Ferry from Hydra to Ermioni

Hydra Guide

Located in the Saronic group of islands in the Aegean Sea, between the Saronic Gulf and the Argolic Gulf, the Greek island of Hydra is separated from the Peloponnese by a narrow strip of water. The island's natural springs have given the island its name as Hydra is derived from the Greek word for water. The island's main town, Hydra Port, is home to the island's harbour which can be found nestled amongst a number of restaurants, markets, shops and galleries, all of which cater for visiting tourists.

The only method of transport available on the island are water taxis and donkeys as cars and motorcycles are forbidden. However, the populated parts of Hydra are relatively small and therefore most people seem happy to walk everywhere.

From the island's harbour there are daily catamaran and flying dolphin services to Piraeus, Athens. The crossing time is around 1 hour, or between 3 and 3 1/2 hours by conventional ferry. The island is also connected by ferry to the rest of the islands in the Saronic Gulf and also with Porto Cheli.

Ermioni Guide

The Greek town of Ermioni is located in the Peloponnese region, and lies across a peninsular and is surrounded by sea on both sides. This gives the town the feeling of an island town whilst having all of the benefits of being located on the Greek mainland. The town has been inhabited since at least the time of Homer but during the Classic era it was well known for its shipbuilding and for the production of porphyra, a important red dye which was used for colouring the uniforms of many armies including that of Alexander the Great.

Today the town is a major tourist destination and small port. The old town was built on a hillside and has lovely views of the surrounding nearby islands and fertile agricultural land where pomegranates, citrus fruits and olives are grown. The bay that sits below the town is the location of the town's natural harbour where fishermen can often be observed cleaning their nets and where visitors will find a number of shops and cafes. Mandraki, to the south, offers a good selection of quay side restaurants, bars and traditional Tavernas with their octopuses hanging outside to dry in the sun.