Saronic Weekend
Athens & Hydra weekend
A three-night Athens and Hydra pairing for a short break that still includes a genuine, car-free Greek island.
This is the shortest route in the collection: a couple of nights in Athens, then a fast ferry to Hydra, where cars are banned and donkeys still carry luggage up from the port. Three nights suits a long weekend or a stopover between flights rather than a full holiday, and the relaxed pace reflects how little there is to rush toward on an island this size.
Why this order
Athens comes first simply because it's the arrival point, and the direct Hellenic Seaways crossing to Hydra takes 1h30m, six sailings a day in high season, easily fit around any flight schedule. There's little reason to reverse this order, since Athens is both the arrival and departure hub for the whole trip — the only real choice is how many of the three nights go to each side, and most visitors give Hydra the majority.
Best for
Suits travelers with a short window, a stopover, or anyone wanting a genuine island day trip without the commitment of a Cyclades-length crossing. The relaxed pace fits perfectly with three nights. Skip it if you're looking for beaches and swimming as the main activity — Hydra's coastline is rocky rather than sandy — or if three nights feels too short to bother with a ferry at all.
Islands on this route
- 1
- 2
Who sails it
- Hellenic Seaways Official timetable
Frequently asked questions
Why this order?
Athens comes first simply because it's the arrival point, and the direct Hellenic Seaways crossing to Hydra takes 1h30m, six sailings a day in high season, easily fit around any flight schedule. There's little reason to reverse this order, since Athens is both the arrival and departure hub for the whole trip — the only real choice is how many of the three nights go to each side, and most visitors give Hydra the majority.
Best for?
Suits travelers with a short window, a stopover, or anyone wanting a genuine island day trip without the commitment of a Cyclades-length crossing. The relaxed pace fits perfectly with three nights. Skip it if you're looking for beaches and swimming as the main activity — Hydra's coastline is rocky rather than sandy — or if three nights feels too short to bother with a ferry at all.
How we plan it?
Hydra has no airport and no cars, so the only way in or out is the Piraeus ferry — check the schedule before booking a tight flight connection on either end. The crossing itself carries a low wind-risk rating and runs year-round, making this one of the most dependable short trips on the site.
Times, prices and frequencies are indicative and change by season and operator. Always confirm the live timetable before you book.