Hydra Island: Full Day Trip from Athens with Swimming
Description
Skip Piraeus and depart for Hydra directly from central Athens in luxury and comfort. Enjoy a luxury bus ride filled with stories, music, and interactive Greek culture. Join a guided one-hour tour of Hydra Town, exploring mansions, charming alleys, and tasting traditional almond sweets. Pick your perfect beach, swim in crystal-clear waters and enjoy a seaside lunch Benefit from fully organized transfers and 4.5 hours of stress-free time to explore Hydra at your own pace.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Set off on a luxurious full-day escape to Hydra, one of Greece’s most elegant and famous islands, starting in the heart of Athens without the long trip to the busy Port of Piraeus. This is more than a day trip—it’s a Greek experience from the moment you step aboard. Join a young local host and enjoy stories, music, and a relaxed Mediterranean spirit as the scenic drive flies by. Travel in a comfortable coach past mountains, olive groves, and coastal views, with a stop at the Corinth Canal. Discover Greek words, customs, and everyday life through storytelling and mini-games while hearing tales of Hydra’s sea captains, pirates, and artists such as Leonard Cohen. Arrive at Metohi and cross to Hydra on a short scenic boat ride. Discover the island’s highlights on a guided walk through Hydra Town, passing elegant mansions, stone alleys, and jasmine-scented courtyards. Learn about Hydra’s maritime heritage, its role in the Greek War of Independence, and sample traditional almond sweets.
After the tour, enjoy free time to experience Hydra your way. Pick your favorite beach, swim in crystal-clear waters, browse local shops, relax at a waterfront café, or savor fresh local flavors by the sea. In the afternoon, return by boat to Metohi and enjoy the scenic drive back to Athens. With 4.5 hours on Hydra, this stress-free island escape blends culture, relaxation, and authentic Greek charm. Return not only with beautiful photos, but with a deeper connection to Greece—and perhaps feeling just a little more Greek.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- What to Bring: Swimsuit, Towel, Comfortable shoes, Sunscreen, Hat, Sunglasses, Water, ID card
Reviews(9)
We missed our meeting on the first occasion. The meeting place was busy, and we were 20 meters from where we should have been (the company guide for another tour kindly included us). We rebooked and enjoyed both the guide and tour. As with Greece generally, hilly walking, but Hydra had some nice restraurants overlooking the bay, and we were given time to explore. A tour to be recommended.
We had 4 hours of free time on Hydra Island. It’s a beautiful island. Angelina, our tour guide, is definitely a big asset to the company.
Overall I got what I expected. It was a long day. Taxi was easy (just wish the cost was included in the price of ticket). Hydra was pretty and nice to learn a few things along the way there. What made me stop from giving a 5 star, we got back way later than I expected (so I was tired and hungry by the end of the day). We didn't get back into Athens until 9:15pm. The stop on the way back didn't leave much time for food / snack as we were on a time crunch. Also itinerary we got, was not what it was a time of booking which was disappointing (so I guess they can change without telling you - otherwise I would have booked the other option I was looking at). We did have a nice walking tour, opportunity to eat where we want and free time. There are no beaches in the port, they are a bit of a walk or you hang out on the ledges "in town". Not sure I would book again going back in time. But happy I got to see the island of Hydra.
Beautiful scenery on the drive. Goran was an excellent driver. Informative, warm, friendly, and accomodating tour guide.
Hydra is beautiful to visit and Vicki did great walking tour explaining the island’s history with Greece’s fight for independence. Plus Hydra has the most friendly cats in all of Greece!
Nice tour . A bit of everything.. Lydia, the guide was great. Enough for taste Hydra atmosphere.....on the other hand a bit long...
Βασίλειος was our guide, he was very attentive and super friendly. What I did not accompany was the weather, rain at times and we did not have the walk to the beach. Overall it was a great day, despite the 3 hours out and 3 hours back, which were made enjoyable by Βασίλειος's explanations and conversation. We would certainly repeat. The 5 of Bilbao
I gave it three stars because of the long distance to get there. If i knew that it takes 4 hours to arrive and 4 hours to get back I would not book it. However the tour guide was wonderful, and the place was great, but not enough time to explore due to the limited time.
We had a great time on the tour. It's a long bus trip but we really enjoyed the beautiful scenery and commentary along the way. Our guide gave a very informative tour of Hydra and the swim was refreshing. Very nice day out!
