Hydra Private Day Trip by Ferry from Athens with Transfers
Athens, Greece
- 10 hours (approx.)
- Pickup offered
- Group discounts
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Enjoy a day on the island of Hydra on an independent trip from Athens. Catch a ferry to this famous island in the Aegean Sea, and enjoy several hours free to relax, explore, and discover the shops, restaurants, bars, and quaint lanes independently. Drink in the slow pace and perhaps finish with time out on a beach before your return ferry. Round-trip ferry tickets, plus pickup and drop-off at select central Athens hotels included.
- Ferry crossing to Hydra, a pretty Greek island in the Aegean Sea
- Relax on the town beaches or take a water taxi to secluded bays
- Return by ferry in the late afternoon after a day’s idyll
- Includes pickup and drop-off at select central Athens hotels
What's Included
- Round-trip Piraeus port transfers
- Athens hotel pick up/drop off service
- Round-trip ferry tickets
- Food and drinks
- Personal expenses
- Escort/guide
- Local excursions or activities
Meeting and Pickup
You can head directly to the meeting point, or request pickup
Operating hours.8:00 am
Itinerary
After morning pickup from your central Athens hotel (select hotels only), set off by air-conditioned vehicle for Athens’ port at Piraeus. Here, board the ferry for Hydra, one of Greece’s Saronic Islands, located in the Aegean Sea.
Enjoy the scenery and sea air on your journey, admiring the Greek coast and islands along the way. As you approach Hydra Town, take in the natural amphitheater of the harbor, where the quayside is ringed with pastel-colored houses and mansions from the 18th and 19th centuries.
Then, step ashore and enjoy hours to explore and relax as you wish. All your activities on the island, including meals, drinks, boat trips, and sightseeing are at your own expense.
A favorite haunt of artists and musicians in the 1960s and 70s, this picturesque island offers a timeless Greek atmosphere tinged with a cosmopolitan vibe. No motor vehicles are allowed — apart from garbage trucks — with the only transportation provided by bicycle, donkeys, and water taxis — adding to the slow pace.
Perhaps start by watching the boats come and go over coffee, and then delve into Hydra’s quaint, paved lanes. Admire the stone houses and flower-filled gardens, and browse the chic shops and boutiques before enjoying lunch (additional cost) in a taverna or café.
If you wish, seek out some of the pretty beaches. Hydra has many swimming spots and bays, some on the edges of Hydra Town, and some in more remote locations, accessible by boat (additional cost).
As the day draws to a close, perhaps finish at one of Hydra Town’s popular bars. Cocktail lounges and music clubs can be found all around town.
Then, relax on your ferry journey back to Piraeus, where your trip ends with a drop-off at your hotel.
Enjoy the scenery and sea air on your journey, admiring the Greek coast and islands along the way. As you approach Hydra Town, take in the natural amphitheater of the harbor, where the quayside is ringed with pastel-colored houses and mansions from the 18th and 19th centuries.
Then, step ashore and enjoy hours to explore and relax as you wish. All your activities on the island, including meals, drinks, boat trips, and sightseeing are at your own expense.
A favorite haunt of artists and musicians in the 1960s and 70s, this picturesque island offers a timeless Greek atmosphere tinged with a cosmopolitan vibe. No motor vehicles are allowed — apart from garbage trucks — with the only transportation provided by bicycle, donkeys, and water taxis — adding to the slow pace.
Perhaps start by watching the boats come and go over coffee, and then delve into Hydra’s quaint, paved lanes. Admire the stone houses and flower-filled gardens, and browse the chic shops and boutiques before enjoying lunch (additional cost) in a taverna or café.
If you wish, seek out some of the pretty beaches. Hydra has many swimming spots and bays, some on the edges of Hydra Town, and some in more remote locations, accessible by boat (additional cost).
As the day draws to a close, perhaps finish at one of Hydra Town’s popular bars. Cocktail lounges and music clubs can be found all around town.
Then, relax on your ferry journey back to Piraeus, where your trip ends with a drop-off at your hotel.
Port of Piraeus (Pass By)
1
Hydra
5 hours • Admission Ticket Free
Port of Piraeus (Pass By)
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- This excursion is unescorted and gives you the freedom and flexibility to enjoy your time on the island at your own leisure
- Exact departure/arrival times depend from the availbaility of the ferry tickets
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Infants must sit on laps
- Most travelers can participate
- Please advise your nationality upon booking. Is required for the issuance of the ferry tickets.
- This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
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Cancellation Policy
This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
Katie_M
The whole island was amazing especially the red sand beaches. Our driver to and from the port was friendly and helpful.
