Hydra island in Greece. Three things that made the island of Hydra in Greece different from the rest How to get to Hydra
The island of Hydra (Hydra in ancient times) is treated as a protected monument of national importance, where wheeled transport and modern architecture are prohibited, which places the island among the most peaceful and refreshing corners of the country. The fashion for Hydra began in the 1950s, when the film “Boy on a Dolphin” was released, which not only featured Sophia Loren (she filmed Hydra in 1957), but also immortalized the Greek painter Nikos Hadzikiryakos-Gikas and Canadian singer Leonard Cohen.
Since then, the island has predictably turned into one of the most beloved holiday resorts in Greece, although there are very few good beaches on it. In the city itself, life is in full swing from Easter to October, although the crowds of passengers from liners arriving during cruises under the slogan “three islands in one day” are no longer so noticeable: now no more than one or two cruise ships come to Hydra every day. On weekends, however, the island is extremely crowded, and the embankment turns into one continuous cafe and souvenir shop. However, it is not difficult to leave this holiday of life - the island is not small after all: you can go on a long walk or a boat excursion.
The town and port of Hydra, with its tiers of imposing gray stone mansions and white-walled, red-tiled modest houses climbing up the mountain above the perfectly horseshoe-shaped harbor, is quite an impressive sight. Those mansions on the embankment were built mainly in the 18th century, when considerable wealth was accumulated here, and the merchant fleet numbered up to 160 ships that reached America with their goods, and - during the Napoleonic Wars - broke the English blockade: despite all efforts, she was not left without grain - thanks to the Greek businessmen from Hydra.
Then large fortunes were made, especially since relations with the Sublime Porte were developing as well as possible: he ruled, but Idra did not even pay him taxes, she only supplied sailors to the Sultan’s navy. Naturally, Greeks from the mainland flocked to the island, not spoiled by such liberties, and in the 1820s almost 20 thousand people lived in the city - an unimaginable figure: now there are not even three thousand, and such crowding. During the War of Independence, the merchants of Hydra made many of their ships available to the rebels, and the captains of these ships became the naval commanders of the new country.
Arrival and accommodation in Hydra town
The city is quite compact, but as soon as you leave the embankment, the streets and alleys become narrow and steep, forming a real labyrinth. The best map of the city is issued by Saitis Tours, next to Alpha Bank - this agency also sells tickets for Euroseas catamarans. Tickets for hydrofoils and regular ferries (here they are not loaded with cars) "Hellenic Seaways" are sold on the eastern embankment, opposite the pier from which they depart - up the stairs and to the right. Banks (with ATMs) are also on the embankment, and you will find a post office in the covered market in the square a little away from the embankment.
You can get Internet access in a store next to the harbor, just behind Alpha Bank, which is located on the embankment. Since the requirement to protect the heritage of the past applies to the entire city, the construction of new housing for visitors is prohibited, private balconies are rare (although air conditioning is almost universal), and there are very few hotels, and all of them are in restored buildings - the prices are appropriate. Addresses (with street names and house numbers) are not common on Hydra, signs and markers are also infrequent, so you will have to ask passers-by. Unless otherwise stated in the listing, guests are accepted all year round; prices quoted during the high season also apply on weekends during the rest of the year.
