Walking in the Saronic Islands: Poros and Hydra

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Day 1: Arrival in Athens | 5km

Arrival at Athens airport. Travel by public transport to Athens centre. It is possible to pre-book a taxi transfer from the airport to Athens.

• Accommodation: Hotel Novus or similar
• Walking for the day (optional): 2-6h, 5km, ­↑100m ↓100m

Day 2: Athens to Poros | 5.3km

Pick-up at the hotel in Athens and transfer to the port of Piraeus. Ferry to Poros. In the afternoon, there is time for a walk on the peninsula of Poros town. First, you walk through this unique town with its brightly coloured houses up to the ruin of an old windmill. Take in breathtaking views across Galatas channel towards the high peaks of the Peloponnese. Continue on partly paved paths (kalderimi) all along the ridge to the church of Agioi Anargyroi, where you get panoramic views. Take a different path back down to Poros town with its array of charming cafes and tavernas.

Transfer to the port of Piraeus and high-speed or regular ferry to Poros (four to six daily). You can indicate a preferred departure time (might be ferry at 10.30 or hydrofoil at 09.00
or at 17.00). More departures are available in summer. Duration high-speed: 2h. Ferry: 3h.

• Walking for the day: 2h, 5.3km, ­↑100m ↓100m
• Accommodation: Hotel Saga or similar

Day 3: Circular walk Poros | 8km

Today’s walk leads you along the coast toward Kyani Akti from which you walk up through forested areas and small olive groves toward the Temple of Poseidon. The sanctuary was dedicated to the worship of Poseidon, but there is evidence that the site was already inhabited in prehistoric times. After your visit, climb further via a fire lane to a forest road up to the most elevated point of the day. Zigzagging down via forest roads, you come to the main tarmac road which you follow, then turn onto a path and descend through woodlands all the way to the coast.

• Walking for the day: 4h, 8km, ­↑265m ↓265m
• Alternative walk (via Zoodochos Pigi): 2.5h, 5km, ­↑170m ↓170m
• Accommodation: Hotel Saga or similar

Day 4: Poros to Hydra | 5km

Travel by high-speed from Poros to Hydra (several departures daily). The striking difference between Poros and Hydra becomes clear, the former covered in forest and the latter with a more mountainous landscape. The main town and port are among the most beautiful in Greece, with preserved Neoclassical mansions, white-washed village houses and narrow cobbled lanes climbing steeply up from the horseshoe shaped harbour. Quite rightly, the whole town is preserved as a National Monument. In the afternoon, take a lovely walk on Hydra to start familiarising yourself with this island idyll.

• Walking for the day: 2h, 5km, ­↑200m ↓200m
• Accommodation: Hotel Hydrousa or similar

Day 5: Circular walk Hydra | 10-17km

The first of the two main walking routes crossing Hydra begins at Hydra’s main town and ends on the western side of the island. This side of the island is covered with rich vegetation and pine forests that reach down to Bisti beach. First, walk along the north coast through the villages of Kaminia, Vlychos, Plakes and past the Bay of Palamidas with its small dockyard. From there you have the option of returning to the town of Hydra via a different route or walking further inland up to the village of Episkopi. After Episkopi, the footpath continues south-west toward the coast, with some fantastic views. Your route ends Bisti bay with its small church, Agios Georgos. In high season there are sunbeds for rent. Return to the town of Hydra by water taxi (not included).

• Walking for the day (option 1): 4h, 10km, ­↑250m ↓250m
• Walking for the day (option 2): 6h, 17km, ­↑550m ↓550m
• Accommodation: Hotel Hydrousa or similar

Day 6: Mount Eros | 9.4km

The circular walk for today takes you to the summit of Mount Eros on the island of Hydra, 588m. A wide kalderimi winds uphill from the town of Hydra to Profitis Elias monastery, located just 100m below the summit. From here a trail leads up to the summit, where you can enjoy splendid views over Hydra, the surrounding islands and the Peloponnese. The return route to the town of Hydra follows a different trail, descending gradually to the settlement at Episkopi then swiftly back to Hydra.

• Walking for the day: 6h, 6.4km, ­↑700m ↓700m
• Accommodation: Hotel Hydrousa or similar

Day 7: Circular walk Hydra | 8.8-16.8km

For today’s route on Hydra you are taken by water taxi to Ledeza Bay (optional). From the bay you ascend to Zourvas monastery, located in a beautifully barren landscape. There are two options after that: Option 1 – walk directly back to the town of Hydra via a clear footpath, through through wooded areas of cedars and oaks. The route passes Agia Matrona and Agia Triada and Agios Nikolaos monasteries. Option 2. – For the longer walk you continue further east to Zourvas lighthouse, via Agios Ioannikios church, which clings to the cliff in a remote seascape that is home to lots of wild goats. Return to Zourvas monastery then follow the standard route via Agia Matrona, Agia Triada and Agios Nikolaos and return to Hydra via a saddle marked by windmills.

If you depart early on Day 8, you must return to Athens in the late afternoon today.

• Walking for the day (option 1): 4h, 8.8km, ­↑400m ↓400m
• Walking for the day (option 2): 6.5h, 16.8km, ­↑750m ↓750m
• Accommodation: Hotel Hydrousa or similar

Day 8: Departure

Walk with your luggage to the port via the cobbled streets of Hydra. At the port, board a high-speed vessel to travel back to Piraeus. Optionally you can book a transfer to Athens airport for your flight departure, or you can book additional nights in Athens. May-September weekdays first ferry arrives at 9:15am, so flight departure time cannot be before 13pm.

Click to view our default hotels for this trip

• Novus Hotel (Athens): A modern 4-star hotel with a pleasant ‘vibe’ and superb views from the rooftop terrace over the city of Athens and the Acropolis. There is also a swimming pool on the rooftop.  
• Saga Hotel (Poros): This completely renovated hotel is conveniently located in the Perlia area within walking distance from Poros town. It offers great views of the harbour and Peloponnese, a lovely pool and spacious rooms. The owners Takis and Zefi offer great hospitality.
• Hotel Hydroussa (Hydra): A traditional island hotel, this charming, historic mansion offers all modern comforts. There is a quiet courtyard that serves as breakfast area in the morning. Because there are no cars on Hydra, there is always a serene and peaceful atmosphere. 

*Hotels are subject to availability. In case a particular hotel is fully booked for your desired dates, we will replace it with a hotel of equal value and quality level. We will provide exact accommodation details to you upon booking confirmation.