Travel Budget for Hydra Visit Hydra on a Budget or Travel in Style

Tips to Save Money on Accommodation in Hydra

When visiting Hydra with your family, look for an apartment or accommodation that offers more space to keep everyone comfortable.

Traveling in the low or shoulder season (and not in summer) means you'll enjoy lower accommodation prices and fewer tourists around.

Even though Hydra is a big tourist draw, its smaller size means that accommodations can be in high demand. Make sure to book early if you plan to visit during summer.

Walking is a popular way to explore Hydra, so staying in a prime area is recommended. Just be prepared for potentially higher prices.

The island's famous old town is a major attraction for travelers. While hotels in this area can be more expensive, they usually offer a lot of charm and easy access to all the main sights.

Greek Island Ferry Tickets

As mentioned earlier, with the exception of rubbish trucks, no motorized vehicles are permitted on the island. The main methods of travel once you get to the island are by donkey, water taxi, or on foot.

The best way to get to Hydra from Athens is to take a high-speed ferry from Piraeus (check Flying Dolphin or Flying Cat by Hellenic Seaways for ferry schedule). The boat will usually stop first at Poros then continue on to Hydra followed by Spetses. The journey to Hydra should take about an hour and 15 minutes.

Transportation Tips

If you're taking a car, verify that your hotel offers convenient parking.

When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Hydra is around $58 (€52) per person, with previous travelers spending from $26 to $111. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.

Typical meal prices in Hydra are as follows:

• Breakfast: $6 to $17
• Lunch: $9 to $23
• Dinner: $17 to $41
• Coffee: $5
• Fast Food or Street Food: $9

The main port of Hydra is the place to eat. At peak dining hours every restaurant will be bustling and full of lively conversation. Being an island and a town on the port, you can never go wrong with the seafood, though anything you get will likely be just as good. Whether you choose you eat on the water, or explore the food culture of the enchanting alleyways, Hydra dining will not disappoint. If you are looking to save your pennies, your best bet is to go to one of the restaurants on the back streets and do your eating and drinking there. Waterfront dining sometimes comes at an expense. A great place to sit back with a drink after dinner is located just off port down Tompazi Street. The place is called Amalour, and the little corner it sits on is the place to be once the nightlife gets started.

Food & Dining Tips

When dining out with children, prioritize restaurants with a kids' menu. This can help you save a fair amount of money, as those options are typically less expensive. Some eateries might not showcase kids' meals on their menus, so it's a good idea to check with the waiter.

Many accommodations throw in breakfast at no extra cost, though others might charge you for it. The price and quality can greatly vary by hotel. Knowing this in advance can help you figure out if you need to spend more money. You might find the hotel's buffet is worth it, or you may prefer to grab a cheaper bite at a local bakery or cafe.

Make a picnic to save some cash and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. Just find a nearby grocery store or market, grab some fresh food, and choose a nice park or scenic area for your meal.

Bring a water bottle instead of buying beverages everywhere. It helps the environment, too.

Before you head out on a tour, be sure to find out which meals are included. You could end up paying for some meals out of pocket, which can impact your budget.

If you are up for a day of walking, the endless alleyways of the main port are a sight in themselves. Lined with little shops, bakeries, guest houses, and old world decor, the main town at the port of Hydra has enough to occupy a day-long exploration. Tucked into the town, there are also a few quaint churches worth a peek.

If you really feel up to walking, you might want to take the hike up to the Profitis Ilias Monastery. The journey is about a two-hour climb each way along a partially paved path with cobblestone ramps and a lot of stairs, but is well worth the effort for the views of the surrounding area. If you catch the monastery during open hours, you might even get to sample a Turkish delight. Great photo opportunities either way!

If you follow the cobbled road along the sea, it will lead you out of port to other smaller villages and beaches on Hydra. The views along this route are spectacular as well. If you plan on a long day of walking, do not forget to bring water.

In addition to the endless adventure of shops and alleyways, Hydra also has a few museums worth a visit. The Lazaros Koundouriotis Mansion (branch of the National Historical Museum) overlooks the port with striking views of the harbor from above. Once the home of shipowner Lazaros Koundouriotis, who played an important role in the Greek War of Independence, the mansion now houses a permanent exhibition that follows the historical evolution of the Greek nation from the fall of Constantinople to the Ottomans up until World War II. Another museum located just on the eastern edge of Hydra port is the Historical Archives Museum of Hydra. This collection provides more of a nautical history of the port, showcasing model ship replicas, period clothing, maps, and other artifacts significant to Hydra's culture.

If you prefer to spend your time on Hydra relaxing on the island's beaches, there are a few around the coastline that can be most easily reached by boat taxi. Just walk along the port whenever you wish to leave for your beach excursion and you will find many boats waiting to take visitors back and forth for a good price. If you prefer walking, the closest beach is Avlaki Bay just west of Hydra town. It is very small down a steep path and is quite rocky, but it is usually less crowded than the other beaches. If you're looking for a beach with more amenities, take a boat taxi to Cape Bisti or (Four Seasons) Vlichos Beach, where you can rent chairs and umbrellas and have access to food and refreshments as well.

Sightseeing Tips

Museums and Attractions:
The museums and landmarks in Hydra are some of the most famous in the world. For such a small island, there are many local museums and sights. Highlights include the Historical Archives Museum, the Ecclesiastical Museum, the Monastery of Agia Efpraxia, and the Monastery of Prophet Elias.

Historical Sights:
Visitors love to explore the historic old town area. With no cars and plenty of charm, the island's old town feels as if you've stepped back in time. Donkey pulled carts and quaint streets give this town its atmosphere.

Hiking:
Hiking in and around Hydra is absolutely fantastic. The island is filled with walking paths and donkey trails that are fun to explore. Some walk along the sea and offer spectacular views while others take you inland through the hills.

Shopping:
You won't want to miss out on the shopping here. Charming shops fill the town and sell local items such as handmade jewelry and traditional embroideries.

Nightlife Tips

Nightlife is a blast when traveling, but scaling back on drinks can really help stretch your travel budget.