Major city · Greece
HydraΎδρα
Stay 2 nights, not a day trip: the port empties by 18:00 and the island is car-free, so the evenings are the reason to sleep here.Stay 2 nights, not a day trip: the port empties by 6:00 PM and the island is car-free, so the evenings are the reason to sleep here.
Hydra is a car-free island 1.5–3 h by sea from Piraeus, with a horseshoe harbour, stone mansions and no motor vehicles beyond a few municipal trucks. Day trippers fill the waterfront from about 11:00 to 18:00; after the last boats leave, the port and the lanes behind it go quiet. Two nights is enough for the town, a swim and a walk.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- EUR
- Best months
- May–Jun, Sep–early Oct
- avoid Jul–Aug (heat, crowds, ferry sell-outs), Aug peak weekends
- Airport
- ATH
- Nights
- 2
Rules in force · 10Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window…Mine-suspected land still exists in Bosnia and Herzegovin…
- Europe ↗Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window, counted across all 29 Schengen states together — not per country; the Entry/Exit System now logs each crossing, so an overstay is detected automatically.
- Europe ↗On the first Schengen entry since EES began, non-EU travellers give four fingerprints and a face photo at the border instead of a passport stamp; there is nothing to apply for or pay in advance.
- Balkans ↗Mine-suspected land still exists in Bosnia and Herzegovina and in pockets of Croatia's former front line: outside towns keep to tarmac and waymarked paths, and treat red triangle signs and taped-off fields as absolute.
- Balkans ↗Serbia refuses onward entry to travellers who reached Kosovo from a third country and then try to cross straight into Serbia; route Kosovo–Serbia legs through North Macedonia or Montenegro, or start the loop in Serbia.
- Balkans ↗Hire cars need written permission from the rental company and valid insurance for every country on the line; Kosovo sells its own border insurance and some contracts exclude Albania, Kosovo or Bosnia outright.
- Greece ↗Greece is in the EU and the Schengen area: check entry rules, the EU Entry/Exit System and any travel authorisation requirement for your passport on official sources.
- Greece ↗Taking stones, pottery or other objects from archaeological sites is illegal; so is exporting antiquities without a permit.
- Greece ↗Do not photograph military sites or border zones; signs mark them.
- Greece ↗Acropolis tickets are sold for one-hour entry slots on the official Hellenic Heritage site (hhticket.gr); in peak season slots sell out days ahead, and you cannot enter outside your hour.
- Greece ↗Businesses must give a receipt (apodeixi) for every sale; ask for one, and do not accept a handwritten note in place of it.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Hydra112 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Hydra, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the euro (EUR).Greece-wide
- SIM or eSIMCosmote, Vodafone and Nova sell prepaid SIMs in their shops and at the airport; a passport is needed to register.Greece-wide
- Tap waterTap water is safe in Athens, Thessaloniki and most of the mainland.Greece-wide
- TippingTaverna or restaurant: 5–10% in cash on the table; not expected at gyros shops.Greece-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets C/F. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Greece-wide
- SafetyVery low crime; the real risks are ferry sell-outs, heat in July–August, sea urchins on the swimming rocks and slips on polished stone steps.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsUse cafés (buy something), museums and sites.Greece-wide
- Emergency numbers112 European emergency number · 100 police · 166 ambulance (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysArchaeological sites run shorter winter hours (often 08:00–15:00 or 17:00) and longer summer hours; they close on 1 January, 25 March, Easter Sunday…Archaeological sites run shorter winter hours (often 8:00 AM–3:00 PM or 5:00 PM) and longer summer hours; they close on 1 January, 25 March, Easter Sunday…Greece-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportATH Athens Eleftherios Venizelos (Bus or metro to Piraeus port, then ferry or hydrofoil to Hydra; allow 3–4 h door to door.).
- Getting aroundOn foot only: no cars, scooters or motorbikes for visitors.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Coffee€3–4 (≈ US$4–5)
- Sit-down mealTaverna main course€12–22 (≈ US$14–30)
- Beertaverna / kiosk€4–6 (≈ US$5–7)€1.50–2.50 (≈ US$2–3)
- Museum or sight ticketCathedral museum entrycheck€4 (≈ US$5)
- Budget bedFamily room or apartment (up to 4), a night, per room€130 (≈ US$160)
- Mid-range bedGuesthouse or hotel double room, a night, per room€140 (≈ US$170)
- High-end bedGuesthouse or hotel double room, a night, per room€320 (≈ US$400)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget €60 (≈ US$70) · Mid €110 (≈ US$130) · High €220 (≈ US$300)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- ATH Athens Eleftherios Venizelos (Bus or metro to Piraeus port, then ferry or hydrofoil to Hydra; allow 3–4 h door to door.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
not flagged
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
Feb
not flagged
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
Mar
not flagged
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
Apr
not flagged
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
May
Best
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Jun
Best
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Jul
Avoid
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Aug
Avoid
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Sep
Best
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Oct
Best*
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
Nov
not flagged
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Dec
not flagged
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
Best: May–Jun, Sep–Oct. Avoid: Jul–Aug. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)), coolest Jan (8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C) low), wettest Dec (10 rain days), driest Jul (1). Averages, not a forecast.
* only part of the month (early, mid or late).
