Making the most of Hydra
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
Cruise ships will dock in the center of town. Most ships will use their tenders to transport passengers to this small port.
Printable map to take along.
Hydra is one of the Saronic Islands of Greece, located in the Aegean Sea between the Saronic Gulf and the Argolic Gulf. It is separated from the Peloponnese by the narrow Hydra Gulf. An island dependent upon tourism, well-to-do Athenians comprise a sizeable segment of Hydra's visitors.
There is one main town, known simply as "Hydra port." It consists of a crescent-shaped harbor, with restaurants, shops, markets, and galleries catering to tourists and locals. Attractive Italian-style villas overlook the harbor and a donkey ride up the rocky hills offers magnificent views from the Monastery of St. Constantine.
There are beautiful places for swimming, fishing, snorkeling, diving, windsurfing, water skiing, as well as walking and climbing.
Some old Hydriote mansions have been restored as museums illustrating the traditional life of Hydra's splendid past; they are usually listed on island maps available locally
Getting around
Motor vehicles are not permitted on the island; which leaves the bulk of public transportation up to donkeys and water taxis. The inhabited area, however, is so compact that most people walk everywhere.
Money
Euro
Staying connected
Greek.
Just follow the crew to the nearest internet/wifi spot.
Opening Hours and
Public Services: open Monday to Friday, 8.00am – 2.00pm. Retail Stores & Specialty Shops: Monday to Friday, 9am – 1.30pm and then again from 5pm – 9pm. Saturdays, 9am – 2pm. Supermarkets: Monday to Friday, 9am – 9pm, and Saturdays, 9am – 6pm. Tourist Shops and Convenience Stores: most of these do not have official opening hours and are usually open from dawn to well after midnight during the summer months.