Anchorage· Hydra· Greece — Ionian, Saronic & Argolic

Hydra Harbour (Hydra)

37° 21.1′ N · 23° 28.0′ E

A natural amphitheatre of grey-stone captains' mansions wrapped around a small, deep basin on Hydra's north coast — no cars, donkeys on the quay, and one of the most photographed harbours in Greece. Yachts lie stern-to in double and triple rows beneath the cannons of the old bastions.

Ionian IslandsSaronic Gulf & Argolic

Practical

Coordinate is the harbour basin (Wikivoyage harbour listing; matches the OSM harbour polygon). Med-moor stern-to the quay wall or the inside of the breakwater on your own anchor. The basin is small and deep with very little manoeuvring room; bottom is mud and heavy weed over rock, holding is poor in places, and crossed chains are the norm — expect to lift someone else's anchor (or have yours lifted), so rig a tripline and be ready to dive. About ten ferries and hydrofoils a day use the harbour and cruise ships anchor off, so it is a very tight squeeze in July–August; berths are usually gone by early afternoon, so arrive before lunch. Well sheltered from the summer meltemi, but strong N–NE winds send a heavy backwash into the basin, and 24-hour water taxis add wash. Water and electricity at some points on the quay; water is arranged through the Municipal Port Fund (+30 22980 52333). Harbour dues are paid at the Port Authority (+30 22980 52279) — bring the boat's documents; cruisers report papers must be stamped within 24 hours of arrival and again before departure. Supermarkets, bakeries and greengrocers are on and just behind the waterfront; everything is carried by donkey or hand cart. No fireworks from yachts: in June 2024 fireworks fired from a yacht burned the island's only pine forest. If the harbour is full, use Mandraki or Vlychos (water taxi back) or Molos/Bali on the west coast. Chart: BA 1031. No fuel on Hydra — see 'Hydra Fuel & Water (no fuel dock)'; nearest diesel at Ermioni (11 nm) or Poros (13 nm).

Best for

The iconic Saronic night on the quay — if you can get in early

Season

Apr–Oct; crowded and full by early afternoon Jul–Aug; backwash in strong N–NE winds

Nearby