Easiest Way Hydra to Nafplio

Debbie I've been holding off in case someone else has a bright idea but the fact that you aren't getting any responses is because, I suspect, there isn't an easy route. The obvious answer is to go back to Piraeus, up into Athens, and then get a bus to Nafplio. Depending on connections you could probably do this in five or six hours. I would guess 15 euros for the hydrofoil, 13 for the bus, plus 25 for a taxi Piraeus to the bus station. Details of the bus journey, which we did at Christmas, are here http://www.greekramblings.org.uk/Nafplio%20getting%20there.html The only alternative I can think of is to get the hydrofoil to Poros, cross the channel to the mainland, and then get a taxi to Nafplio. You'd need to book the taxi in advance, but your hotel in Hydra could probably do this. This would cut the journey to between two and three hours. In terms of cost I would guess 10 for the hydrofoil and then perhaps 80 for the taxi. I'd stress this last is a guess. I've done this journey but not for several years and taxi prices have really changed. If there are 4 of you the second of these is probably slightly cheaper, and is quicker. On the other hand it needs more sorting out and is more expensive for just two. Hope that helps. Message me if you want to discuss it more. Cheers Alan

Greek transportation information for buses and sometimes ferries is always a little sketchy and hard to come by. However; I believe from Hydra you can take a ferry to the Mainland, arriving at the port of Ermioni, then catch a bus to Nafplio. This was our plan on a trip a number of years ago...but we changed our direction and never actually tried it out. I have not searched that route lately, but is still likely an option. Some of the Greek travel sites may have info. I also meant to add that the ferries that run to the Saronic Gulf islands and very likely the ferry from Hydra to Ermioni, may not show on ferry websites, even though they obviously exist. They may be operated by companies other than the big lines, and are almost considered commuter ferries rather than one you can buy passage on ahead of time.

Good thought from Paul! There's a hydrofoil from Ydra to Ermioni at 11.05 that gets to Ermioni at 11.30. In March 2 years ago there was a 2.30 bus from Ermioni to Nafplio. Time for a leisurely lunch in Ermioni and then a trip up. Certainly better than going back to Athens. Cheers Alan

Thanks for the great suggestions. I'll verify the ferry & bus timetables for the Hydra to Ermoni, Ermoni to NafplioWe schedules as that sounds like the best route.--Debbie

Debbie, For the trip from Hydra to Ermioni, Hydrofoil is the quickest method. I've travelled that route in the reverse direction, and it's a fairly easy and quick trip. However, a few suggestions and comments.... > Be prepared to buy bottled water, especially on Hydra. The tap water is dreadful! Bottled water is delivered by the crate to the harbor, and then distributed throughout the island via Donkey transport (only two vehicles are allowed on the island). > If you've never visited Greece before, be sure you're aware of the "bathroom etiquette" so that it doesn't come as a surprise when you arrive there. > When you board, the crew will want to take your larger luggage items and store in the racks just inside the door. Be prepared so that you can get through the process quickly. Keep smaller "carry on" items with you. > The ride is generally smooth, however can be "choppy" at times. Combined with the stale air and smell of diesel fumes, some degree of nausea can result. If that's a concern for you, I'd suggest packing along some Dramamine or whatever. Happy travels!

I've checked the ferry & bus schedules. The ferry portion of the trip going from Hydra to Ermoni seems pretty easy. Having difficulty understanding the K-tel bus schedule. Do they actually go to Ermoni? Or do we need other means of transportation to catch the bus in Kranidi?

Debbie I'm not surprised you are having trouble with the schedules! KTEL tend to be a bit obscure. I can't speak for now but two years ago in March we definitely got a bus from Ermioni itself, and didn't need to taxi to Kranidi. On the other hand the KTEL schedule doesn't show this as an option. I assume you are using this one? http://www.ktel-argolidas.gr/?module=default&pages_id=14&lang=en There is a small bus office in Ermioni across to the right as you come off of the hydrofoil. Given timings you have enough time to check with them and then, if necessary, get a taxi to Kranidi for the 2.30 bus. That would still be quite a bit cheaper than going back to Athens. Good luck. Alan

Thanks again! Appreciate some specifics for our journey. BTW, just what are the "bathroom etiquettes" for Greece?

Debbie, Have a look at This Website. The top paragraph provides a general idea. Cheers!