In a way, Hydra can easily be renamed as the islandic home of arts!

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What would peak a fall trip to Athens? Visiting a couple of autumn destinations close to Athens, during your visit.

Stunning Nafplion

Take your chance on visiting the former capital of Greece, Nafplion, during fall. Choose between strolling the picturesque narrow streets of old town, drinking a coffee in the old Constitution Square or hiking up the Palamidi castle. For the sea lovers, try swimming in the small beach behind the old port of Nafplion.

Mysterious Nafpaktos

Nafpaktos is historically famous since the antiquity and the middle ages. On October the 7th, Nafpaktos celebrates the victorious naval battle of Lepanto, which took place in its port. After all Lepanto used to be the medieval name of Nafpaktos.

Besides its historic heritage, you can choose Nafpaktos for its old Venetian castle and the exceptional sunset view while sipping a hot coffe in the port.

Amazing Hydra

One of the closest to Athens Saronic islands, Hydra is a terrific option for autumn escape-outs. You can visit the island for a couple of days or choose a one-day cruise trip.

The mild, autumnal weather is a great opportunity to try one of the 80 hiking trails that cross Hydra. Especially during late October and close to Greece’s national day, you can also visit Hydra for the special events that take place or the “Hydra” sailing race!

Tasty Nemea

Northern of Peloponnese, you can find the region of Nemea. A region especially renowed to wine enthusiasts, because of its large vineyards and its quality wines.

Pick your favorite wineries, and set your day with your own wine-tours and special wine degustation sessions.

Try and include at least one of these autumn destinations close to Athens during your visit, and you won’t regret it!

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Sign up for Athens One day cruise, and they will take you to all the three islands in a day.  

Greek Islands

Greece has over 6000 islands and islets. But the famous ones are only a handful, and they are spread across the country. Some islands have exciting historical or contemporary life. However, many others are habited only by sheepherders and/or monks.

There are nine groups of major islands in Greece. Some bigger islands like Crete and Mykonos have direct flights from large European cities. However, others can be visited by air from Athens. The Saronic islands are close enough for a boat trip from Athens’ popular ferry port Piraeus.

Athens One-Day Cruise

Athens one day cruise departs from the port at Marina Flisvos/Marina Kallitheas. You can get to this point by yourself or sign up for the VIP experience, and they will send a car to pick you up from your hotel. They also provide exciting excursions on the island with multilingual tour guides. You can choose between a walking tour, a swimming tour, a classic tour or a panoramic tour in the islands. If you buy the VIP ticket, one tour is included in the ticket price.

The best thing about a one-day cruise is that you get to see all the three islands in a single day without worrying about how to get from one place to another, food, or other logistical problems. You can get into the ship, relax with some Ouzo and enjoy traditional Greek songs and dances while cruising around the Aegean Sea.

A trip to Poros, Hydra & Aegina is a must-add trip to every European holiday bucket list.

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Dance the night away at Bouzoukia

A Bouzoukia is a Greek music hall and named after the Greek lute, which is one of the most common instruments used in Greek music. Plaka has several small Bouzoukias where locals sing Greek traditional songs and ballads while people eat. The singing and dancing are magical and a great way to experience Greek life. Visiting a Bouzoukia is typically a way of entertainment mostly for locals and those who want to discover Athens off the beaten path.

Explore architecture on Anafiotika

Plaka is one of the oldest neighbourhoods in the world. Anafiotika is one of the peaceful and laidback areas in Plaka and is filled with a stunning array of passageways and blue-tiled roofs. You could also enjoy some magnificent views of the city and the sunset over the Acropolis from here.

Trek to Kaisariani monastery

Put on your hiking shoes and jump on a bus and head to the foothills of Mount Hymettus. Trek through the Pine forest to reach Kaisariani monastery, an 11th century Greek Orthodox Monastery. There are several exciting things to see here. Pack a picnic basket and enjoy the nature, free from the city noise.

