TRAVEL ADVICE

‘Hydra is a uniquely enchanting location, in the heart of the Aegean Sea, just 90 minutes from Athens’

GETTING TO HYDRA

INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS

United States to Athens

Non-stop flights from US East Coast to Athens International Airport take approximately 9 hours and operate daily via multiple airlines.

For Star Alliance members, United Airlines operates twice-daily services from Newark and Washington, while AEGEAN also offers bookings on the daily Newark service operated by Emirates.

Europe to Athens

Daily flights from most major European cities to Athens International Airport take 2-4 hours while flights from the Middle East typicalls last 4 hours.

GETTING AROUND ATHENS

While in Athens, your hotel concierge can arrange a taxi, or you can book one yourself using Uber or Free Now.

GETTING TO HYDRA PORT

By Train

To reach Piraeus Port from Athens International Airport, take Metro Line 3 (Blue Line) to Dimotiko Theatro, the closest station to Gate E9, where ferries to Hydra depart. The journey takes approximately 40 minutes and costs around €9, payable by credit card.

From the station, it's an easy 7-minute walk to the port with plenty of coffee shops and shopping along the way, Piraeus is now buzzing with life!

Metro services operate every 30 minutes between 6:30 a.m. and 11:30 p.m.

By Car

A taxi or private car transfer from Athens International Airport to Piraeus Port takes approximately 40 minutes to 1 hour 20 minutes, depending on traffic, covering a distance of around 42 km.

By Ferry

From Piraeus Port to Hydra the journey takes approximately 90 minutes.

Our guest team can arrange your ferry bookings to and from Hydra. Alternatively, you can book online using Ferryhopper or directly with Hellenic Seaways, Alpha Lines, or Magic Sea Ferries.

GETTING AROUND HYDRA

Most hotels and accommodations will arrange for donkeys upon your arrival by boat. But we still recommend packing lightly using backpacks or small suitcases. As there are no cars, taxis, or buses.

In Hydra donkeys are the primary means of transporting goods. Hydra is small and walking here is both meditative and pleasant. Nearly all points of interest are located along the waterfront or in the narrow streets behind the port. You can wander the cobbled streets and admire traditional houses that extend up into the hills.

For those seeking more adventure, water taxis are available to whisk travelers from the quaint harbour to secluded beaches & tavernas.

BOOKING YOUR STAY

OUR HYDRA HOTEL PARTNERS

This year ArtCinema has partnered with two of our favorite hotels in Hydra, reserving beautiful rooms exclusively for our guests.

These centrally located accommodations ensure you're right in the heart of Hydra for our events during the extended peak season in October - when the island is at its most tranquil and the sea remains warm and inviting. Our guest team will allocate rooms based on your preferences, and each of our partner hotels offer full concierge services.

  • Located just a few minutes from Hydra’s Port, in the tranquil Votsi area, Hydroussa Hotel is steeped in cinematic history. During the 1950s, this stunning property was a grand mansion and famously served as a filming location for two iconic films: Boy on a Dolphin starring Sophia Loren, and A Girl in Black starring Elli Lambeti. It is also where Sophia Loren stayed during the Boy on a Dolphin shoot, adding to its legendary status.

    The hotel is set on a charming square surrounded by lemon trees, with beautiful views of Hydra’s traditional village. To the left, guests can see the historic Five Prime Ministers Square, and to the right, the family residence of Lazaros Kountouriotis.

    Our guest team will take care of your reservations, but for any other inquiries, please contact the wonderful Hydroussa Hotel team at: 

    Manager: Theodora Sidirokastriti
    info@hydroussahotel.gr

    hydroussa-hydra.gr/

  • Operated by local hotelier Christos Douskos, his Douskos Hydra Hotels and Apartments offers a beautiful collection of air-conditioned, seaside and port-side accommodations, combining comfort with authentic island charm.

    The Douskos Port House is located just 300 metres from Hydra Port and the George Kountouriotis Manor, and 3 km from the historic Profitis Ilias Monastery. Guests enjoy free WiFi, and a stunning terrace breakfast overlooking the port. The beach at Paralia Vlichos is only 2.1 km away.

