Exploring the breathtaking Greek islands of Hydra and Poros is a must-do for any traveler. This day tour from Athens promises an unforgettable journey, inviting visitors to experience the captivating architecture, serene beaches, and local charm that make these destinations so alluring. From the iconic Corinth Canal to the car-free streets of Hydra, this adventure offers the perfect blend of relaxation and exploration. With three hours to unwind in Poros and ample time to wander Hydra’s picturesque lanes, participants are sure to create memories that will last a lifetime. So why not embark on this enchanting island escapade and discover the beauty that awaits?
Key Points
- This 13-hour tour takes participants to the picturesque Greek islands of Hydra and Poros, providing a mix of sightseeing, relaxation, and culture.
- The tour includes round-trip transportation, ferry tickets, beach amenities, snorkeling equipment, and a provided lunch, ensuring a comprehensive and hassle-free island experience.
- Highlights include a stop at the Corinth Canal, 2 hours of swimming and exploration on Poros Island, and 1.5 hours to wander the car-free streets of Hydra Island.
- Poros Island offers opportunities to relax on sandy beaches, enjoy a leisurely lunch, and optionally access a thermal spa during the winter months.
- The tour is limited to a maximum of 8 participants, ensuring a personalized and intimate exploration of the islands’ unique natural beauty and traditional Greek charm.
Tour Overview
This day tour offers a comprehensive exploration of the picturesque islands of Hydra and Poros, lasting 13 hours and priced from €200 per person for a limited group size of up to 8 participants, with English as the primary language.
Guests can enjoy the flexibility of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, as well as the convenience of reserving now and paying later.
The tour includes round-trip transportation by air-conditioned minivan, ferry tickets, beach towels, water/soda, snorkeling equipment, and lunch, ensuring a seamless and memorable island-hopping experience.
Itinerary Highlights
The day tour begins at Ermou 80, where guests board a van for the 3-hour journey to the Corinth Canal.
From there, they take a 15-minute ferry to reach Poros Island, where they’ll have 2 hours to swim and explore.
Next, they’ll ride the van for 1 hour to catch a ferry to Hydra Island, spending 1.5 hours shopping, sightseeing, and enjoying the scenic views.
The tour then returns to Athens, with a 10-minute photo stop at the Corinth Canal along the way.
Throughout the journey, guests can enjoy the air-conditioned van, beach towels, and water/soda provided, as well as snorkeling equipment and an included lunch.
Corinth Canal Stop
After the 3-hour van ride from Athens, the tour makes a 10-minute photo stop at the iconic Corinth Canal. This narrow, man-made waterway that slices through the Isthmus of Corinth provides stunning views as the van crosses over it.
| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Location | Isthmus of Corinth |
| Length | 6.4 km (4 miles) |
| Width | 21.4 m (70 ft) |
| Depth | 8 m (26 ft) |
| Completion | 1893 |
The Corinth Canal is an impressive engineering feat that dramatically reduces the sailing distance between the Aegean and Ionian Seas. Guests can snap photos and admire the dramatic limestone cliffs that flank this historic waterway before continuing on to the first island destination, Poros.
Hydra Island Exploration
Departing the ferry, guests explore Hydra’s narrow, vehicle-free streets lined with unique architecture. With no cars allowed, mules provide the main mode of transport around the island.
Visitors can wander the charming town, stopping for a seaside coffee or snack while taking in the scenic views. The island’s lack of motorized vehicles creates a peaceful, tranquil atmosphere, allowing guests to fully enjoy the island’s relaxed pace of life.
Whether browsing the local shops or simply enjoying the serene surroundings, Hydra offers a delightful respite from the hustle and bustle of the mainland. With its picturesque streets and car-free ambiance, the island provides an authentic taste of traditional Greek island life.
Poros Island Relaxation
Upon arrival on Poros Island, guests get to relax on the serene beaches and enjoy the lush surroundings of lemon and olive trees for 3 hours.
They can savor a leisurely lunch amidst the island’s tranquil atmosphere before cooling off with a refreshing swim in the island’s sandy beaches.
Known for its natural beauty, Poros offers a chance to unwind and soak up the Mediterranean charm.
During the winter months, visitors can even opt for a dip in the island’s thermal spa‘s indoor pool for an additional €15 per person.
Island Experiences Summary
The tour offers visitors a chance to experience the unique charms of both Hydra and Poros islands.
On Hydra, guests can explore the island’s narrow streets lined with distinctive architecture, while mules serve as the primary mode of transportation as no vehicles are allowed.
Poros, known for its serene beaches and lush lemon and olive trees, provides ample opportunity for a leisurely lunch and refreshing swim.
The island experiences include:
- Wandering Hydra’s charming streets
- Enjoying coffee or a snack with sea views
- Relaxing on Poros’ sandy beaches
- Swimming in the island’s thermal spa (winter)
- Marveling at the scenic natural beauty of both islands
Tour Inclusions
The day tour at Hydra and Poros includes several key components to enhance your experience.
The tour includes ferry tickets, an air-conditioned minivan, beach towels, water/soda on the minivan, snorkeling equipment, and lunch. These inclusions ensure a comfortable and hassle-free experience throughout the day.
The ferry tickets cover the transportation to and from the islands, while the minivan provides a convenient mode of travel between destinations.
The beach towels and snorkeling equipment make it easy to enjoy the islands’ beautiful beaches and waters. Hydrating with water and soda keeps you energized, and the included lunch allows you to refuel during the day.
Meeting Details
Participants meet at the White van, Easy Experiences, located in Monastiraci Square, where the tour begins. A confirmation email with the meeting time will be sent a day prior to the tour date.
This tour offers:
- A prompt start to ensure a full day of island exploration
- Convenient central meeting location in the heart of Athens
- Confirmation email with all the essential details
- Friendly staff to greet and guide participants throughout the day
- Flexibility to join the tour without any upfront payment
With a convenient meeting point and helpful communication, this tour ensures a seamless start to a memorable day exploring the beautiful islands of Hydra and Poros.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Tour Suitable for Children?
The tour seems suitable for children. It includes activities like swimming, sightseeing, and shopping, and the group size is limited to 8 participants, suggesting a more personalized experience. However, the 13-hour duration may be tiring for young children.
Can We Bring Our Own Food and Drinks?
Participants are welcome to bring their own food and drinks on the tour, though lunch is already included. Bringing additional snacks or beverages is fine, as long as they’re not consumed on the ferry or disturb fellow passengers.
Are There Any Additional Fees Not Mentioned?
The tour price includes all major expenses. However, there may be optional activities or services that incur additional fees, such as thermal spa access on Poros Island during the winter. Travelers should check with the tour operator for any extra costs.
Do We Need to Bring Our Own Beach Gear?
The tour includes beach towels, so you don’t need to bring your own beach gear. However, you may want to bring extra items like sunscreen, hats, and water shoes for your comfort and convenience during the swimming and beach activities.
Is the Tour Wheelchair Accessible?
No, the tour is not wheelchair accessible. The itinerary includes taking ferries and walking on narrow streets in Hydra, which may present challenges for wheelchair users. Accessibility accommodations are not mentioned in the tour details provided.
Recap
This day tour offers a unique opportunity to experience the natural beauty and charming island life of Hydra and Poros.
With a scenic stop at the Corinth Canal, ample time to explore Hydra’s car-free streets and Poros’ pristine beaches, and a leisurely lunch, this excursion promises an unforgettable taste of the Greek island lifestyle.
Whether you’re seeking relaxation or adventure, this tour has something to delight every traveler.