1). Pension Alkionides– Quiet, although centrally located guesthouse with a pleasant courtyard and helpful staff, all rooms have TVs, refrigerators and coffee makers. Location: 120 meters up the street in the harbor, on the next street parallel to the one on which Alpha Bank is located (or walk to Amaryllis, go down further and turn right);
2). Hotel Amaryllis– A faceless building from the 1960s, the builders of which mysteriously bypassed the bans on such architecture, but this small hotel is quite suitable for habitation, and there are even small balconies. Location: 100 meters from the sea, from the hydrofoil berth, after the fork to the right;
3). Hotel Bratsera– Perhaps the best hotel on the island is 4 stars (class A), which houses extensive premises for all guests in a former sea sponge factory (including a bar, restaurant, conference room and a medium-sized swimming pool), at the same time serving as a museum of sea sponge fishing (many photographs and various crafts). There are five categories of rooms, but even those in the lower two categories have stone tile floors and decent showers. Open from mid-March to October. Location: 150 meters from the hydrofoil pier, behind the Amaryllis Hotel;
4). Pension Kirki– An uninviting driveway leads to a lovely old house with simple island-style rooms and a small courtyard garden. Location: 60 meters from the harbor, near the market;
5). Hotel Miranda– The 1810s mansion has been converted into a hotel, one of the most successful on the island, with wooden floors and refrigerators. The numbers are not the same; the best are No. 2 and 3: painted ceilings with coffered ceilings and large terraces with sea views. Rich breakfasts are served in the shady courtyard; another advantage is the bar on the lower floor in winter. Location: 200 meters away from the sea along the main street, extending from the middle of the embankment;
6). Nikos Botsis establishment– Clean, simple, white rooms in a four-story building, most of them have balconies and therefore no street noise. The attic studios for four have stunning views. Location: about 100 meters away from the sea along the main street, extending from the middle of the embankment;
7). Hotel Orloff– Another hotel in a restored mansion: blue curtains and carpets, high ceilings, rooms are not the same. The building is built quite high so that the sea is partly visible, and excellent breakfasts are served in the enclosed courtyard. Location: on the largest square away from the shore, near the pharmacy;
8). Hotel Pityoussa– The hotel, named after the three gigantic pines (“drinking”) growing in front of the facade, has only five rooms in the basement, with the latest amenities, including DVD players and designer bathrooms. The quietest is No. 5, facing the garden, although in the others you won’t suffer from noise either. If there are no places, contact the neighboring Theodoros, owned by the same owners, but more modest - nearby, up the stairs. Location: On the main street heading southeast out of town, ask at the Stavento store.
Sights of the city of Hydra
The mansions (archondica) of the 18th century, built for merchant families by architects from Venice and Genoa, undoubtedly remain the best monuments of the city's antiquity. Many have a sign at the entrance: “Ikiya...” (that is, “The home of such and such...”) - and the name of the owners. The interior decoration of the Vulgaris mansion on the western embankment is interesting; behind it, on the hill, in the Tombazis mansion, art critics and art students live on weekends.
At the western end of the town, above the restored watermill, the luxurious Koundouriotis mansion catches your eye (Tuesday-Sunday 10:00-17:00; 4 €) with paneled ceilings and a collection of paintings: the house was the home of the wealthy shipowner Georg Koundouriotis, who participated in the War for independence, and his great-grandson Pavlos Koundouriotis was president in the 1920s, then (for a while) republican. On the eastern embankment you can see the mansions of the Kriezis, Spiliopoulos and Tsamados - the latter is now a state school for the merchant marine, but you will be allowed there during a break between lectures.
On the same eastern embankment there is a Historical and Archival Museum (Tuesday-Sunday 9:30-17:00; 4 €), which exhibits costumes and engravings of various eras, as well as figureheads of ships and personal weapons, cold steel and firearms, from the time of the War for independence. There are said to be no less than 365 churches on Hydra, a number many Greek islands can boast of, but Hydra's claims are well founded. The most important church is Kimisis tis Teotoku, in the monastery courtyard near the port, next to it is the clock tower, noticeable from a distance, and the Church Museum (Tuesday-Sunday 10:00-17:00).
Food, drink and nightlife in Hydra town
Cafes on the embankment are convenient for looking at passers-by, but you have to pay for everything - if they charge you 4 € for a cup of coffee, don’t be surprised, but there are few full-fledged restaurants in the harbor. If you want to have a good meal (or drink), it is better to go away from the sea or beyond the cape to the west. If you want to take something with you to the beach, there is an excellent bakery that has tiropittes and pies, turn to the west end of the harbor near the Pirate Bar. During the summer there is an outdoor cinema on the narrow street leading to the Alkionides Hotel.
