Aegean Sea Travel Guide 1. Core Guide 1. Best Travel Time Golden season from April to October: May-June and September-October have fewer tourists and lower prices, temperatures range from 20-28°C, ideal for leisurely island tours; July-August is peak season with the bluest sea but requires booking 1-2 months in advance; November to March is off-season with some shops closed, suitable for niche deep travel. 2. Must-Visit Core Destinations • Athens (entry and exit hub): Visit the Acropolis, Parthenon, shop for souvenirs in Plaka Old Town, take a boat from Piraeus Port to the islands • Santorini: Watch the sunset in Oia, stroll the cliff path in Fira, check in at the blue-domed churches, visit the black/red sand beaches, take a boat tour to the volcanic island for hiking • Mykonos: Windmills, Little Venice, maze-like alleys, enjoy water sports at Paradise Beach, nightlife at seaside bars • Crete: Explore the Palace of Knossos (Minoan civilization), wander the Venetian harbor in Chania Old Town, hike the Samaria Gorge • Zakynthos: Take a boat tour of Shipwreck Bay and Blue Caves, watch sea turtles nesting, visit the Venetian-style capital 3. Key Transportation • Hub: Athens is the main entry and exit hub, airport/Piraeus Port connect to all islands • Inter-island: 1-hour flights to Santorini/Mykonos, book early in peak season; ferries include Blue Star slow boats (economical) or fast boats (time-saving), buy tickets 45 days in advance in peak season to save 30% • On-island: Car rentals available in Santorini/Mykonos, full insurance recommended due to mountain roads; local green buses also available, Fira to Oia about €1.6 per person • Special: Izla Island bans motor vehicles, rely on walking or donkey rides; Mykonos town is best explored on foot 4. Must-Try Food • Seafood: Grilled octopus (with lemon juice), fried calamari rings, seafood pasta, freshest at seaside restaurants with live catch • Local dishes: Tomatokeftedes (tomato balls), Tzatziki (yogurt cucumber sauce), grilled lamb chops with herbs • Desserts: Thick Greek yogurt (with honey and nuts), Baklava (syrup and nuts pastry) • Drinks: Assyrtiko white wine (grown in volcanic soil, perfect with seafood), Ouzo (anise-flavored liquor) 5. Practical Tips • Visa: Schengen visa, apply 1-2 months in advance, prepare itinerary and proof of funds • Currency: Euro, cards widely accepted, carry some cash for tips/snacks • Dress code: Churches require clothes covering knees and shoulders; bring sunscreen and sunglasses for the beach, a light jacket for mountainous areas • Expenses: Prices high in peak season, compare in advance; staying in guesthouses often includes homemade breakfast by hosts • Etiquette: Remove hats in Orthodox churches, avoid taking photos of locals without permission, tip about 10%

Exploring Neapolis was an absolute highlight 🌊—especially getting lost in the charm of the Historical Archive - Museum of Hydra. This place is a hidden gem if you’re into maritime history and Greek island vibes! First stop (and truly, a must-see): Historical Archive - Museum of Hydra, Epar.Od. Mandrakiou-Molou, Idra 180 40, Greece. Plan your visit between 09:00–16:00 or catch the evening hours from 19:30–21:30 for a quieter experience. This museum packs in authentic ship models, documents, and art that’ll totally transport you back to Hydra’s nautical glory days. If you love small museums with serious local flavor, put this at the top of your list! I found the staff super knowledgeable and friendly—don’t be shy about asking for stories behind the exhibits. Insider tip: Hydra is famously car-free, so get ready to walk or rent a donkey for the full local experience! Pack comfy shoes and a good bottle of water. The local restaurants serve up fresh seafood—look out for simple tavernas near the port where you can indulge in grilled octopus and Greek salad at sunset. Getting around: The streets are narrow and scenic—forget taxis and embrace the slow travel vibe! Ticket prices for the museum are affordable, and most places accept cash, so keep some euros handy. Remember: Hydra can get toasty midday—aim for a morning or evening visit to the museum and enjoy those cooler Greek island breezes. #NeapolisDiaries #HydraMuseums #GreekIslandVibes

#hellochristmas Spending an entire month travelling across Greece felt like living inside a dream. Every stop had its own magic. Voulisma Beach on Crete dazzled with its turquoise water and soft white sand, perfect for slow, sunny days. Hydra offered calm, car-free charm, where donkeys and seaside strolls set the pace. In Rhodos, medieval streets and golden beaches blended history with relaxation. Methoni Castle impressed with its dramatic sea views, while Ancient Corinth brought the past to life right before my eyes. Pythagorio in Samos wrapped up the journey with peaceful harbours and warm island vibes. Greece was endlessly stunning—every destination unforgettable.

