From Athens: Hydra, Poros & Aegina Cruise with Buffet Lunch

Taking a cruise from Athens to visit three of Greece’s most enchanting islands offers a perfect blend of scenic vistas, cultural insights, and relaxed island charm. This tour, operated by CHAT TOURS, promises a full day of sightseeing, local flavor, and fun onboard entertainment. It’s a popular choice for travelers who want a taste of authentic Greek island life without the hassle of multiple arrangements or overnight stays.

What we love about this experience is how well it balances sightseeing with free time, allowing you to explore at your own pace. Plus, the inclusion of a buffet lunch and a traditional Greek folk show adds to the immersion, making it not just a sightseeing trip but a cultural experience. A potential downside is the duration—12 hours can be quite long, especially if you’re not used to full-day excursions.

This tour is best suited for those who enjoy a mix of scenic cruising, cultural exploration, and lively onboard entertainment. It’s ideal for travelers wanting a comprehensive, value-packed day that hits three iconic islands — Hydra, Poros, and Aegina — all in one go.

Key Points

• Comprehensive Day Trip: Combines island hopping, sightseeing, and onboard entertainment.
• Authentic Experiences: Visit islands with distinct personalities — Hydra’s bohemian vibe, Poros’s lemon groves, and Aegina’s ancient temple.
• All-Inclusive Value: Includes bus transfer, buffet lunch, and free time on each island.
• Long Day, Rich Rewards: 12 hours of cruising and exploring, suitable for energetic travelers.
• Limited Guide Interaction: No live guide onboard, but plenty of opportunities for independent discovery.
• Authentic Cultural Touches: Greek folk show adds a lively finale to your day.

The Complete Review: What to Expect on the Hydra, Poros & Aegina Cruise

Starting Point and Transfers

The journey begins at Leoforos Vasilisis Amalias 10, right across from the National Garden in Athens. From there, a bus transfer takes around 40 minutes to Marina Delta Kallitheas, the departure point for the cruise. The transfer service is smooth and reliable, allowing you to relax before the day’s adventures. Be mindful that the last bus departs from Athens at 07:20, so early planning is essential if you’re relying on this transfer.

The Boat Cruise: Comfort and Scenic Views

Once onboard, the cruise lasts about 2 hours to the first island, Hydra. The boat itself is comfortable, with ample space to sit and enjoy the views. As you sail across the Aegean Sea and Saronic Gulf, you’ll love the sweeping vistas of deep blue waters and the chance to snap some pictures of the coastlines that are often missed from land.

Hydra: The Bohemian Pearl

The first stop is Hydra, where you’ll have approximately 70 minutes to explore. This small island is famous for its artistic vibe, cobblestone streets, and donkeys still used as transportation—an image that’s become symbolic of Hydra’s charm. Reviewers mention that the island feels like stepping back in time, with colorful houses, craft shops, and beautiful swimming spots.

One guest, ODRU, shared how they “enjoyed the visit very much,” highlighting Hydra’s mix of art, crafts, and the unique experience of seeing donkeys trotting along the narrow streets. The limited time means you’ll want to prioritize a stroll along the waterfront, perhaps visit a local gallery, and take in the views of the harbor.

Cruise Along the Peloponnese Coast

After Hydra, the boat cruises along the coast of the Peloponnese, offering spectacular views of rugged cliffs and lush hills. This segment lasts about 1 hour and is a perfect time to relax, take photos, and enjoy the sea breeze.

Poros: Lemon Groves and Panoramas

The next stop is Poros, with around 50 minutes to wander. The town is set amid pine forests and lemon groves, and the climb up to the Bell Tower rewards visitors with a panoramic view of the islands and the sea. Reviewers mention the scent of citrus and pine creating a peaceful atmosphere, ideal for a leisurely stroll.

This stop gives you the chance to enjoy local cafes, browse artisan shops, or simply sit by the waterfront watching boats bob in the harbor. It’s a quiet contrast to Hydra’s lively streets—perfect for a relaxed exploration.