Weather and climate
Hydra: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
9 rd
Feb
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
8 rd
Mar
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
7 rd
Apr
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
5 rd
May
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
3 rd
Jun
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
2 rd
Jul
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
1 rd
Aug
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
1 rd
Sep
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
2 rd
Oct
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
5 rd
Nov
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
8 rd
Dec
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
10 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
On foot only: no cars, scooters or motorbikes for visitors. The town is walkable in minutes; Kamini is a 15–20 min coastal walk. Boat taxis and donkeys wait at the port for longer hops, with posted fares. Bring shoes with grip — the lanes are stepped and polished smooth.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Door to door: About 30–45 min
Ferry or hydrofoil from Hydra port
The natural pairing; many Hydra boats continue there.
Door to door: About 1–1.5 h
Ferry via the Saronic route
Pine-covered town across the strait from the Peloponnese.
Aegina
cautionDoor to door: About 1.5–2 h
Ferry toward Piraeus
Better as a stop on the way back to Athens than a return trip.
Door to door: 2.5–4 h
Ferry or hydrofoil to Piraeus, then metro or taxi
Plan the ferry first: the last convenient boat leaves mid-afternoon.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Harbour and waterfront lanes
Everything within a 5-min walk: ferries, tavernas, shops. Noisiest at night in season.
Back lanes of Hydra town
2–8 min uphill from the port; quieter, but most places mean stairs with your bags.
Kamini
About 1 km (0.6 mi) west along the coast road, 15–20 min on foot; fewer rooms, cheaper tavernas, Spilia swimming below.About 0.6 mi (1 km) west along the coast road, 15–20 min on foot; fewer rooms, cheaper tavernas, Spilia swimming below.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- €55–85 (≈ US$65–100) excl. bed
- Mid
- €90–150 (≈ US$110–180) excl. bed
- High
- €170 (≈ US$200)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Guesthouse or hotel double room1 × 2 nights × €140 | €280 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × €110 | €440 |
| Hydrofoil Piraeus → Hydra, one way2 × €45 · check | €90 |
| Boat taxi, port → Kamini2 × €9 · check | €18 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × €20 | €40 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | €87 |
| Trip total≈ €239 per person per day, bed included | €955≈ US$1,200 |
2026 estimate in euro; ferry from Piraeus excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | €3–4 (≈ US$4–5) |
| Greek salad or souvlaki plate | €9–14 (≈ US$11–17) |
| Taverna main course | €12–22 (≈ US$14–30) |
| Local fish, per kgcheck | €45–70 (≈ US$55–85) |
| Beer, taverna / kiosk | €4–6 (≈ US$5–7) / €1.50–2.50 (≈ US$2–3) |
| Sunbed and chair at Vlihoscheck | €3 (≈ US$4) |
| Cathedral museum entrycheck | €4 (≈ US$5) |
| Historical museum entrycheck | €4 (≈ US$5) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Ferries sell out on peak weekends and at the most convenient hours: book ahead.
- Some rooms are reachable only by stairs; ask before booking if that is a problem.
- Sea urchins on the rocks at Spilia and Vlihos: wear something on your feet.
- Donkey traffic on the lanes: watch your step.
- Most seafood on menus is frozen and imported; local fish is priced accordingly.
Emergency numbers
- European emergency number
- 112
- Police
- 100
- Ambulance
- 166
- Fire
- 199
- Tourist police
- 1571
- Coast guard
- 108
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
HydraΎδρα
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
Σε αυτή τη διεύθυνση, παρακαλώTo this address, please
Emergency
- European emergency number112
- Police100
- Ambulance166
- Tourist police1571
- Coast guard108
Embassy
No embassies on Hydra; the US embassy and most others are in Athens. Consular help for lost passports means a trip to the mainland.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Piraeus → Hydra, hydrofoil: about €45 (≈ US$55) one way, 1.5 h (check)
- Piraeus → Hydra, car ferry: about €30 (≈ US$35) one way, 3 h (check)
- Boat taxi, port → Kamini: €9 (≈ US$11) (check)
- Boat taxi, circuit of the island: up to €120 (≈ US$140) (check)
Say or show
- Γεια σας — Hello (YA sas)
- Ευχαριστώ — Thank you (ef-ha-ri-STO)
- Τον λογαριασμό, παρακαλώ — The bill, please (ton lo-gha-ria-SMO pa-ra-ka-LO)
- Πόσο κάνει; — How much is it? (PO-so KA-ni)
- Πού είναι το θαλάσσιο ταξί; — Where is the boat taxi? (pu I-ne to tha-LA-sio ta-XI)
- Χωρίς κρέας, παρακαλώ — No meat, please (kho-RIS KRE-as pa-ra-ka-LO)
No cars on the island: pack light and expect stairs.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Hydra. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: May–Jun, Sep–early Oct · avoid Jul–Aug (heat, crowds, ferry sell-outs), Aug peak weekends · month by month →
- 1 airport and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 4 day-trips, door to door
- 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Ferry and hydrofoil timetables field-checked for the Piraeus–Hydra–Spetses line, with sell-out windows.
- Four walking clusters with rescue anchors: port and waterfront, back lanes and museums, Kamini and Spilia, Vlihos.
- Place pages with verified hours (Cathedral museum, Historical Archives) and eat pages with last orders.
- Boat-taxi fare board transcribed and dated, so the €9–120 band can go green.
Sources
- officialMunicipality of Hydra
- officialHellenic Seaways
- secondaryWikivoyage: Hydra, revision 5122709 (CC BY-SA 4.0)