL Argolida buses to Ermioni or Porto Heli (about 3–3.5 hrs), then ferry or sea taxi to Hydra (about 25–60 min).

By Car

• Cars are not allowed on Hydra. Drive to Metochi (opposite Hydra) and park at the dock; cross as a foot passenger by shuttle boat or water taxi (20–30 min).
• Typical drive times: Athens to Metochi about 2.5–3.5 hrs (via Corinth–Epidaurus); Nafplio to Metochi about 1.5–2 hrs; Kalamata to Metochi about 3–3.5 hrs.