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 Getting to Hydra
Hydra is one of the easiest islands to get to from Athens. You can take one of several ferries that leave from the main harbor of Pireaus. The ferry takes about 3 hours and is one of the nicest trips you can take. There is generally an early ferry which leaves at 8am, another around 11am and a third in the early afternoon. Check with any travel agent for exact times.
You can also get there in installments, stopping in Aegina, Methena or Poros and taking the next ferry or Dolphin and continuing your journey. Or you can take the Hydrafoils known as the Flying Dolphins that leave continously from Zea Marina which take around 45 minutes. It's a good idea to buy your tickets in advance especially during the summer and on weekends. There is also a one day Saronic Gulf cruise that stops in Hydra.
 If you arrive burdoned with luggage don't worry about the possibility that it may be a climb to your hotel. The donkeys who mingle in the port are for the purpose of transfering you, your luggage or your kids to your hotel. The cost is around 2500 drachma. Kids love them, at least I know I did when I was a kid.
You will also notice the frequent comings and goings of the water-taxis. These are the daredevils of the island transportation world, or appear to be, though they are actually quite safe and can get you to where you are going fast.
If you are staying at the Miramare, Kamini, Vlyhos or beyond then this is the way to go. Water taxis cost about 2000 drachma. There is a sign with prices at the watertaxi stand.
 To leave the island I recommend the ferry rather then the Flying Dolphin. You can sit outside and watch the sunset. You pass between Poros and the mainland and it is like taking a trip down a river. You'll get to Pireaus in time to get to your hotel in Athens, shower and go out on the town. Be sure to buy your tickets a day in advance for the Flying Dolphins. The ferry tickets you can buy before you leave.
If you go south in the other direction from Hydra you can take the flying Dolphin to Monemvassia,a dramatic Medieval castle perched on a gigantic rock in a sea of German tourists. You can also continue to Kythera, a beautiful untouristed island. There is also a flying Dolphin to Nafplion and the island of Spetses has wonderful beaches.
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