Observe traditional Greek lifestyle on Hydra

Hydra is one of the laidback islands on the Saronic Gulf which can be reached by jumping on Athens one-day cruise. The island has banned all automobiles. To get around, you can either walk or hire a donkey.

Stay for a couple of days if you want to discover Athens off the beaten path. Because there is so much to see.

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Greece has magnificent historical monuments and museums, beautiful beaches, great weather, delicious food and cultural happenings to discover. Exploring the entire spectrum of history, culture and places in Greece, may take a few years. Why not begin with a short trip in Saronic islands, just after your visit to Athens?

Saronic islands: A change of scene

After spending a few days in Athens, you may feel a need for a change of scenery. Check out the nearby Saronic islands to add spice to your Mediterranean holiday. Hydra and Aegina are two of the most sought-after destinations that are easily accessible from the Piraeus port. Most travelers cannot decide which one to visit first, Hydra or Aegina.

Choose Hydra for the laid-back life

Hydra is the best island for a laid-back life. Once you disembark, you will find out that the only means of transport on Hydra are pedestrians and donkeys. This is a result after the municipality of Hydra banned all sorts of vehicles, in order to re-establish a more humane lifestyle on the island.

Apart from donkeys and relaxed well-being, Hydra is famous for its cultural activities and historical museums. Take your time to discover them.

Choose Aegina for the high-class and popular visitors

Aegina is the island of choice for the wealthy Greeks. The island is popular among tourists because of its beautiful sights, historical ruins and great nightlife. The outskirts of the town are filled with little Greek villages which have stayed true to the old Greek lifestyle.

Of all the beaches on the island, Souvala and Agia Marina are the two most popular ones. If you want food and entertainment, these are perfect. But if you prefer a secluded beach, check out the Marathonas Beach.

Why to Choose? – Visit both Aegina and Hydra

Both islands are close enough for visiting them at once with a one day cruise from Athens. You can either find your own way around the island or choose an organized experience with Athens Day Cruise. The cruise takes you to Aegina, Hydra and Poros in a three-deck ship and has a lot of activities for the whole day. This way, you don’t have to choose between Hydra or Aegina.

Visiting islands on your own gives you the freedom to choose when you go to the next place. But an organized one day cruise is more convenient for those who are short on time. Plus, it also helps you relax and enjoy the music, dance, and great Greek food.

So which one is your favourite, Hydra or Aegina?

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Visiting Hydra

Hydra has a distinctive charm that has drawn travellers from across the globe. The island is so popular that since 1950s a mix of world-famous artists, musicians and poets have passed through. Think Sophia Loren, Leonard Cohen, and many more.

An illustrious history

Hydra also has a rich cultural past, making it an incredible place to sightsee. There are a variety of museums to visit. The ruins of some 300 or so churches to explore, 6 monasteries to see, and many more interesting landmarks. Above all, all of them tell a story of the island’s history.

Prophitis Ilias Monastery – the only male monastery on the island

Among the many monasteries dotting the island, Prophitis Ilias Monastery is probably one of the most popular. Located at on the mountain slopes of Mount Eros, approximately 500m above sea level, the Monastery offers breath-taking views of Hydra and the Peloponnese coast.

The history of the Monastery

Prophitis Ilias Monastery was built in 1813 by thirteen monks from Mount Athos. It sits on the site of an abandoned chapel since the late 1700’s. The Monastery is probably most well-known for the role it played during the Greek War of Independence in 1821. It is where Theodoros Kolokotronis, a renowned war hero, was imprisoned for 4 months during the fight against the Ottoman Empire, due to a clash he had with Georgios Kountouriotis, an executive officer on Hydra.

Getting to the Monastery and what you will see

For the avid hikers, getting to the Monastery takes about two hours if starting off from Hydra’s port. If walking isn’t your thing, a donkey ride can be arranged. The Monastery consists of a main church and a courtyard surrounded by lovely building and stables. The grounds of the Monastery are looked after by several monks.

