Poros & Hydra: Pearls in the Saronic Gulf

Arrival in Athens airport. You travel by public transport from the airport to Athens city hotel or you take a taxi. 

Time permitted you can explore the center of Athens and soak up the atmosphere of the old town with its colorful shops, the central fish- and meat market and the old quarter of Plaka situated at the foot of the Acropolis Hill. On top of the Acropolis you find the ancient Temple of Parthenon and at the foot of the hill the splendid new Acropolis Museum.

Challenge: 2-6 hrs, 5 km / 3 mi, 100m ascent, 100m descent

Pick-up at the hotel in Athens and transfer to the port of Piraeus. Ferry or high-speed to Poros (if a ferry is available with an acceptable timetable, we book the ferry).
In the afternoon there is time for a nice 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. Here you will enjoy breath-taking views across the narrow Galatas channel toward the high peaks of the Peloponnese. You continue until the ridge and follow a partly paved path (kalderimi) all along the ridge to the church of Ag. Anargyroi. Sitting in front of the church you will have a 360 degree panoramic view. You descend via a different path back to Poros town where you can relax in one of the cafes or eateries.

Challenge: 2 hours, 5 km / 3 mi, 100 m ascent, 100 m descent

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

Challenge: 4 hours, 11 km / 7 mi, 500m ascent, 500m descent

You travel today by high-speed from Poros to Hydra (several departures daily). The striking difference between Poros and Hydra becomes clear as you near the island of Hydra. 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 do a lovely walk on Hydra as you get to know the town and the sparsely-populated area inland. 

Challenge: 2 hours, 5 km / 3 mi, 200m ascent, 200m descent

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 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. You will return to the town of Hydra by water taxi (not included in standard arrangement).

Challenge: 4 / 6 hours, 13 - 17.5 km / 8 - 11 mi, 350 / 550 m ascent and descent

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.

Challenge: 6 hours, 14.4 km - 9 mi, 700m ascent, 700m descent

For today’s route on Hydra you will be taken by a water taxi to Ledeza Bay (optional). From the bay you ascend to the Monastery of Zourvas, situated in a barren landscape, dominated by stone. You can choose to walk directly back to the town of Hydra via a clear footpath. You will 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 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 100 m 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.

Challenge: 3,5 / 6,5 hours, 12 - 19.5 km / 7,5 - 12 mi, 400 m ascent, 650 m descent

You walk with your luggage to the port via the cobbled streets of Hydra. At the port, you 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.