Those who wish to travel between Hydra’s villages without walking can hire a water taxi. The water taxi rank is located in Hydra Harbor in front of the Alpha Bank. You’ll probably see lots of donkeys standing around as this is also the area where muleteers wait for customers.
The general number for the water taxi rank is 22980 53690. Many water taxi drivers will give you their private mobile numbers so that you can call them directly if you need their services. Water taxi rates are per trip and not per person and can legally carry up to 8 people, so if you’ve got a large enough group, they can be an economical way of getting around or taking excursions to the mainland or other islands. The rates below apply to the cost of a trip, one-way, for all passengers and luggage. Also note that if two separate groups share a taxi, they share this price.
North from Hydra Harbor Mandraki Beach €20 Zourvas €75
Peloponnese Metochi €50 Vlaxieka €60 Ermioni €130
Other Islands Dokos €85 Poros €140 Spetses €220 Athens: Varkiza €500 Trip around the island: €220
“Donkeys” (Mules and Horses)
These days there aren’t many donkeys on Hydra, and those around tend to be reserved for private use. But people still often refer to Hydra’s working equines (mules and horses) colloquially as “donkeys” (e.g., hire a donkey, take a donkey ride). Mules (a horse/donkey hybrid) are the sturdiest of the equines and thus do the most heavy lifting. Because people on Hydra get around mostly on foot or by boat, they often hire muleteers (mule handlers) to transport larger items, baggage, and heavy shopping to their homes.
Some muleteers and horsemen specialize in giving tourists rides and often ride their equines around themselves; generally, however, Hydriots and island residents do not hire equines to transport themselves to their destinations (barring emergency, disability, or other necessity).
The equine rank is located directly in front of the Alpha Bank in the east corner of the harbor. This is the place to find muleteers who specialize in transporting luggage and other items for residents and visitors. (The various mules “parked” around town are generally owned by individuals or businesses and reserved for their own use.)
Rates per equine used in transfer depend on the delivery area: Zone A, with a rate of €10 (2019), includes the following sections of Hydra Town: the Harbor area and level areas of town. Zone B, at a rate of €20 (2019), includes Kala Pigadia, Kiafa, and all of Kamini. Rates for areas further afield must be arranged directly with the muleteer.
Muleteers are happy to give your their mobile numbers so that you may call them directly to book their services.