Espa

A Dazzling Day Trip to Hydra

A great cosmopolitan island escape, with pristine beaches, stunning architecture and international cultural allure

Duration

Full Day (11 hours)

When

Upon request

Languages

english, french

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Less than two hours from Athens, Hydra island is ideal for a day-trip. Completely traffic-free (no cars or scooters), the charming port town, lined with magnificent 18th-century mansions, is full of history and cultural charm. Hydra's beaches are stunning and tranquil, and the laid-back atmosphere of Greek island living will win your heart!

This is a Private Tour

Our private tours can be booked as featured or be customized especially for you.

Highlights

  • The beautiful port of Hydra, rich in history and cosmopolitan fame
  • Horse riding through the town's cobbled streets
  • A sea-taxi ride, swimming in crystal clear waters and a delicious Greek lunch (not included in price) at a seaside taverna
  • Sightseeing in this historic location, an important center during the 1821 Greek War of Independence

What you can expect

At the port of Piraeus, you'll board the Flying Dolphin for a quick and comfortable hydrofoil ride to the harbor town of Hydra. Once you reach the island you’ll be amazed by the local landscape that has made it a favored retreat of jetsetters and rock stars such as Maria Callas, Leonard Cohen, Eric Clapton, The Rolling Stones, Picasso and many more.

Then it's time to saddle up for a family-friendly ride through the town's different neighborhoods, because the best way to explore Hydra is on the back of a horse, the island's traditional means of transportation (no cars allowed!).

After your ride through town, you'll return to the harbor to board one of the island's famed water taxis, the easiest and the most exciting way to reach the island's best beaches. Foremost among these is Plakes Beach, equipped with sun-loungers and umbrellas, where you'll be heading for hours of fun in the sun and the crystal-blue sea, as well as a delicious lunch at the seafront taverna right at the water's edge.

Following lunch, it's back to Hydra Town for a second trip, this time on foot, down the maze-like side streets and by-ways where you'll spot artists' workshops, stylish boutiques, and a number of well-preserved historic residences, some of which, once owned by important figures in Greece's 19th-century struggle for independence, are now museums. Hydra has evolved to a cultural hub, where innovative exhibits, hip happenings and events with international appeal attract famous visitors from all over the world each summer.

Your stroll will end at a family-run pastry shop that's famous for the local sweet (made from almonds) known as amygdalota, and for its rich and delicious homemade ice cream. As you finish your treat on the shaded veranda of the pastry shop, you'll be ready to leave the island with more than just a sweet taste on your lips; you'll have the long-lasting memory of a special day spent on this little gem of an island.

Itinerary

  • Hotel pick-up and transfer to Piraeus port
  • Ferry ride to Hydra
  • Hydra horse ride
  • Transfer to Plakes beach
  • Plakes beach and free time for lunch (not included)
  • Hydra strolling and ice cream stop
  • Ferry ride back to Piraeus
  • Transfer to your hotel

Practical info

Duration
Full Day (11 hours)
Walking pace
Easy
Languages
english, french
When
Upon request
Group size
Upon request

Good to know

  • Itinerary may be subject to changes during winter and autumn months.
  • Please make sure to bring your own beach towels, as they are not provided on Greek beaches.

What's included

  • Professional, fun, knowledgeable top-rated English speaking tour leader from our specially trained team
  • Round trip transfer from your hotel to the harbor and back
  • Round-trip ferry ride on high-speed hydrofoil in assigned seats
  • Scenic horse ride around the island
  • Water taxi round trip from the center of the island to a secluded beach and back
  • Hotel pick up & drop off, taxes, tolls, gas, 24/7 on the ground support

Not included

  • Lunch / drinks
  • Beach towels
Testimonials:

"We had the most amazing day in Hydra! Everything was absolutely perfect. It was so well organized and we did so much in just one day. Being the trip planner and organizer for my family it was so nice to just relax and let Alternative Athens be in charge of all the details and timing. Our guide was so sweet and had such a lovely personality. My kids all adored her and my youngest especially was so sad to leave her."

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You'll love:

The feeling of entering another era, where time has stopped

A Dazzling Day Trip to Hydra
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