When open, visitors to the church can view the beautiful paintings, frescoes and other religions relics on display. The Monastery also has a refreshing water fountain for visitors to quench their thirst, and a selection of souvenirs to purchase for those wanting to get a little something to remember the trip by. The Monastery also maintains a rich library with a variety of manuscripts, which was established by the abbot Ierotheos Kostopoulos in 1870.

If you’re planning on walking to Prophitis Ilias Monastery, don’t forget to protect yourself from the sun with some sun cream and sun hat. Also make sure to take a break, as and when needed during the walk, and have water on you in case you get thirsty.

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So, book an Athens one-day cruise and experience some of the best trails that these two gorgeous Greek islands have to offer:

Hydra

From Kamini to Episkopi

Leave Hydra town and head west to Kamini, taking the coastal road. This popular fishing village is where sailors have been coming for some 300 hundred years to fix their boats or store them if need be.  Once you leave Kamini, continue to Vlihos. For the history lovers, visit the church of John the Baptist as well. From Vlihos, keep walking until you cross a 17^th century bridge to Palamida. This charming seaside village is renowned for its beauty. From Palamida, move on to Episkopi, reportedly the site of a Byzantine village. Of course, each hike from village to village can be enjoyed on its own, especially if time is of the essence.

Kiafa and Agios Athanasios

Kiafa is one of the oldest towns in Hydra located high above the island’s port and a great place to explore. From Kiafa, head to the seven windmills situated on the hill of Agios Athanasios. The view here is spectacular!

Zourvas Monastery

Start by taking a water taxi to the steps leading up to the monastery. Although a challenging hike, the panoramic views once you’ve walked the steps to reach the monastery make it well worth the effort. At the top, take some time to take in the scenery, before walking back to Hydra town. As you head back, explore some of the historical sites along the way, such as the Profitou iliou chapel and the St. Nicholaos, St. Matronis and St. Triada monasteries.

Poros

Poros Town to the church of Ag. Anargyroi

Take a walk up through Poros Town, taking in the wonderfully coloured houses along the way, leading to the ruins of an old windmill. From there, walk to the church of Ag. Anargyroi where you will get to experience the breath-taking sweeping views of the island.

Temple of Poseidon

The walk to this 6^th century BC temple is beautiful.  Located on the northern part of Poros, walk from the Sinikismos (once inhabited by refugees from Asia Minor) and follow the road to the Chapel of Our Lady Agia Zoni. As you keep walking, you will encounter the Chapel of the Prophet Elias, and finally you will reach the Temple of Poseidon nearby. This Doric styled temple was once the epicentre for addressing civil and religious matters for many of Greece’s city states. Although now in ruins, one can almost imagine what this sanctuary once was.

As always, be sun conscious! Take bottled water and some snacks with you, and wear sunscreen. Make sure to wear comfortable walking shoes and lose fitting clothing to protect you from the sun. If hiking on Hydra and Poros gets you tired, take a break!

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An artistic history

Hydra has since the 1950s drawn a creative crowd of world famous artists, singers, writers, poets and intellectuals. All these artists have transformed the island into a sought after contemporary hub. This includes the likes of foreign artists such as Leonard Cohen, Sophia Loren, Henry Miller, and Brice Marden.

Hydra has also been visited by a number of Greek artists and other well-known figures. The most famous were the poet George Seferis, the author D. Petsalis, and painters Nicos Hantzikyriakos-Ghikas, Panagiotis Tetsis, Nicolaos Engonopoulos and Periklis Vyzantios, among others.

Today, Hydra remains a source of creative inspiration to a number of European painters and sculptors. Many of them have even moved to the island to continue their artistic pursuits.  This includes Natacha Best, a French watercolourist who divides her time between Paris and Hydra, Pauline Keaney, a printmaker and painter who draws her inspiration from the surrounding natural environment, Jacqueline Savidge, a creative spirit who moved to Hydra some 30 years ago and who delves into a variety of art, and many more.

