Poros and Hydra Walking Tour

Greece
Walking
Self-Guided
Poros and Hydra Walking Tour

Poros and Hydra Walking Tour

Prices

From $675USD

Difficulty

Self-guided

Hotels

Start Your Booking

Highlights

Spend 8-days island hopping between two brilliant Greek Sardonic Islands

Soak up the energy of historical Athens, as you spend a day immersed in the cultural and historical sites of the capital.

Walk enchanted forest paths and olive groves on the walk to the world-famous site of Poseidon which you can explore at your leisure.

Peruse the narrow-cobbled streets of Hydra and take in the island’s stone mansions as you explore on foot.

Climb to the summit of Mount Eros (588m) where you’ll be rewarded with awe-inspiring views across the island and beyond.

Lace up your walking shoes for this incredible island-hopping tour that invites you to explore two totally different islands in the Saronic Gulf: Poros and Hydra. The 8-Day Self-Guided Poros and Hydra Walking Tour allows you to explore both unique islands in-depth whilst experiencing both natural and historical landscapes.

Discover the historical capital of Athens on foot before setting sail for Poros, an island covered in fir forest and spellbinding natural beauty. Here, enjoy a superb walk to the ancient temple of Poseidon. The small peninsula on which the old town of Poros is built offers plenty of possibilities as you wander through narrow lanes and sip on ouzo with a ‘meze’ in one of the cafes on the quay.

The adventure continues as you make your way to the walking paradise of Hydra, a rockier island that is entirely car-free. Hydra is a very pretty town, with stone mansions and narrow cobbled streets. Walk the north coast of the island and pass-through charming villages and climb to the summit of Mount Eros (588m) to unlock magical views across the island and beyond.

Enjoy this active walking holiday on the islands of Poros and Hydra. Book your spot today!

Poros and Hydra Walking Tour Itinerary

Day 1 Arrival in Athens

Today you’ll arrive at Athens airport to begin your adventure of Poros and Hydra. Make your way to Athens city center to arrive at your hotel for the night. Unwind after your travels or spend some time exploring the capital!

Overnight Location
Hotel in Athens
Distance
5km, 100m of ascent
Meals
None

Day 2 Ferry to Poros and Explore Poros Town

This morning you’ll be picked up at your hotel in Athens and transferred to the port of Piraeus for the ferry to Poros.

In the afternoon enjoy a lovely walk around Poros town to take in its brightly coloured houses as you make your way up to the ruin of an old windmill. Here you will enjoy breathtaking views across the narrow Galatas channel toward the high peaks of the Peloponnese. You’ll continue until the ridge and then follow a partly paved path (kalderimi) along the ridge to reach the church of Ag. Anargyroi. Sitting in front of the church you’ll enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view. Descend via a different path back to Poros town where you can relax in one of the many cafes or eateries sprinkled around town.

Overnight Location
Hotel in Poros
Distance
5,3km, 100m of ascent
Meals
Breakfast

Day 3 Circular Walk on Poros and Explore Poseidon

Today’s walk leads you first along the coast toward Kyani Akti, from where you ascend through forested areas and small olive groves toward the archaeological site of Poseidon. The Sanctuary of Poseidon deserves a visit. It is situated in a strategic position, 200m above sea level. The sanctuary was dedicated to the worship of Poseidon, but there is evidence that the site was already inhabited in prehistoric times. There are still excavations taking place here today.

Leaving the site behind you, you’ll ascend further via a fire lane, a surprisingly nice section! You’ll then come to a forest road and reach the highest point of today. Zigzagging down via forest roads, you’ll come to the main tarmac road which you’ll follow briefly. Then, turn onto a nice path and descend through open woodlands until the coast at the area of Perlia where your hotel is located.

Overnight Location
Hotel in Poros
Distance
11km, 500m of ascent
Meals
Breakfast

Day 4 Ferry to Hydra

You’ll travel today on the water from Poros to Hydra. The striking difference between Poros and Hydra becomes clear as you near the dazzling island. Whereas Poros is covered with pine forests, Hydra consists mostly of Rocky Mountains and a curved coastline.

The main town and port are among the most beautiful in Greece, with preserved neo-classical 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 you can enjoy a lovely walk on Hydra as you get to know the town and the sparsely populated areas inland.

Overnight Location
Hotel in Poros
Distance
4,9km, 200m of ascent
Meals
Breakfast

Day 5 Choice of Walks on Hydra

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, with Bisti Beach and the small church of Ag. Georgos. This side of the island is covered with rich vegetation and the pine forest reaches down to Bisti beach, offering a very different side of the island than the one usually associated with Hydra: a formation of bare rock.