🚢 Depart from Piraeus Pier in Athens to Hydra Island 🎫 Book on Blue Star Ferries website We booked two days in advance using our mobile phones on the official website. ⚠️ Tips: 1️⃣ Follow the instructions on the website to choose your round-trip ferry time. We booked a 10:00 AM departure and a 5:40 PM return (the island is small; one day is enough to explore). 2️⃣ During peak season, the island is very crowded. It's recommended to book early, if you have a well-planned itinerary, to avoid not being able to book your desired date or time. 3️⃣ Ticket prices vary depending on the time and the ferry. Our outbound trip cost 30 Euros per person, and the return trip cost 28 Euros per person. If you need to book a Business class, it will cost an additional 10-20 Euros (we booked Lounge 1 for both of us, paying a total of 116 Euros). 4️⃣ Booking on the website requires filling in basic personal information and credit card details for payment. Payment requires dual authentication: first, a text message verification code for payment, and then a second verification code via email. Therefore, please ensure the information you enter is accurate. 5️⃣ After successful purchase, you can check in online directly, generating a QR code ticket which will be added to your mobile wallet. No need to exchange tickets at the pier; simply scan the code to board – very convenient. 6️⃣ The e-ticket specifies the boarding time, ship name, pier number, and seat number. It's recommended to arrive at the pier half an hour early, as it's very large. When we arrived at E8, there were countless ships; we had to ask staff for directions to find ours, by which time boarding had already begun.

#hellohalloween Just a short ferry ride from Athens, Hydra is a world of sun-soaked stone houses, blue waters, and peaceful charm — no cars, just donkeys and footpaths. Start your day in Hydra Town, with its elegant harbor lined with cafés and sailing boats glimmering in the morning light. From here, begin the hike to Mandraki, one of the island’s most scenic routes. The trail winds along the coastline, revealing stunning views of the Aegean — turquoise coves, rocky cliffs, and wild thyme-scented hillsides. In about 40 minutes, you’ll reach Mandraki Beach, a calm bay perfect for swimming and relaxing. The crystal-clear waters and surrounding hills make it one of Hydra’s most peaceful spots. Spend the afternoon exploring the Hydra coastline, walking the clifftop path toward Kamini and Vlychos. Stop for a seaside lunch at a family-run taverna — grilled octopus, fresh salad, and local wine by the water’s edge. As the sun begins to dip, return to the harbor to watch the boats sway in golden light — Hydra’s evenings are slow, quiet, and unforgettable. #HydraIsland #MandrakiBeach #GreekIslands #AegeanViews #HydraHike #TravelGreece #IslandEscape #CoastalWalk #HiddenGems #SlowTravel

Since I was in Athens, I wanted to visit an island with beautiful waters, so I decided to visit Hydra, which is accessible for a day trip! There were many other day trip islands, such as Pistachio Island, but I heard that Hydra had the clearest waters, so I decided on it. The townscape was cute, and there weren't many people, so the atmosphere was laid-back and relaxing, and it was the best! I had read in advance that there were a lot of donkeys and the smell of their droppings could be a bit of a concern, but it wasn't that bad. [Sightseeing Points] -------- ○ There are spots to swim in the sea everywhere. It's incredibly clean, so I highly recommend it! There are no changing areas or showers, so it's a good idea to bring a sweat wipe or something. → The seawater will make your body sticky, so it's a good idea to bring something to wipe yourself with! By the way, it's not allowed to enter restaurants in swimsuits, so be careful. ○ Since it's a small island, you can easily see all the street stalls in one day. ○There are so many cats here that it's nicknamed "Cat Island." They're strays, but they're very clean and friendly. While I was eating at a restaurant, I suddenly noticed several cats rubbing against my feet. [Access]--- ○It took just under an hour by train from Athens city center to the port (Piraeus). From there, it took just under two hours by boat to reach Hydra. ○There are two boat companies that go to Hydra. During peak season, the boats get crowded, and it seems like it's difficult to get a ticket for the time I want, so I bought one in advance. ○The boat fare is approximately 30€ one way (approximately 10,000 yen round trip per person). -Present a printed copy of your reservation confirmation email. -Present your passport. -Check in 60 minutes before departure. Although the boarding instructions said you must check in 60 minutes before departure, I was able to board without any problems by showing my passport and reservation confirmation email on my smartphone and checking in 30 minutes before departure. Hydra Island #HydraIsland #Greece #TravelGuide

#7月好去处2025 Located in the Aegean Sea south of the Peloponnese Peninsula in Greece, Hydra Island is a small island that can only be reached by water and retains its traditional culture. The narrow stone houses on the island are built on the mountain, with white walls and blue windows, continuing the Greek characteristics; plus the orange roofs, it is also reminiscent of the typical European mountain town scenery. Cars are not allowed to enter the island, and only donkeys serve as public transportation. The traditional atmosphere attracts tourists from all over the world to the island, creating a tourism industry here. Since Hydra is less than 3 hours away from Athens, every weekend, it gathers Greek fashion celebrities. Travelers also love to sunbathe on large rocks and jump into the world's clearest sea water for fun.

