A dazzling day trip to Hydra island from Athens (Private)

At the port of Piraeus, you'll board theFlying Dolphinfor aquick and comfortable hydrofoil ride tothe harbor town ofHydra. Once you reach the island you’ll be amazed by the local landscape that has made it a favoredretreat of jetsetters and rock starssuch as Maria Callas, Leonard Cohen, Eric Clapton, The Rolling Stones, Picasso and many more.

Then it's time to saddle up for a family-friendly ride through the town's different neighborhoods, because the best way toexplore Hydraison the back of a horse, the island's traditional means of transportation (no cars allowed!).

After your ride through town, you'll return to the harbor toboard one of the island's famed water taxis, the easiest and the most exciting wayto reach the island's best beaches. Foremost among these is Plakes Beach, equipped with sun-loungers and umbrellas, where you'll be heading for hours offun in the sun and the crystal-blue sea, as well as a delicious lunch at theseafront tavernaright at the water's edge.

Following lunch, it's back toHydra Townfor a second trip, this time on foot, down themaze-like side streets and by-wayswhere you'll spotartists' workshops, stylish boutiques,and a number of well-preservedhistoric residences, some of which, once owned by important figures in Greece's 19th-century struggle for independence, are now museums. Hydra has evolved to acultural hub, where innovative exhibits, hip happenings and events with international appeal attract famous visitors from all over the world each summer.

Your stroll will end at afamily-run pastry shopthat's famous for the local sweet (made from almonds) known as amygdalota, and for its rich and delicious homemade ice cream. As you finish your treat on the shadedverandaof the pastry shop, you'll be ready to leave the island with more than just a sweet taste on your lips; you'll have the long-lasting memory of a special dayspent on this little gem of an island.