Getting from Mykonos to Hydra

If you have been island hopping through the Cyclades, Hydra will feel like stepping into a different version of Greece entirely. It sits in the Saronic Gulf just off the Peloponnese coast, close enough to Athens to be an easy escape from the city but far enough in character from Mykonos that the two feel like they are in completely different countries. The harbour is one of the most beautiful in Greece, ringed with 18th century stone mansions built by wealthy sea captains, and the island has no cars, no motorcycles and no roads to speak of. You get around on foot, by donkey or by water taxi. Artists and writers have been coming here for decades and the island has a creative, contemplative atmosphere that is unlike anywhere else in the Aegean.

Take the ferry

There is no direct ferry from Mykonos to Hydra. The connection goes via Piraeus. Take the ferry from Mykonos to Piraeus, which takes around 2.5 to 5 hours depending on the vessel, and then connect onto the Saronic ferry from Piraeus to Hydra. The Piraeus to Hydra crossing takes around 1 to 2 hours with up to 11 daily departures. Total journey time from Mykonos is around 4 to 7 hours but the Saronic leg is a pleasure in itself.

What about flying?

Hydra does not have an airport. The nearest airport is Athens. Flying from Mykonos to Athens and then taking the Saronic ferry from Piraeus to Hydra is the fastest overall approach, with total travel time around 3 to 4 hours. It is worth knowing that in Greece, airlines do not operate direct inter island flights. Almost all island to island travel goes through Athens.

Your best option

Fly to Athens and take the Saronic ferry from Piraeus. It is the most practical approach and the ferry from Piraeus to Hydra is one of the nicer short crossings in Greece. Give yourself at least two nights on Hydra. Walk up to the monastery above the town in the morning, swim off the rocks on the eastern side of the island in the afternoon and eat at one of the harbour tavernas in the evening. Hydra rewards people who slow down.