Reviews
3.9
based on 30 reviews
Sort by: Most insightful
Myriam_P, Oct 2025
The ferry over to Hydra Island was fine however they left me in the island and I had to pay another €300 to get back to the island and they still have not gotten back with me to reimburse me at least half the trip
Clive_L, Aug 2023
trip was far too long; r hrs on the island more than enoug. we were there for 7. The fast cat 6 over was a decrepit tramp steamer that broke down. The crew were rude and nasty. the trip bsck on the fast cat 1 was extremely pleasant with a bery hospitable crew
Marilyn_S, May 2023
Lovely island. Our pick up from hotel was timely as was the pickup from the port. Good drivers. Very pleasant.
karen_w, Apr 2023
Everything went smoothly. Our driver was on time to pick us up at the hotel with the ferry tickets. Hydra is charming. No cars allowed only the donkeys. An abundance of restaurants and great views. Very relaxing.
Response from Host, Apr 2023
Dear Guest,
Thank you for taking the time to share your kind review about your recent experience with us.
We are pleased to hear that you enjoyed your trip and had such a great time exploring Hydra.
We will be glad to see you soon in one of our future trips!
Best Regards,
Margarita Karavasileiadi
Abigail_H, Oct 2022
It was amazing! Our drivers to and from our hotel to port were super helpful and kind. Hydra was Incredible. Such a peaceful island with so much to see and the best cafes and people. We went on a donkey ride around the gorgeous cobblestoned streets and ate amazing food. We saw local historical sites and thoroughly enjoyed every bit of the island. Definitely need to see this place when visiting Greece.
Vicki_K, Sep 2022
This package should not be called a tour. We had transportation from and back to our hotel which was great. The taxi driver gave us our tickets and said there is your boat. There was no representative from that tour at the boat. We got on the boat we did not see anyone from the tour. We did not get any refreshments on the boat. We disembarked and did our own thing. I could have bought the tickets on my own and arranged transportation on our own.
HNewton_W, Sep 2022
This is an excellent tour for experienced travelers. Ferry tickets and transportation via taxi to and from our hotel to the ferry was provided. The taxi driver escorted us to the ferry and met us after the return trip. We enjoyed our easy self-guided day on Hydra very much.
Michael_C, Jul 2022
Couple things to point out: we booked a trip to Hydra but wound up on Poros. It was charming and lovely but the challenge is neither my wife nor I speak Greek.
The pickup was at 8:00 am. Took 30 minutes…but the ship didn’t leave till 10:00 am. No idea why we were forced to wait for an hour and a half.
The ticket was entirely in Greek but I could read the name of the boat. It was the Flying Cat 5. That boat ride was 90 minutes. We got off and enjoyed the day.
Here’s the other challenge: our return ticket was at 18:30 or 6:30. However the boat showed up and took off with no one boarding. Turns out the boat makes two stops.
So now we have to wait till 7:30 for the boat.
Not really sure what happened because we never made it to Hydra. I would not use this operator again, sadly.
Katie_M, Apr 2022
The whole island was amazing especially the red sand beaches. Our driver to and from the port was friendly and helpful.
LuisAntonio_J, Sep 2021
Too expensive for what they offer.
I payed 165€ for the boat round trip. If you buy at the harbour costs 57€. They just offered the tranfer to the harbour 1.30h before the departure. Long time. No transfer at the return. Had to pay a táxi. Too expensive.
Response from Host, Sep 2021
Dear Guest,
Thank you for your feedback and we feel sorry we couldn't meet your expectation during your cruise to Hydra.
We remain at your disposal,
Best Regards,
Marianna Papakosta
Frances_G, Aug 2021
All went perfectly from hotel pickup, to ferry, to great sights in Hydra, to return trip. Thanks for the great day!
Response from Host, Sep 2021
Dear Guest,
Thank you for your fabulous comments. We feel more than happy about you enjoyed so much our Day Trip to Hydra Island from Athens.
Hope to see you soon in one of our future experiences.
Kindest Regards,
Marianna Papakosta
MarieTerese_W, Jul 2021
The trip to hydra was nice but our driver that was supposed to meet us at the port upon arrival never showed up we waited half hour after arrival at the port by the ship which departed hydra at 6:30 pm and there was no one there with a sign or with our name…we ended up paying for another taxi to take us back to our hotel…..was disappointed
Response from Host, Aug 2021
Dear Guest,
We feel very sorry about your disappointment with our Day Trip to Hydra Island from Athens. We always try and succeed in offering high-quality services to our guests.
Could you please send us an email at marketing@keytours.gr with some extra details (your full name and the booking reference) to let us find out what went wrong in your case regarding the driver and write back to you?
