The island of Hydra is a gem of the Saronic Gulf, famous for its charming stone architecture and its most unique feature: it is entirely car-free. Instead of engines, you’ll hear the clip-clop of donkeys. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing day trip or a deep dive into Greek traditions, Hydra offers a pace of life that is increasingly hard to find.
Getting to Hydra: Athens and the Peloponnese
Hydra is remarkably easy to access, making it a top choice for families.
- From Athens: Ferries depart from Piraeus Port and take approximately 1.5 hours. We recommend booking in advance through Ferryhopper.
- From the Peloponnese: This is our favorite way to visit. If you’re staying near Porto Heli, it’s a 45-minute drive to Metochi, where you can leave your car in a secure paid parking lot. From there, a ferry or water taxi will get you to Hydra in just 15–20 minutes.
- Travel tip: Pack Dramamine. The Aegean can get choppy, and it’s better to be safe than to have seasick kids on the boat.
Where to Stay: Port vs. Mainland
When planning your Hydra accommodation, logistics are everything. Because there are no cars, you have two main options:
Staying in Hydra Town: If you stay on the island, choose accommodation close to the port. While homes higher up in the village offer stunning views, remember that you (or a donkey) will need to haul all luggage and gear up hundreds of stone steps.
Staying in Porto Heli (Mainland): We personally prefer staying in Porto Heli. It offers the convenience of a rental car for exploring the Peloponnese while keeping Hydra easily accessible as a day trip.
Travel tip: Hydra is not stroller-friendly. Leave the stroller at home and opt for a high-quality hiking carrier or baby backpack.
Best Places to Eat in Hydra
From quick treats to sunset dinners, Hydra’s dining scene is excellent.
- The Cool Mule: Located right by the ferry station, this is the best spot for ice cream. Shaded outdoor seating makes it perfect for a pre- or post-ferry treat.
- Sunset Restaurant: Famous for its panoramic harbor views. Ideal for a drink while watching the sun dip below the horizon.
- Plakostroto: A beautiful, ivy-covered terrace. We love it for a family breakfast of omelets and fresh juice or a casual lunch of burgers and pizza.
- Téchnē Restaurant & Social: A 15-minute walk from the port, offering modern Greek cuisine and a quieter atmosphere. Reservations are essential in summer.
Top Things to Do with Kids
Coastal Walk to Vlichos Beach
Our favorite activity is the seaside footpath from Hydra Town to Paralia Vlichos. It’s a 20-30-minute walk filled with wildflowers (in spring) and charming stone bridges.
- Travel tip: The path has no handrails and includes steep drops. There is little to no shade, so bring water, hats, and sunscreen.
- The destination: Vlichos is an organized pebble beach where you can rent umbrellas and sunbeds—don’t forget beach shoes.
- Lunch: Eat at Taverna Marina, a charming spot overlooking the water. If the kids are too tired to walk back, the restaurant can help you arrange a water taxi to the port.
Explore the Port
The harbor is the heart of the island. Spend an afternoon strolling through shops, admiring the yachts, and watching the donkeys at work. It’s also a great place to sit at a café and soak in the atmosphere.
A Unique Experience: Easter on Hydra
If you visit during Greek Orthodox Easter, you’re in for a spectacular cultural experience.
- Good Friday: In the village of Kamini, the Epitafios (a flower-covered bier) is carried into the sea by local men to bless the waters. It’s crowded but unforgettable.
- Holy Saturday: At midnight, the entire town goes dark. A single flame is passed from the priest to the congregation until the streets glow with candlelight.
- Easter Sunday: Lent ends with a massive feast. You’ll see lambs roasting on spits and enjoy traditional red-dyed eggs.
- Easter Sunday Evening: On Sunday evening, an effigy of Judas is hung over the harbor and set on fire, followed by a fireworks display. Note that it can be loud.
Travel tip: We visited during Easter with our toddler and booked an Airbnb with a harbor-view balcony. This allowed us to watch the processions and fireworks while our son slept inside—an incredibly useful setup.
Final Thoughts
Hydra is the perfect destination to pair with a Peloponnese road trip, including stops in Nafplio and Porto Heli. It’s also a convenient day trip from Athens. This is one of our favorite islands to visit with family and friends. It offers a rare mix of historical charm, tranquility (thanks to the lack of cars), and breathtaking Aegean beauty. For more information on family-friendly Greek islands, check out our blog.