First you’ll 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 to ascend to the village of Episkopi. After Episkopi, the footpath continues southwest, toward the coast. You will enjoy impressive views and walk mainly through lush vegetation. Your route ends at the picturesque bay of Bisti with its small church, Agios Georgos. In high season there are sunbeds for rent here. You’ll return to the town of Hydra by water taxi following your walk (not included).

Overnight Location
Hotel in Hydra
Distance
5,5 – 17,5km, 175-500m of ascent
Meals
Breakfast

Day 6 Choice of Walks on Hydra

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 the Monastery of Profitis Elias, situated 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.

Overnight Location
Hotel in Hydra
Distance
14,4km, 700m of ascent
Meals
Breakfast

Day 7 Walk on Hydra: Ledeza Bay and Monasteries

For today’s route on Hydra you will be taken by a water taxi to Ledeza Bay. From the bay you ascend to the Monastery of Zourvas, situated in a barren landscape, dominated by stone. You can then opt to walk directly back to the town of Hydra via a clear footpath. You’ll walk through wooded areas as well, full of cedars and oaks. The route passes the monasteries of Aghia Matrona and Aghia Triada. Via a dirt track you reach the monastery of Aghios Nikolaos and descend to the town of Hydra.

For the longer walk you’ll first continue further east, to the lighthouse of Zourvas, via the church of Agios Ioannikios. This church seems to be hanging from the cliffs while the sea shimmers 100m below, creating a dazzling sight. The end of the route is marked by the stone lighthouse of Zourvas, which is now automated. The only guests in the area are wild goats that roam and graze on the land. You return on foot to Zourvas Monastery then follow the standard route via Aghia Matrona, Aghia Triada and Aghios Nikolaos and return to Chora via a saddle marked by windmills.

Overnight Location
Hotel in Hydra
Distance
11,8 – 19,5km, 400 – 650m of ascent
Meals
Breakfast

Day 8 Depart

Via the cobblestone streets of Hydra, you’ll make your way to the port this morning following breakfast. At the port, you’ll 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.

Overnight Location
None
Distance
None
Meals
Breakfast

Poros and Hydra Walking Tour Price and Dates

This self-guided walking tour in Saronic Islands is always run as a self-guided tour for your group only and the price depends on your travelling dates and the type of room you choose.

The prices below are per person.

Departures from March 23rd to April 9th:

  • Price per solo traveller: $1,225USD
  • Price per person staying in a single room: $1,150USD
  • Price per person sharing a double room: $725USD
  • Price per person sharing a triple room: $625USD
  • Price per person sharing a quadruple room: $675USD

Departures from April 10th to 22nd:

  • Price per solo traveller: $1,425USD
  • Price per person staying in a single room: $1,375USD
  • Price per person sharing a double room: $850USD
  • Price per person sharing a triple room: $695USD
  • Price per person sharing a quadruple room: $775USD

Departures from April 23rd to May 25th:

  • Price per solo traveller: $1,325USD
  • Price per person staying in a single room: $1,275USD
  • Price per person sharing a double room: $775USD
  • Price per person sharing a triple room: $675USD
  • Price per person sharing a quadruple room: $725USD

Departures from May 26th to July 13th:

  • Price per solo traveller: $1,525USD
  • Price per person staying in a single room: $1,450USD
  • Price per person sharing a double room: $895USD
  • Price per person sharing a triple room: $775USD
  • Price per person sharing a quadruple room: $825USD

Departures from July 14th to August 4th:

  • Price per solo traveller: $1,695USD
  • Price per person staying in a single room: $1,650USD
  • Price per person sharing a double room: $975USD
  • Price per person sharing a triple room: $795USD
  • Price per person sharing a quadruple room: $895USD

Departures from August 5th to 15th:

  • Price per solo traveller: $1,825USD
  • Price per person staying in a single room: $1,775USD
  • Price per person sharing a double room: $1,050USD
  • Price per person sharing a triple room: $850USD
  • Price per person sharing a quadruple room: $950USD

Departures from August 16th to September 8th:

  • Price per solo traveller: $1,695USD
  • Price per person staying in a single room: $1,650USD
  • Price per person sharing a double room: $975USD
  • Price per person sharing a triple room: $795USD
  • Price per person sharing a quadruple room: $895USD

Departures from September 9th to 28th:

  • Price per solo traveller: $1,525USD
  • Price per person staying in a single room: $1,450USD
  • Price per person sharing a double room: $895USD
  • Price per person sharing a triple room: $775USD
  • Price per person sharing a quadruple room: $825USD

Departures from September 29th to October 25th:

  • Price per solo traveller: $1,225USD
  • Price per person staying in a single room: $1,150USD
  • Price per person sharing a double room: $725USD
  • Price per person sharing a triple room: $625USD
  • Price per person sharing a quadruple room: $675USD
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Accommodation on Poros and Hydra Walking Tour

This tour is based in hotels. You can choose whether you’d like to stay in standard hotels (3-star) or if you prefer upgraded accommodation.

