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How to get from Hydra to Nafplio
There is no regular direct ferry from Hydra to Nafplio. The usual way is a short boat or water taxi to Metochi on the mainland opposite (about 15–20 min), then about 1 h 30 by car or taxi to Nafplio, roughly 2 h door to door. In summer, day-excursion boats run between Tolo or Nafplio and Hydra and can sometimes be used one way.
Best option: Ferry. Crossing to Metochi and continuing by car or taxi is the only connection that works year-round.
All the ways to make the trip
| How | Time | How often | Price* | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ferry Small passenger boat or water taxi from Hydra harbour to Metochi on the Peloponnese coast, then car or pre-booked taxi to Nafplio (about 95 km via Kranidi or Ligourio) | about 2 h in total | boats to Metochi several times a day; water taxis on demand | boat about €5–10 per person, water taxi about €40–80 per boat; taxi to Nafplio extra | Arrange the onward taxi before you leave Hydra; Metochi has parking but few services. |
| ferry Summer day-excursion boats between Tolo/Nafplio and Hydra | about 2 h | in summer only, usually not daily — check locally | about €30–50 | These are excursion trips, sold mainly as returns; ask whether a one-way seat is possible. |
| car If you have a car, leave it at Metochi car park while on Hydra, then drive to Nafplio | about 1 h 30 from Metochi | fuel; Metochi parking is usually a small daily fee | No cars are allowed on Hydra itself. |
*Approximate prices and times for 2026. Timetables change by season: check with the operator before you travel.
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Tips
- Hydra has no cars at all; luggage is moved by porters, donkeys or water taxis.
- Book the water taxi at the stand in Hydra harbour; prices are per boat, so share with others.
- KTEL Argolida buses link Kranidi and Ermioni with Nafplio, but they are infrequent and do not meet the boats — a taxi is simpler.
- Check summer excursion timetables in Nafplio or Tolo travel agencies, as they change each season.
Common questions
Is there a direct ferry from Hydra to Nafplio?
Not a regular year-round one. Scheduled ferries from Hydra mostly go to Piraeus, Poros, Ermioni and Spetses. In summer, excursion boats run day trips from Tolo and Nafplio to Hydra, which you may be able to use one way. Otherwise, cross by boat to Metochi on the mainland and continue by road to Nafplio.
How do I get from Hydra to Metochi?
Small passenger boats cross from Hydra harbour to Metochi several times a day, taking about 15–20 min and costing a few euros. Water taxis go whenever you want and charge per boat. Metochi is just a landing with a car park, so arrange a taxi from Nafplio or the nearby villages in advance, or leave your own car there.
Can I visit Hydra as a day trip from Nafplio?
Yes, it is a popular day out. Either join a summer excursion boat from Nafplio or Tolo, or drive about 1 h 30 to Metochi, park and take the short boat across. The second option gives you more control over times. Leave early to have several hours on Hydra for the harbour, walks and swimming.
Can I take a car to Hydra?
No. Hydra bans private cars and motorbikes, so there is no car ferry to the island. Drivers leave their car at Metochi or Ermioni on the mainland and cross on foot. On the island you walk, hire a water taxi between beaches, or use the porters and donkeys at the harbour for luggage.
Compiled by TonyPlan from operator and transport information and travel knowledge; updated 2026-10-05. Anything we could not confirm is marked as approximate.