Hydra Island (Greece)

Hydra Island is part of the Saronic Islands (Greece), located in the Aegean Sea. Hydra (from the Greek word for "water") is a reference to the island's springs.

The Hydra municipality consists of Hydra Island (total area 52 km2 / 20 mi2), Dokos Island (14 km2 / 5 mi2), plus several uninhabited smaller isles. The island's main town Idra (aka "Hydra port") has population around 2,000. The harbor is crescent-shaped.

Most of the town's tourist attractions (galleries, shops, markets, bars, tavernas / restaurants) are located near the harbor. Hydra largely depends on tourism. Most of the visitors are domestic (mainly from the country's capital city Athens /on mainland Greece). The island is usually accessed via hydrofoils and catamarans from Piraeus-Athens (approx 70 km / 43 mi to the north). Regularly scheduled hydrofoils from Piraeus serve Hydra as the second port of call (after Poros Island and followed by Spetses Island). Passenger ferries run between Hydra and Metochi (Peloponnese / mainland Greece).

On Hydra Island motorcycles and cars are forbidden. Public transportation is via water taxis. The island is easily walkable. It features plenty of bays and natural harbors. It is also a popular yachting destination.

Hydra Island cruise terminal