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One of my favorite things to do in Athens, especially during the shoulder season, is to journey on a day trip to the idyllic island of Hydra. Hydra is located roughly 2 hours via boat from Athens’ port, Piraeus. The island is essentially a slice of heaven, with colorful buildings and villas dotting the rocky hillsides, donkeys running about, quaint cafes lining the harbor and no vehicles in sight. It really is the Greece you read about.
There are several boat charter companies which offer group travel to the island, but, when you want complete luxury and privacy, a yacht hire is in order through the incredible Alpha Yachting. Alpha Yachting offers a plethora of options for visitors and locals to hire boats of all sizes, with a range of crew members, to take them wherever their heart desires in the Aegean Sea.
We chose the 78-foot San Lorenzo. Manned by a six person crew for the day, our captain led us through the crystalline waters, past the postcard-perfect Poros island and into Hydra’s stunning port. But, getting off the boat was a massive problem. All 78 feet of the San Lorenzo was dressed to the nines. Built from the finest materials and indulging its passengers with four bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, a living room, dining area, lower deck and top deck – this spacious wonder was nothing short of perfect.
Entering the boat, we were welcomed with an incredible spread of delicacies – from finger sandwiches, spinach pies, cheese pies, baklava, desserts and other Greek delights. The bar was stocked with champagne, wine, fresh fruit juices and waters. The two hour journey was pure bliss and we were able to enjoy both the indoor and outdoor facilities – stepping onto the upper deck when we cruised past small islands, and remaining inside when the wind picked-up. The San Lorenzo, and its crew, provided the most memorable of journeys.
The day on Hydra was spent relaxing at a local taverna, shopping and snapping photos of the remarkable scenery. It was a day one would remember for a lifetime. We couldn’t have asked for better hosts – the incomparable Alpha Yachting.