Hydra is one of those rare places that feels like it exists outside of time. Just a short ferry from Athens, this dreamy Greek island is full of charm, calm, and just enough chaos — mostly from cats and donkeys. No cars here — just cobbled streets, sea breezes, and the occasional Amazon delivery carried on a donkey’s back. 🧺📦🐴 Why Hydra’s worth the trip: • 🚫 No cars — just donkeys, water taxis, and your own two feet • 🐈 Cats everywhere — sunbathing, people-watching, and being cute • 🏛️ Elegant old mansions and stone alleyways to get delightfully lost in • 🌊 Crystal clear water — perfect for cliff-jumping or lazy swims • 🌅 Dreamy sunsets from the rocky coast or a quiet taverna terrace Hydra moves slow in the best way. Come here to read, swim, wander, and let the island rhythm reset you. #HydraIsland #NoCarsJustCats #GreekIslandLife #DonkeyDelivery #MediterraneanMood #SlowTravel #HydraSunsets #IslandWanderings#greekislandhopping #mediterraneanvibes

#AbsolutelyFreeTrip (Hydrangea Cafe / Gino’s Café) 📍 Features and Scenery A flower field that spreads across the hills of Phetchabun Province, Phetchabun Province. In spring, summer, autumn and winter, colorful highland flowers such as "daisies", "white roses", "red salvia", "blue salvia" and "hyacinths" bloom in full glory, creating a landscape that seems like something out of a picture book. The blooming season of "daisies" and "hydrangeas" from December to February is particularly spectacular. The entire hill is dyed purple, and there are endless 360° photo spots. Large colorful balloon objects are placed here and there, allowing you to take playful photos. 📍 Cafe Information At the top of the hill, “Gino’s Café” offers coffee, tea, Italian cider, smoothies, cakes, and more, making it the perfect place to relax after a stroll through the flower fields. A flower field maintenance fee of 60 baht per person is required, but you get a 20 baht discount for drinks and bakery items. 📍 Convenience If you are coming by car, there is a parking lot at the top. From there, you will walk down a slope and a staircase to the flower fields. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Open daily 08:00–17:00 (some information says 08:30–18:00)

#greekislandhopping I joined a day tour from Athens that stopped at Hydra, Poros, and Aegina. Each island offered something special: Hydra had donkeys instead of cars, Poros had quiet pine-scented paths, and Aegina had pistachios everywhere! Sailing between the islands was half the fun—gorgeous waters and sun-drenched decks.this place is a must visit

#greekislandhopping Close to Athens but a world away, Hydra offers a perfect start or end to a Greek island-hopping trip. The island has no cars, only donkeys and cobbled lanes. I strolled along the harbour, watched yachts drift in, and ate fresh octopus by the sea. The sunsets here are cinematic. Hydra is more about vibe than activity — quiet mornings, lazy walks, art galleries, and perfect seafood. It’s where time slows down.

#greekislandhopping Hydra, one of the most enchanting islands of the Saronic Gulf, is famous for its preserved architecture, rich maritime history, and unique atmosphere where no cars are allowed. The island’s stone mansions, narrow cobbled lanes, and bustling harbor lined with cafés and boutiques create a setting full of character. With donkeys as the main mode of transport and crystal-clear waters surrounding the rocky coast, Hydra offers a perfect mix of culture, history, and relaxed island life. ⸻ 📍 Central Location for Navigation: Hydra Town (Port and Main Village) Hydra, Saronic Islands, Greece ⸻ 💡 Tips for Visiting Hydra: • 🚶 Be ready to explore on foot — the island’s charm lies in its car-free serenity • 🏖 Swim off rocks at Spilia or stroll to Vlychos Beach for a quieter spot • 🛥 Enjoy a water taxi ride for beautiful coastal views • 🍽 Try local seafood at a taverna along the harbor • 📅 Spring and autumn offer the ideal balance of good weather and fewer crowds ⸻ #HydraIsland #SaronicGems #GreekIslands #CarFreeCharm #AegeanElegance #HiddenGreece #HydraHarbor #IslandEscape#trip #海岛游

Step off the boat, and step back in time—welcome to Hydra, where the roads are made for donkeys and the views are made for postcards! This island has no cars, no stress, and somehow, all the charm in the world. Wandering through its stone-paved alleys, soaking in the sun by the marina, or sailing into the deep blues—Hydra is pure Mediterranean magic. From lazy afternoons by the water to sunsets that stop time, this little gem stole my heart. If you’re looking for peace with a splash of elegance—Hydra’s the vibe. #HelloHydra #IslandDreams #GreekIslandGlow #NoCarsJustWaves #HydraVibes #SailingEscape #MediterraneanMagic #WanderWithoutWheels #BlueHuesAndViews #TravelGreece #HiddenParadise #SeasideSerenity

A review of Hydra Island, which we visited during an Aegean cruise! A feature of this beautiful island, Hydra, is that there are no cars on the island. The residents use donkeys for transportation! As you walk around the island, you will see that it has many steep slopes and narrow roads, so you can see that they use donkeys for transportation. Walking around this island lined with pure white buildings while looking out at the blue Aegean Sea is sure to be an unforgettable experience that you can't find anywhere else! There are many day trips to the Aegean Sea from Athens, so why not check them out and take part? #0yentravelFebruary2025

Beautiful sunny day