1). Bar Amalour– Quite a calm bar with a varied music selection and a crowd of 30-40 guests, there are special events or theme nights. Location: 150 meters from the sea, in a straight line from the hydrofoil berth;
2). Tavern Barba Dhimas– A small tavern with good prices and decent mezedes, there is fish and even snails in a pot. Location: on the same street as the summer cinema, about 125 meters away from the sea;
3). Tavern Gitoniko(Manolis and Christina’s) – Very friendly tavern with excellent mayirefta at good prices for lunch – although it ends early – and grilled food (including succulent fish) in the evenings. You can sit on the spacious roof terrace or in the hall, depending on the time of year. Location: away from the sea, near the Church of St. Konstandinos;
4). Bar Hydronetta– A classic bar where you can watch sunsets and where music plays in the early hours. There are only a few places, which creates an unusually relaxing atmosphere. Location: turn behind the cannon to the western side of the cape;
5). Establishment Iliovasilema(Sunset) – If you need to celebrate the end of your vacation or want a date in a particularly romantic setting, then this is the place for you: the cuisine is quite European and expensive, with wine (in bottles), about 30 € per person. Location: behind the cannons, on the western cape;
6). Uzeri To Koutouki tis Agoras– The establishment looks second-rate, but the prices here are low only because this ouzeri serves market traders, but it can please: a range of delicacies from pastourmas (dried meat, basturma) to octopus. The atmosphere is best at the very beginning of the evening. Location: behind the covered market;
7). Uzeri Paradhosiako“The dishes in this ouzeri are ordinary, but the place is overcrowded with people, so the service often leaves much to be desired. Location: 80 meters from the sea, up a street leading from the hydrofoil berth;
8). Cafe-bar Pirate– A cafe during the day and a very lively bar in the evenings, a lot of young people, Western music. Location: on the corner of the embankment near the clock tower;
9). Annita's– Don’t be put off by the strange appearance of the menu and the possible imposition of something: the food here – mayirefta and grilled dishes – is excellent, and the prices are reasonable (otherwise so many locals wouldn’t come here). The rose wine on tap is also good, and there are tables located both in the hall and on the cobbled street. Location: 70 meters inland along the street leading to the Miranda Hotel;
10). Tavern Zefyros– One of several good options on this street for simple, tavern-style food, there are tables in the sheltered courtyard. Location: just 30 meters from the harbor, on the street leading to the Hotel Mirande.
Beaches around Hydra
There is only one paved road on the island, which leads east from the harbor to Mandraki Beach, a few kilometers away. The road is hot and there is no shade, so most people prefer to get there by sea, boats constantly depart to different beaches and back, prices range from 1.50 € per person one way to Mandraki to 12 € per person round trip to Bisti. You can take a private water taxi - good price for a group at around €12 per boat to Vlychos for example, or you can even hire mules for the overland journey.
The only sandy beach near the city is in Mandraki, 1.5 kilometers east of the harbor along a concrete road. The Miramare Hotel rises above the shore, with bungalows in the garden. The hotel's bar and restaurant occupies an impressive shipyard that once belonged to the hero of the War of Independence, Admiral Miaulis. On weekdays (Monday-Thursday) the price for the best rooms is reduced to categories, and in addition, there are conditions for water sports - everyone is welcome, shuttle boats often scurry between the beach and the city. A few steps to the west, near a cove with pebble shores dotted with holidaymakers, one of the best rural taverns on the island, Mandraki 1800, also called Tou Lazarou (Easter-October): the cuisine is like in ouzeri, but the prices are slightly higher.
A paved path skirts the western head of the harbor and then runs along the coast to Kamini - about 20 minutes' walk. The village has a beach, several good taverns and rooms. At the very entrance to Kamini, on the right hand there will be a small pension Antonia, and across the road there is another pension, whose owner Eleni Petrolecca also offers apartments. And the fact that you have reached the fishing pier of Kamini will tell you the appearance of the Taverna tis Kondylenias tavern, famous for its seafood: trapsalo (huge squid) from the grill is something outstanding, and it is very pleasant to admire the sunsets here.
From the pier, 50 meters up the dry and paved river bed, there is another, not so expensive tavern - Christina’s, the food is a little more modest, the short menu changes every day, but there is certainly some kind of fish - but there is also a view of the sea here. After half an hour's walk from Kamini, you will pass the cove near Castello, favored by bathers, and arrive at Vlychos, a village with a rebuilt 19th-century bridge and a pebble beach: it is pleasant to swim here under the protection of a coastal island. At the height of the season, a tavern and a couple of cafe-bars are open - but their drinks are probably much better than their food, and only Antigone rents out rooms.
After Vlychos the walk becomes more difficult, the road rises above the bay of Molos and a tempting beach is visible but difficult to reach. After which the road turns deeper into the island. At the eastern end there are beautiful coves, Bisti and Agios Nikolaos, which are best reached by sea. At Bisti, the white pebble beach is surrounded by pine trees that provide shade; Agios Nikolaos is larger and sandier, but there is less shade and fewer boats. The road passes over the headland between these bays, and in them there are bars open during the season, offering snacks, and you can also rent beach equipment and kayaks.
