Hydra to Peloponnese to Zakynthos...a few questions
 

We will be flying to Athens on May 23rd and taking a ferry to Hydra (3 nights). Our hotel informed us we could take a ferry from Hydra to Ermioni (20 minutes northwest of Hydra on the Peloponnese peninsula, south of Nafplio). Although renting a car from Ermioni is supposed to be possible, it has been difficult to find on line. We were hoping to not have to ferry back to Athens and drive from there. In addition, we were wanting to return to the car at the ferry port, Kyllini or Kilini (north of Olympia) when we go to Zakynthos. I haven't been able to determine this (even assuming there would likely be a steep drop fee).

In addition, I know there are many must see sights in the Peloponnese (Nafplio, Epidavros, Corinth Canal, Mycenae, Monemvasia, Karadamyli, Mani Peninsula, Mystras/Sparta, Messina area, Kyparissia...) wondered which are highest and lowest priority when time is limited (5 days).

We've always wanted to visit Zakynthos (there was an issue with the ferry when we were in Corfu and Kefallonia) but I realize this leg could be eliminated.

Thank you in advance for any information you can provide!

It's your trip, and if that's what you want to do I hope you can work out the rental car issue. How would you get back to Athens from Zakinthos?

Were it me I would rent the car at Athens Airport and drive to Nafplio, stopping to see some sights on the way. Then, from Nafplio it will be easy to reach Ermioni for the ferry to Hydra. It may actually be cheaper to park the rental car for the three days you are on Hydra rather than drop it off somewhere and rent a new one afterwards — you do the math. If you hold on to the rental car you can use it for the rest of your trip through the Peloponnese, then return it to where you rented it at Athens Airport.

<i>"...wondered which are highest and lowest priority when time is limited (5 days)."</i>

I would drop Zakinthos to allow more time for those wonderful sights in the Peloponnese.

Will you fly home from Zakynthos?

Heimdall,
Thank you so much from your advice, which we've taken... sometimes I study this so long certain options don't seem apparent or common sense! We are now arriving in Athens at 9:30am and renting a car at the airport, driving to Nafplio planning to see the Corinth Canal and Mycenae along the way. (Overnight in Nafplio) The next day visit Epidavros and then take the ferry from Ermioni to Hydra (leaving our rental car there). Three nights in Hydra. I know Hydra could be seen in two; I wondered if you have been to Spetses and would recommend a day trip there?

We would then take the ferry back to Ermioni and continue to see the sites I mentioned in my initial post. Again, your advice on which deserves the greatest priority would be appreciated.

We have determined that we can drop the rental car in Kilini. I still have not given up on Zakynthos...but I do appreciate your advice about not cutting the Peloponnese short!

Neckervd--we are flying from Zakynthos to Santorini and will fly back to Athens and then home from there. We've been to Santorini a few times (yet didn't go there on our trip to Greece last year). I know how it has changed and how touristy and crowded it is during the day... but at night, magical, and still for me one of the most beautiful views in the world.

Can't thank you enough for your feedback...Obviously, I listened. Thanks again. Your advice is greatly appreciated. Thanks for taking the time.

Glad I could help. I was assuming you would go back to Athens rather than flying out of Zakinthos, as neckervd correctly guessed. That, of course, means drop-off charges, which I was hoping to help you avoid.

What do you plan to see and do on Zakinthos apart from visiting Navigio (Shipwreck) Beach? Will your flight from Zakinthos to Santorini mean changing planes in Athens?

A few summers ago I stayed with friends in the southern Peloponnese near Kalamata, and that area is worth a detour if you have the time. The coastal area of Laconia and Messenia is dotted with beautiful beaches, picturesque fishing villages, and Venetian castles. When we visited the huge archaeological site of Ancient Messene there were only a few other visitors there. It was haunting to be there almost on our own. Here are some of my photos of that area:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/heimda...7627739427148/

Personally i would completely skip Zakynthos, unless all you want is to relax on the beach...
There is so much to see on the Peloponnese that you could spend more than 1 week there.
Spetses is certainly a nice island to visit, even though not as spectacular as Hydra. Since you will be to Hydra, you could drop Spetses.
The Peloponnese has a lot see, you mentioned the most important places to visit. The Corinth Canal, Ancient Corinth and Epidaurus you could see on the way from Athens to Nafplio, if you choose the old road instead of the highway.
Possible overnights could be : Nafplio, Monemvasia, Kardamyli or Kalamata and Olympia.

That's a tough one. We loved Hydra and feel it is worth spending time there. We took the ferry from Athens' port over to Hydra then took it back to Athens. The ferry ride isn't that long - maybe an hour or so.

Then we rented a car and drove to the Peloponnese and spent a week driving. It was wonderful seeing the sites - our favorite was probably the site of the Olympic Games. But, looking back I wouldn't have missed Hydra. It is a little gem.

>>Then we rented a car and drove to the Peloponnese and spent a week driving>>

Meant to say we took the ferry from Hydra back to Athens where we rented a car.