Always at your disposal,
Marianna Papakosta
John_T, Nov 2019
Trip was very well arranged, communication was top-notch, and service was stupendous.
The tour company arranged for a taxi to take us from our hotel to the port of Piraeus. Driver was on-time (early even!) and very friendly.
What was even better though, was that the same driver was waiting for us at the port when we returned at the end of the day. Because the port area was more than a little rough around the edges, we didn't want to be hanging around there after dark. We certainly appreciated his being there!
Response from Host, Nov 2019
Dear Guest,
Thank you for your fabulous comments. We feel more than happy about you enjoyed so much our Day Trip to Hydra Island from Athens.
Hope to see you soon in one of our future experiences.
Kindest Regards,
Marianna Papakosta
Jose_C, Oct 2019
The visit to the island itself was amazing:) but the price charged was double what it costs in reality… will not use this platform again!
Fadi_A, Sep 2019
We had a great day at Hydra. It is the calmest place where you spend a day in a colorful village on the beach, no cars, wonderful beaches, restaurants, cafés, souvenir shops. We took the water taxi to Four Seasons beach, spent 4 hours there and headed back to the Marina. Googled a little bit and found a wonderful restaurant that no other restaurant can compete with “Techne”. Expensive but worth every penny. After that, we took a walk through the alleys of the village and ended the day by tasting some of the local desserts before hopping on the boat back to Athens.
One hiccup, and that’s why I’m taking a star off my rating, was the hotel pickup and drop-off. We confirmed our booking as requested 24 hours before the trip and told to be ready by 7:15am. We were ready at 7:00am but after the hotel receptions made several calls, we were sent a taxi that rushed us to the port and dropped us outside to find our way in and search for the boat, which were many. On our way back, there was nobody waiting for us and we had to get out of the port and find a taxi ourselves. This happened to us last year with the same Keytours. Perhaps we were very lucky with them, but this happened twice to us so far.
Again, the day at Hydra was one of a kind and I do recommend, but find a decent way to reach there.
ZadaBH, Sep 2018
A great island, where the air is so fresh and clean, no cars, we walked like 4 to 5 hours around the Hydra harbor, and had lunch at a restaurant near the shore. Very quiet place, especially when you move from the Hydra downtown main harbour to the Kamini harbour. The food is delicious, and traditional greek, the ice-cream is yummy.We reserved with keytours, the Taxi driver was so punctual, and the ferry too. Plus the ferry is comfortable and relatively stable for those who have seasickness symptoms like me ;)
Anita_B, Jul 2018
Beautiful island and getting the water taxi to and back from the 4 seasons resort was quick and easy. Wonderful day on the beach
Judith_W, Jun 2018
Key tours had mistakenly booked us on two tours without us knowing. The 3 island day tour we were picked up for, confirming with the driver that it was the hydra days tour and he confirmed it was, which was not correct. We ended up being taking to the 'marina' and were told by the tour guide to get on the 3 island day tour as otherwise we would be stranded at the marina.
The customer service from key tours we experienced was extremely disappointing and unprofessional. We had to contact the company multiple times, each time the staff at key tours said they would contact us and sort the problem out, but we had to constantly ring them to follow up what was happening. Staff at key tours suggested we stay on the 3 island day tour as it was a more expensive tour and it would be easier. However we didn't want to visit the other islands, we wanted to spend the day on Hydra. On checking the prices the hydra island day tour was more expensive than the 3 island day tour. We felt we were inconveniencing them, when in fact it was their error and we were being inconvenienced.
In summary, avoid booking this tour. It is much more reliable to organise it yourself. All you need to do is book your ferry tickets through hellenic seaways and private transfer or taxi to and from the Pireaus Port.
Allyson_V, Oct 2017
Wonderful and easy way to see a Greek Island if you are pressed for time and don't have time to visit some of the other islands overnight. This tour was a highlight of my trip. The island is a great way to spend the day. If you're there in the summer, be sure to bring a bathing suit and towel and flip flops/sandals as some of the beaches within walking distance to the port can be rocky and harsh on the feet. There's also opportunity to take a quick boat/ferry ride to the better beaches outside of walking distance from the port. The hotel pick-up and drop-off is a fantastic aspect of this tour my taxi driver was wonderfully helpful and friendly. He actually walked me to the ferry to make sure I knew exactly which boat to get on.
Stella K P, Aug 2017
It was beautiful from the pick up at Athens Hilton and the return from the port too Athens Hilton on time and friendly driver.
From $209.47
per person-You will not receive a refund if you cancel.
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Hydra Private Day Trip by Ferry from Athens with Transfers
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