In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.

Single Rooms and Solo Travelers
Standard rooms are of double occupancy. Solo travellers might be required to pay an additional supplement.

Novus Hotel in Athens

Feel super trendy in this modern hotel with a rooftop pool. Wake up in your exceptionally comfortable room and enjoy a delicious breakfast.

Saga Hotel in Poros

Soak up the island vibes of Poros at this comfortable hotel centrally located on the island. Just a short walk from the nearest beach, you’ll have no trouble unwinding after a day of walking here.

Hydrousa Hotel in Hydra

This traditional hotel is every bit as charming as it is welcoming. Guests will enjoy the fragrant aroma of several lemon trees that populate the grounds.

Standard Hotels

Coco-Mat Hotel in Athens

Modern design and top-tier hospitality make the Coco-Mat Hotel a quality choice for your stay in Athens.

Saga Hotel in Poros

Soak up the island vibes of Poros at this comfortable hotel centrally located on the island. Just a short walk from the nearest beach, you’ll have no trouble unwinding after a day of walking here.

Bratsera Hotel in Hydra

Enjoy the warm sea breeze that drifts in from the Aegean at this beautiful hotel featuring an outdoor pool and an array of modern amenities.

Upgraded hotels

What’s Included in the Poros and Hydra Walking Tour?

Meals

7 breakfasts are included.

Accommodations

Accommodations for 7 nights are included throughout the tour.

Transportation during the Tour

This tour includes three water transports (Piraeus-Poros on day 2; Poros-Hydra on day 4; Hydra-Piraeus on day 8). In Hydra you will walk to your hotel yourself, while in Poros local transfer will be provided for you and your luggage. Taxi transfer between your hotel and Piraeus (where the harbour is) is also provided on day 2.

Also Included

  • 24-hour telephone assistance
  • Detailed route descriptions and maps in English
  • Original walking map of Hydra

Not included

  • Any personal transfers not mentioned as ‘included’
  • Lunches and dinners
  • Entrance fees and visits to monasteries and monuments
  • Travel insurance
  • Guide services
  • Tourist tax (paid locally, between 0.5 and 4 EUR per night)

Optional Extras

  • Taxi transfer Athens Airport-Athens or from Piraeus to Athens Airport
  • Water taxi Hydra town-Ledeza Bay (can also be booked locally)
  • Additional night/s at any of the accommodations along the way

Frequenty Asked Questions about Poros and Hydra Walking Tour

How hard is the Poros and Hydra Walking Tour?

We rate this tour as a 2 / 5. You’ll be walking up to 19,5 km daily on mountainous terrain, however, most of the longer trails have easier alternatives and the ascent gain is rather mild.

I’ve never been on a self-guided trip! How does it work?

Self-guided travelling is not difficult! For many, it is a preferred type of travel, since you are in charge of your own time and pace. You are provided with all the information you’ll need to follow the route each day and often have access to phone support or other kinds of assistance. However, self-guided travelling requires good navigation skills and those who don’t feel confident in unknown places should consider booking guided tours.

Do I need a visa to travel to Greece?

Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.

Are meals included on the Poros and Hydra Walking Tour?

7 breakfasts are included.

Do I need insurance?

Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip, and your insurance should cover biking. Get your Travel Insurance.

How do I get to Athens to start this tour?

You can get to Athens Airport from most of the major European Cities via direct flights. From Athens Airport you can either travel easily by public transport to your hotel in Athens downtown or book a taxi transfer during the booking process.

Is the Poros and Hydra Walking Tour in English?

This tour is not guided; however, all the route information will be provided in English.

Where does the Poros and Hydra Walking Tour end?

The tour ends with a ferry transfer to Piraeus. You travel from Piraeus to Athens Airport by public Expres bus, or you can take a taxi.

Do I need special vaccines to travel to Greece?

Check with your family doctor.

Are there any travel restrictions for Greece?

Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.

Reviews

All tours on 10Adventures are operated by highly vetted local tour operators and guides.

Having local tour operators and guides means you get a more authentic experience, and your booking creates jobs in the local communities you visit.

Details of the local tour operator will be listed on your booking invoice. If you have questions about the local operator prior to booking, please click the “Ask a Question” button below.

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Prices

From $675USD

Difficulty

Self-guided

Hotels

Start Your Booking

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Rated 4.9 on Google Reviews

Tour Difficulty

We rate this tour as a 2 / 5. You’ll be walking up to 19,5 km daily on mountainous terrain, however, most of the longer trails have easier alternatives and the ascent gain is rather mild.


Read about our scale for Tour Difficulty Ratings.

Local guide

Maria

Athens, Greece

Get in touch

+1 (587) 327-9828

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