Hydra is the closest thing the Aegean has to an island untouched by modernity: no roads, no motor vehicles, no scooters. Donkeys carry everything from the quayside, and the harbourfront stone mansions of old shipping families overlook the kind of scene that has drawn artists and writers to the island for the better part of a century. For a motor yacht charterer, this translates into an anchorage of unusual quality close to Athens.
The Greek motor fleet of over 40 vessels operates throughout the Saronic Gulf, with Hydra positioned at a natural hub. Porto Heli, Spetses, Dokos, and Poros are each within an hour’s range; the Argolic Gulf opens to the north toward Nafplio; and the open Aegean is accessible from the eastern side of the island through the channel to Ermioni. Weekly charter rates for motor yachts in Greece start around 50,000 euros for 30-metre vessels and climb above 300,000 euros for the largest superyachts.
The 40-to-50-metre bracket sits between 100,000 and 200,000 euros per week before the advance provisioning allowance of approximately 30 percent covering fuel, food, berthing, and drinks. Hydra is 65 kilometres south of Athens by sea, typically 90 minutes by fast tender, making it a convenient arrival or departure point for guests flying through Athens.
June and September offer the Saronic at its best: lighter traffic than July and August, warm water, and the unhurried atmosphere that makes Hydra worth the visit in the first place.