A source of literary inspiration

Much literature has been written about the island. Hydra has also served as the setting of a variety of books. Some well-known pieces are the 2003 Hydra and the Bananas of Leonard Cohen by Roger Green, the 1980 Hydra by Catherine Vanderpool, and many more. Popular movies have contributed considerably to the fame of the island. Some of them are  Boy on a Dolphin featuring Sophia Loren, and Phaedra starring Melina Mercouri and Anthony Perkins.

Rich in culture

The island is a fascinating destination to explore what with its 300 or so churches, 6 monasteries, a plethora of cultural museums, and statues of war heroes, all of which speak of a vivid historical past.

For those interested in the history of the island, the Historical Archives Museum of Hydra houses an archive of diverse relics dating back to the period 1708 – 1865. Located in a stylish stone mansion, you will get to view great exhibits comprised of artefacts from the world wars, the Balkan Wars and the Greek War of Independence. This includes maps, books, manuscripts, costumes, and more.

The Ecclesiastical museum found above Hydra’s port is another interesting place to visit. This museum is located in the Church of Assumption (or the Cathedral of Hydra as it is otherwise known). It contains an amazing selection of Byzantine icons, beautifully decorated holy gospels and other religious artefacts.

Another place worth exploring is the Lazaros Koundouriotis mansion. This house museum contains a selection of paintings by the artist Periklis Byzantios and his son Dikos, as well as an ethnographic area with a collection of items such as clothing, costumes, jewellery and pottery, of Greek origin.

It’s clear that Hydra has much to offer any traveller with a range of interests.  Even if just for a short visit, there is something for everyone to do to create great holiday memories.

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The Hydra Walking Tour by Athens Day Cruise is worth to get experience. Within a relatively short space of time, you’ll get to visit several historical sites, and learn more about this beautiful, internationally adored Greek island.

Hydra Walking Tour starts with Modern History

The tour commences at the National Merchant Marine Academy. Founded in the 18^th century, the National Merchant Marine Academy is Greece’s first naval academy. This is where Italian and Portuguese instructors taught at prior to the Greek revolution. Today, the Academy is renowned as a prestigious naval education centre. You will also see the statue of Admiral Miaoulis, at the entrance of Hydra’s harbour. The admiral is a popular historical figure, infamous for his role leading Hydra in the fight against Ottoman Empire as the Greek War of Independence began in 1821.

Take a break of your Hydra Walking Tour

Collecting the history bits and pieces, the tour continues with a possible donkey ride, the island’s main mode of transport. A visit to a traditional patisserie follows the donkey ride, that opened its doors in 1930. Here, you will get to indulge in its decadently famous macaroons. Once you’ve had your fill of this delicious treat, you will get the chance to learn more about the local history of island. A stop at Hydra’s local flag where you will learn more about its historical symbolism and its motto on it in Dorian, an ancient Spartan dialect.

Pop and local culture meet in the Hydra Walking Tour

As your walk continues, you will be taken to the square where scenes from the James Bond movie …. were filmed, as well the town square which has been dedicated to the Greek Prime Ministers originating from Hydra.

You will then proceed to one of Europe’s oldest pharmacies, the ‘Rafalia’, in a renovated 19th century neoclassical building. After “Rafalia” you will visit the Monastery of the Assumption of Mary, as well as the Ecclesiastical Museum and the cannons of the island. From the cannons of the island you will get a view to the small island where the oldest shipwreck in the world (2,200 BC).

The tour lasts about 45 minutes and you can combine it with other tours in a combo-tour package. You can either purchase the tour on board, as it is not included in the ticket price, or contact us to help you choose the best package.

Whatever you decide Hydra is the top destination for short one-day trips!

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