Hydra Town is the main settlement and port of Hydra, a picturesque island in the Saronic Gulf near Athens. Hydra is famous for its car-free lifestyle, its stunning architecture, its rich history and its beautiful beaches. If you are looking for a relaxing and charming destination for your next holiday, Hydra Town might be the perfect choice for you. But how can you get there from Athens or other islands? In this blog post, we will answer this question and give you some useful tips and information on how to plan your trip to Hydra Town.
Getting to Hydra Town from Athens
The easiest and most common way to get to Hydra Town from Athens is by ferry. There are frequent ferry connections from the port of Piraeus in Athens to the port of Hydra Town, operated by different companies such as Blue Star Ferries and Alpha Lines. The ferry journey takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on the type of vessel and the number of stops. The average ticket price for a deck seat is around 40 euros, but you can find cheaper or more expensive options depending on the season, the availability and the booking time. You can check the schedules and book your tickets online on websites like Ferryhopper or Greeka.
If you are flying to Athens from abroad, you will need to get from the airport to Piraeus port first. There are several ways to do that, such as taking a taxi, a bus or a metro. The taxi ride takes about 45 minutes and costs around 50 euros. The bus (X96) runs 24/7 and takes about 90 minutes, with a ticket price of 6 euros. The metro (line 3) runs from 6:30 am to 11:30 pm and takes about 60 minutes, with a ticket price of 10 euros. You can find more information on how to get from Athens airport to Piraeus port here.
Getting to Hydra Town from other islands
Hydra Town is also well connected to other islands of the Saronic Gulf, such as Aegina, Poros, Spetses and Agistri. There are regular ferry routes between these islands and Hydra Town, especially during the summer season. The ferry journey takes from 20 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the island and the type of vessel. The ticket prices vary from 10 to 20 euros, depending on the company and the route. You can check the schedules and book your tickets online on websites like Ferryhopper or Greeka.
You can also get to Hydra Town from some mainland ports of Peloponnese, such as Porto Heli and Ermioni. These ports are easily accessible by car or bus from Athens or other cities of Peloponnese. The ferry journey takes about 30 minutes from Porto Heli and 15 minutes from Ermioni, with ticket prices ranging from 10 to 15 euros. You can check the schedules and book your tickets online on websites like Ferryhopper or Greeka.
Tips and information for your trip to Hydra Town
- Hydra Town is a car-free destination, which means that there are no cars, motorcycles or bicycles allowed on the island. The only modes of transport are walking, donkeys, mules and water taxis. This makes Hydra Town a very peaceful and authentic place, but also requires some planning and preparation for your luggage and mobility.
- Hydra Town has a variety of accommodation options, from luxury hotels and villas to budget guesthouses and apartments. You can find something for every taste and budget, but make sure to book in advance, especially during the high season (July-August), as the island gets very busy and popular.
- Hydra Town has a lot of things to see and do, such as visiting the historical mansions and museums, exploring the narrow alleys and the stone houses, enjoying the views from the hilltops and the monasteries, relaxing at the cafes and taverns along the waterfront, swimming and sunbathing at the nearby beaches, or taking a boat trip to the other side of the island.
- Hydra Town is also a great base for island hopping to the other islands of the Saronic Gulf, such as Aegina, Poros, Spetses and Agistri. You can easily combine your visit to Hydra Town with a day trip or a longer stay at these islands, and discover their unique beauty and charm.
Conclusion
Hydra Town is a wonderful destination for anyone who wants to experience the Greek island life in a different and original way. It is easily accessible from Athens or other islands by ferry, and it offers a lot of attractions and activities for all kinds of travelers. If you are planning to visit Hydra Town, we hope that this blog post has helped you with some useful tips and information on how to get there and what to expect. Have a great time in Hydra Town!
