Greece Travel Index/ Greek Island Guide/Saronic Islands/Hydra/Transportation

Getting to Hydra

Hydra: Highspeeds and Flying Dolphins

Hydra is one of the easiest islands to get to from Athens. Unfortunately the ferry companies decided it was not worth running them so now you are stuck taking the Flying Dolphins or the highspeed which also makes it one of the most expensive islands to get to which may not be a big deal to you who are just going there and coming back, but is a big issue with the islanders. For those who want to stop along the way you can also get there in installments, stopping in Aegina, Methena or Poros and taking the next Dolphin and continuing your journey just as you could with the ferries. Only now after a couple islands you may have blown your travel budget for the week so if you want to see the other Saronic Islands as well you should probably go with the One-Day-Three-Island Saronic Gulf cruise that runs 364 days a year and visits all the Saronic Islands except Spetses. The Flying Dolphins leave every hour or two in the summer from Pireaus and take about an hour and a quarter to get to Hydra. The first one leaves at 8am and the last one around 7pm on weekdays and 8:30 on Friday. It's a good idea to buy your tickets in advance especially during the summer and on weekends. There are a couple larger highspeed boats, infinitely more comfortable than the Flying Dolphins though on such a short trip it really does not matter all that much.

If you arrive burdoned with luggage don't worry about the possibility that it may be a climb to your hotel. The donkeys who mingle in the port are for the purpose of transfering you, your luggage or your kids to your hotel. Kids love them, at least I know I did when I was a kid. You will also notice the frequent comings and goings of the water-taxis. These are the daredevils of the island transportation world, or appear to be, though they are actually quite safe and can get you to where you are going fast. If you are staying at the Miramare, Kamini, Vlyhos or beyond then this is the way to go. There is a sign with prices at the watertaxi stand.

To leave Hydra I always preferred the ferry rather then the Flying Dolphin. You could sit outside and watch the sunset. You pass between Poros and the mainland and it is like taking a trip down a river. Unfortunately with this no longer an option you should go for the larger catamarans if there is one and the Flying Dolphins as a last resort. The first boat back to Pireaus leaves at 7:25am and the last one leaves at 8pm though on Sunday night there is a later one. Make sure you get to Pireaus in time to get to your hotel in Athens, shower and go out on the town. Be sure to buy your tickets at least a day in advance for the Flying Dolphins. The ferry tickets you can buy before you leave. When you arrive in Pireaus there is usually a shortage of taxis so if you don't want to take the metro I recommend George the Famous Taxi Driver to get you to your hotel or the airport.

There is an alternative way of getting to Hydra. Take a bus or taxi to Hermioni or Porto Heli in the Argolis and you can catch the Flying Dolphin or Highspeed several times a day. Not a bad idea if you are staying in Nafplion, though a long trip from Athens.