    For a truly special stay, consider Doukos by the Sea, which features two private apartments located at the original filming site of Boy on a Dolphin. Just steps from one of our favourite beaches, it is also the site of our Sophia Loren tribute evening, and sits beside the much-loved Lefteraki Taverna.

    Our guest team will take care of your reservations, but for any other inquiries, please contact the Douskas hospitality team at: 

    Julietta Mourantian:
    info@douskoshydrahotel.gr

    douskoshydrahotels.gr

BOUTIQUE LUXURY STAYS

  • Hydrea is a refined boutique hotel located in the heart of Hydra’s main port - just moments from Omilos Restaurant and Spilia Beach, and right next to the School of Fine Arts. Its prime location offers both tranquility and easy access to the island’s cultural and culinary highlights.

    With just six luxury double rooms, one executive suite, and one deluxe suite, Hydrea offers an intimate and exclusive stay. The interiors combine elegant antique furnishings with modern design elements, striking the perfect balance between traditional charm and contemporary comfort.

    The ArtCinema guest team can assist with preferred rates for our guests or contact the hotel directly at hydrea.gr

EXPLORE ATHENS

If you’re seeking an overnight stay in Athens, ArtCinema can offer preferred rates at the bold, boundary-pushing YES! Hotels group that includes Periscope, New Hotel, and Semiramis in Athens.

You can find the site at: yeshotels.gr/our-hotels

ISLAND STYLE

WHAT TO WEAR & BOUTIQUE SHOPPING

Hydra offers a charming and carefully curated shopping experience, with elegant boutiques, local fashion labels and independent Greek designers whose work reflects the island’s unique spirit - artful, stylish, and authentic.

  • When it comes to attire, Hydra embraces a look best described as relaxed island chic - think breathable fabrics, effortless elegance, and outfits suited to cobblestone strolls and seaside dinners. Whether you're browsing boutiques, attending our opening night, or enjoying one of our outdoor screenings, the mood is refined yet informal: comfortable, stylish, and naturally Mediterranean.

    And don’t forget to bring something that puts you in the spirit of Greek dancing - our Sophia Loren Tribute Evening will take place by the sea, and we plan to celebrate in true Hydra style.

MEDICAL CARE

  • The main medical facility on Hydra is Kouloureio Hospital, located near the main port and just moments from the Hydroussa Hotel. It offers primary (first-degree) healthcare services. Additionally, the island has the Hydra Health Center, which provides basic medical care, emergency services, and first aid. Staffed by doctors and nurses, it can manage most minor to moderate health issues.

    For serious or specialized medical needs, patients are typically transferred by boat or helicopter to hospitals in Athens, the nearest major city with comprehensive medical facilities.

    If you are planning an event or an extended stay, it is advisable to have basic travel insurance and be aware of emergency transport options as a precaution.

  • There is an optometrist on the island and two pharmacies, all located near the main port, where most of the shops and services are concentrated. These pharmacies carry essential medications, personal care products, and over-the-counter remedies. Both speak English. If you require specific or prescription medications, it's a good idea to bring them with you or check availability in advance, as stock can be limited on a small island. 

DONKEY & CAT POPULATION

Hydra's reliance on donkeys for transport dates back to a 1950s presidential decree aimed at preserving the island's architecture and character. This rule prohibits the use of wheeled vehicles, cars, motorbikes, and even bicycles. Given the town’s steep, amphitheatre-like hills rising from its horseshoe-shaped harbour, donkeys are the only form of transport capable of navigating the steep steps and narrow alleyways leading to many residents' homes.

  • For some visitors, one of Hydra's most charming features is its feline inhabitants. Cats have been an integral part of the island, believed to have arrived in the hulls of ships for rodent control since the 1600s. The Greek term for cat lover is ailurophile, which reflects the island's fondness for its feline residents.

    There are two pet shops in Hydra’s main port if you wish to feed the cats. Unfortunately, there is no veterinary service on the island, so appointments must be arranged from another island. If you have any concerns about animal welfare, please report them to the pet shop, and they can guide you to Hydra Ark or the Small Animal Rescue Association.

    For more information, visit: www.hydradirect.com/animal-welfare.