Full-Day Private Excursion to Hydra Island from Athens

Escape the hustle and bustle of Athens with a private full-day trip to Hydra, a car-free Greek island. Explore charming stone mansions, narrow alleys, and a picturesque waterfront.

Duration: 12 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Isthmus of Corinth - The Isthmus of Corinth is a slender land bridge linking Central Greece with the Peloponnese. The canal carved through it connects the Saronic Gulf with the Gulf of Corinth. Spanning approximately 6 kilometers, its narrowest section is where the Corinth Canal was constructed (1880-1893). Historically significant, a wall was erected here in ancient times (late 5th century BC) and remained until the Byzantine era (Hexamilion).

  • Metochi - Metochi is a quaint agricultural hamlet with a few homes. The car park and jetty for passenger ferries and sea taxis are located east of Metochi. This is the nearest point to Hydra accessible by car before taking to the sea. From Metochi, you can travel to Hydra via Hydra Lines, which takes about 30 minutes and costs 7.50€ per person one way. Alternatively, a private taxi boat takes around 20 minutes and costs 60€ per group one way (1-8 persons). On Hydra, motor vehicles are prohibited, making water taxis a preferred mode of transport. Consequently, your driver will not accompany you on the island but will provide all necessary information for your visit.

  • Hydra Town - Hydra is a charming small island in the Saronic Gulf, just a couple of hours from Athens. Known for its scenic architecture, vibrant nightlife, and cosmopolitan vibe, it is a delightful place to explore. The island features elegant mansions and bastions with cannons that once protected the port, serving as historical reminders. You can also visit Greece’s first Merchant Marine Academy and the Auditorium Melina Merkouri, also known as The Exhibition and Concert Municipal Hall. Enjoy exploring the island and having lunch.

  • Historical Archives - Museum of Hydra - Situated in a refined stone mansion at Hydra Town’s port, the Museum of Historical Archives showcases manuscripts from the revolutionary era, paintings, ship models, rare books, and other fascinating exhibits.

  • Lazaros Koundouriotis Mansion (National Historical Museum) - This sophisticated stone mansion, an extension of the National Historical Museum, displays relics from the Koundouriotis family, including weaponry, traditional attire, woodcarvings, paintings, and jewelry.

  • Athens - After the tour, we will return to Athens.

What's Included
  • Hotel/Airbnb/Port Piraeus Pick up & Drop off (Without extra charge)
  • Mercedes-Benz vehicles equipped with A/C, Child Seats
  • English speaking driver with knowledge of the history. Not licensed to accompany you in any site.
  • Bottled water
  • On-board WiFi
  • Mobile Chargers
  • Skip the line tickets - Guaranteed to skip the lines
  • In-vehicle air conditioning
  • Rafina Port/Laurio Port Pick up & Drop Off (Additional charge)
  • Private transportation - Tour
What's Not Included
  • Licensed Tour guide upon request depending on availability.
  • The guide driver is not a licensed tour guide to accompany you at any site/museum.
  • Your driver will not be at your disposal during your tour of the island.
  • The tickets for all archeological places and museums.
  • Ticket boat (Metochi to Hydra):Hydra Lines 7.50€/person-Private water taxi 60€/group (for one way)
  • All fees and/or taxes
  • Lunch
Additional Information

On Hydra island, you won’t see any cars! Everyone uses their foot, boats or donkeys to get around the island. The car ban, along with the elegant stone mansions of the island, creates a charming atmosphere and make the island one of the most serene destinations near Athens. The charming atmosphere of the island has seduced many international jet setters and has been a retreat for famous personalities. Elegant stone mansions, narrow alleys, donkeys walking around, churches, little shops, and a picturesque waterfront set the scene of an island fairytale!

  • Additional fees if the tour concludes at a location other than the designated meeting point.
  • Flexible Pick-Up Times - Customize pick-up times to suit your schedule.
  • Hourly Extensions - Extend your tour for a fee, adaptable to your needs.
Location
Isthmus of Corinth
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.7
(3 Ratings)
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1 star
Lincolnm444
Apr 12, 2024
Great Tour! - Andreas was friendly, prompt and very knowledgeable! I would absolutely recommend a trip! I would book with him again if I go back to Greece!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mark_s
May 29, 2023
Don't miss HYDRA island. - Horseback riding was educational and fun. Food was fabulous. Seafront village was eye candy with many outdoor restaurants.
Review provided by Viator
Angela_h
Oct 31, 2023
Magical Hydra - Hydra is the most beautiful place! We loved every minute of our visit except you do need to be prepared for a long 2.5 hour drive to the dock for the ferry. Instead of waiting for the ferry which runs every 2 hours, we hired the water taxi to take our group of 4 to Hydra and back. This was a 15-20 minute boat ride. Andreas, our guide, was excellent at driving and giving information. I would give this trip a 5+ stars if it wasn’t for the long drive to and from Athens to get to the dock. Hydra should not be missed if you can get out of Athens for a full day.
Review provided by Viator
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up to 8 guests
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September 2024
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