Aegina: History and Pistachios

The largest chunk of your day is spent on Aegina, with around 2 hours and 20 minutes. Aegina is known for its ancient temple Aphaia, a 5th-century BC structure offering impressive views over the sea, and for its pistachio groves, which are a highlight for many visitors.

Guests say that the free time is ample to explore the town’s market, visit the temple, or try local pistachio treats. The floating fruit and vegetable markets are lively, providing a glimpse into everyday island life. A reviewer, who appreciated the “rich history” of Aegina, noted that the visit was a mix of cultural insight and local flavor.

Return Journey and Evening Entertainment

On the way back, the boat passes through the narrow strait separating Poros from the Peloponnese, offering a scenic backdrop for the buffet lunch served onboard. The meal is a highlight for many, with fresh, well-prepared Greek dishes.

As the cruise winds down, a traditional Greek folk show takes center stage. Expect lively music, singing, and dancing—an authentic way to wrap up your island-hopping adventure. Guests mention the performers’ costumes, which add color and energy, making it a memorable finale.

Practical Details and Considerations

The entire tour lasts roughly 12 hours, which can be a long day but filled with diverse experiences. The group size varies, but the tour is generally suited for those who enjoy a lively atmosphere and the independence to explore each island at their own pace.

While the tour includes bus transfers, the cruise, lunch, and free time on each island, drinks are not included, and you might want to bring some water or extra snacks. The tour does not offer hotel pickup or drop-off, so travelers should plan accordingly.

The lack of a live guide onboard means you’ll be relying on pre-recorded commentary or exploring independently. Still, multiple languages—English, French, German, Italian, and Spanish—are available, ensuring broad accessibility.

Authentic Experiences and Visitor Feedback

The reviews highlight that this tour offers a well-rounded experience. One guest emphasized how each island “has its own particularities,” from Hydra’s artistic vibe to Aegina’s ancient temples and pistachios. Many appreciate the ample free time, which allows for personal discovery, and the onboard entertainment that adds a joyful touch to the day.

However, some mention that the duration can be tiring. If you’re not a fan of long days, or prefer more guided commentary, this might be less suitable. Still, the overall feedback suggests that for those who want to see multiple islands in one day, this tour offers good value and a chance to enjoy Greece’s coastal beauty.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This cruise is an excellent pick for adventurous travelers eager to tick off multiple islands without the hassle of multiple bookings. It’s perfect if you enjoy scenic cruises, independent exploring, and want some cultural entertainment in the evenings. It suits those who appreciate authentic local flavors, like pistachios and lemon scents, and are comfortable with a long, active day.

While the lack of a guide may not appeal to history buffs seeking in-depth commentary, the freedom to wander and take photos makes it attractive to those who prefer a relaxed, self-directed experience. Overall, it’s a value-packed, culturally rich way to spend a day outside Athens.

FAQs

How long is the entire tour?
The full experience lasts about 12 hours, including transfers, cruising, and free time on each island, making it ideal for energetic travelers.

What is included in the price?
Your ticket covers bus transfer from Athens to the port, the full-day cruise, a buffet lunch, and free time on Hydra, Poros, and Aegina.

Are drinks included?
No, drinks are not included, so you may want to bring your own water or purchase beverages onboard or on the islands.

What are the main sights on each island?
In Hydra, you’ll see its iconic architecture and donkeys; Poros offers lemon groves and panoramic views from the Bell Tower; Aegina features the ancient Temple of Aphaia and local markets.

Is there a guide onboard?
No, this is not a guided tour with a live guide. Announcements or pre-recorded commentary are likely, so exploration is mostly self-guided.

What is the best time to take this tour?
Check availability for specific start times, but generally, the tour runs during the warmer months when boat routes are most reliable and enjoyable.

This full-day cruise to Hydra, Poros, and Aegina offers a lively, authentic taste of Greece’s islands, perfect for those who want a well-rounded, value-oriented experience. Whether you’re keen on stunning scenery, exploring historic sites, or simply soaking up the local atmosphere, this tour provides a memorable slice of Greek island life.