Motor yacht to Hydra
Motor Yacht Charter Hydra
The Athens-set's discreet Saronic week. Two hours from Alimos, anchored off Hydra's car-free harbour, dinner ashore at Sunset.
Why Hydra is the right Saronic motor-yacht week
Best suited for
- Athens-based weekenders extending a city trip to a yacht week
- Discreet UHNW principals avoiding Mykonos and Cycladic crowds
- First-time Greek charterers wanting the easiest format
- Cultural-travel groups combining Athens (Acropolis, museums) with sea
- Repeat charterers who've done Cyclades and want a different brief
When to book
June and September are optimal Hydra months — weather perfect, August Greek-domestic crowd not yet arrived (June) or already left (September), harbour atmospheric without being overrun. July and August are pleasant but the harbour fills with Athenian elite. May and October work for shoulder-season charters; the Saronic stays comfortable longer than the Cyclades.
George's insider notes
- Anchor outside the harbour mouth, NOT inside. The inside fills with day-charter caïques. Tender in for dinner.
- Sunset (the restaurant) at the western edge of the harbour books out 2 days ahead in season. Have the chef call.
- Visit Leonard Cohen's house (now closed but exterior accessible) on the steep walk up from the harbour. Cultural pilgrimage.
- Day-trip Porto Cheli on the mainland for the most-protected Saronic lunch anchorage. 1 hour west by motor yacht.
- Hydra has no streetlights past the harbour. Return to the yacht by 23:00 or carry a torch up the cobbled paths.
Frequently asked
About motor yacht charter hydra
How much does a Hydra motor yacht charter cost?
Weekly rates from €45K for 18-22m motor yachts, €80-150K for 26-32m, €250K+ for 40m+. Saronic charter is materially cheaper than Cycladic equivalent — shorter passages, lower fuel, less marina cost.
Is 7 nights too long for the Saronic?
No, 7 nights is comfortable with the Argolic Gulf added: Athens → Aegina → Hydra → Porto Cheli → Spetses → Poros → Athens. Plenty of swim time, all sheltered water, none of the Cycladic transit-time.
What's the best Saronic month?
September. Weather warm, Greek-summer crowd dispersed, all the restaurants still open. June is a close second.
Can we anchor inside Hydra harbour?
Possible but undesirable. The harbour fills with day-charter caïques during day, fishing boats overnight. Anchor in deep water off the harbour mouth and tender in.
Continue exploring