Destination: Hydra, Greece

Hydra is a small island not too far from Piraeus port in Athens. The ferry ride is a little over an hour and before you know it you’ve landed on an oasis in the Saronic Gulf.  Check out the links below for information about Hydra, Greece.

1.) The Phaedra Hotel – it’s a home away from home (although this was much better than my home!) Hilda is the proprietress and is wonderfully helpful with anything you need. Breakfast and wireless access are included and it’s less than a 5-minute walk to the heart of town and the harbor.

2.) Ferry to Hydra (from Piraeus) – look for the Saronikos ferry under Information. It’s easy to book your ticket online and pick it up at the ferry terminal. Piraeus Terminal is outside with very few amenities at the port. If your schedule allows, take the Flying Cat – it was a little faster and much more comfortable. Also, splurge on the upgrade if you have a few extra dollars to spare.  The Flying Dolphin is fine but cramped, bumpy,  and smells of gasoline.

3.) Hiking in Hydra – since there are no cars in Hydra, you will walk everywhere. There are donkeys but everything is so close, you only need step out your hotel door and you’re within walking distance of everything. This is a good site for information on Greece with a good article about hiking on the island of Hydra.

4.) Swimming – no link because when you arrive you will see everyone in bathing suits heading up the hill, around the edge of the harbor to the many “beaches” that line the Mediterranean.  The ones near the harbor are rocky or smoothed over with cement landings.

5.) Hydra – this is a great link for a little more detail about the island, the people, and the way of life.