Hydra

Hydra

Hydra

Hydra – Car-Free Charm and Nautical Heritage

Hydra is a gem in the Saronic Gulf, known for its artistic ambiance and total absence of cars. The main port is an architectural delight, with stone mansions climbing the hills and donkeys serving as transport. For sailors, Hydra is a must-stop, albeit a competitive one for mooring.

⚓ Hydra Town – Prestige and Pressure

The port of Hydra is exceptionally small and among the most popular in the Saronic. Mooring here is a challenge. Often, boats are forced to raft up in double or triple rows on the northern quay—though this depends on the tolerance of those already moored.

Outside the northern breakwater, there are often free spots, but we strongly caution sailing yachts: the depth increases rapidly in that area, which is why it mostly serves larger motoryachts with more anchor chain and greater draft tolerance.

If no space is available and the weather allows, we recommend anchoring at Mandraki Bay, located about 0.6 nautical miles east of the port. From there, you can reach the main town via a Hydra taxi boat—a practical and scenic option.

Official matters are handled by the Port Authority of Hydra.
Contact: +30 22980 52220

🛟 Depth: 3–6m | 💧 Water & Power: Limited | 🍽️ Dining: Abundant | 🛍️ Full provisioning

Greek Food Tip: There’s good food on the waterfront, but we personally prefer a family-run taverna hidden in the backstreets of Hydra. It's more peaceful, and the cooking feels like home. Here’s our favorite spot.

If you're new to Greek sailing, our guide will help you navigate like a local.

⚓ Mandraki Bay

A peaceful bay just east of the main harbor. Good holding, great for swimming. Often used when the main port is full.

🛟 5–8m | 🏖️ Clear water | 🚫 No quay

⚓ Dokos

A peaceful island anchorage west of Hydra, ideal for romantic overnights at anchor. No facilities, just nature, serenity, and a star-filled sky.

🛟 5–8m | 🌌 Perfect overnight stop | 🚫 No services

Nautical Notes
  • • Hydra is car-free – logistics via donkey
  • • Anchor early – port fills fast
  • • Water & power limited – not at all spots
  • • Mandraki is a calm backup anchorage
  • • Supplies available in Hydra Town
Services in Hydra
Need to leave Hydra fast?

If something comes up and you need to leave the island urgently, Hydra is well-connected to Athens by flying dolphins and high-speed ferries (about 1.5–2 hours to Piraeus).

From Piraeus port, a taxi to Athens International Airport takes about 45–60 minutes and costs approximately €40–50.

Example route:

  • 08:00 – Ferry from Hydra
  • 09:45 – Arrive Piraeus
  • 10:00 – Taxi to the airport
  • 11:00 – Check-in for your flight

Ferry tickets available at the port or online via viva.gr.

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