What else is there on Hydra Island
No motorized vehicles are allowed on Hydra, with the exception of a few trucks carrying provisions and garbage, and road equipment, so there is only one highway (from the port to), but the island is mountainous, so you can only get to the outback on foot or by some kind of vehicle. some ungulate - on horseback or in a cart. Accordingly, few visitors risk leaving the city limits, although a short walk is enough to see a completely different island: rural dwellings, terraced fields with eared grain (grain goes to feed donkeys), monasteries in the mountains and pine forests, which have fully recovered from the devastating forest fires of 1985.
Moving along the streets uphill into the interior of the island, you will find a winding path that in about an hour will lead you up to the monastery of Profitis Ilias or (a little lower) to the only active and open rural monastery on Hydra - St. Eupraxia. Probably the longest staircase in Greece leads to the first monastery (the alternative is a zigzag path), the monastery is closed from 12:00 to 16:00, but you can recover after a long climb by getting water and lokum (sweets) - their hospitably left to the left of the monastery gates.
The path continues, leaving behind the monastery to the left, to the saddle, from which you can see the southern shore and from where you can directly (there is no road) in about twenty minutes climb to the top of Mount Eros - this is the highest (590 meters) observation point on all the islands of Saronicos and Argolikos. If you do not dare to leave the path once laid out by the “kalderimi”, then go down to the outskirts of the island with scattered houses and locked churches not far from the sea at Klimaki, and then move uphill again, as the path, passing the chapel of Agios Petros and several pleasant to the eye stretches of coastline, butted into a bulldozer track, which will lead you (in 1 hour 15 minutes from Profitis Ilias) to the monastery of Agios Nikolaos.
True, more often they get to this monastery directly from the city along a well-marked (with multi-colored stripes of paint) and very visible path connecting the monasteries (both closed) of the Holy Matrona) and the Holy Trinity with the saddle on which Agios Nikolaos stands, and in the neighborhood - also a settlement of the same name. Then the trail descends to the Limnioniza bay (1 hour 15 minutes from the city) - the best and most picturesque bay on the southern shore, with a pebble beach and pine trees on the mountain slopes above the sea, however, there are no amenities, and “water buses” do not get here. The most persistent walkers will continue east from Agios Nikolaos to the church of Panagia Zourvas, at the eastern edge of the island (2 hours one way from the city).
South-east of Vlichos, a wide dirt road for donkeys and carts, passing a ship repair dock, rises to the plateau of Episkopi, where olives and grapes are cultivated and houses are visible here and there (there are no amenities for tourists), and then passes over the Gulf of Molos. The trails descending from the Episkopi plateau to the north-western tip of the island are densely overgrown and it is unlikely that you should attempt to walk along them without a local guide. The idyllic coves of Bisti (Agios Yeoryos) and Agios Nikolaos on either side of the cape are usually reached by sea.
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Hydra was the last island of our 10-day sailing trip in the Aegean Sea.
And I must say that it was not in vain that we left the most delicious for the end.
Hydra is an incredibly colorful island, completely different from the others we visited on this trip, soulful and completely devoid of cars...
No one is in a hurry here, there is always a forest of yacht masts in a small cozy marina, here is one of the most delicious cappuccinos in the world.
The famous film "Dolphin Boy" with Sophia Loren in the title role was filmed here and many celebrities like to visit here...
2. Hydra Island is located very close to the eastern coast of the Peloponnese Peninsula and is part of the Saronic Islands group.
The relative proximity to the major port of Piraeus has made this island one of the favorite holiday destinations for the residents of Athens.
During peak season, the permanent population of approximately 3,000 people simply gets lost among the numerous tourists. 
3. In ancient times, Hydra was a sparsely populated island, Herodotus mentions it only briefly, and the first major settlement dates back only to the Mycenaean era.
But everything changed in the 16th century. At this time, Hydra became a refuge for those who were trying to hide from the constant clashes between the Venetian Republic and the Ottoman Empire. These were mainly refugees from the territory of modern Albania.
In the middle of the 18th century, the inhabitants of the island began to build ships and engaged in maritime trade. At the same time, without disdaining piracy.
They sailed to Egypt and the Black Sea, and during the Napoleonic Wars they transported goods to England, despite the ban stipulated by the law on the Continental Blockade. 
4. Since the island paid taxes on time, the Ottoman Empire practically did not pay attention to it and by the 19th century Hydra had gained power and strength. The vast majority of stately mansions on the island were built with the money of local merchants. At the zenith of Hydra's power in 1821, the island's population was 28 thousand inhabitants (now about 3 thousand). During the Greek War of Independence, the island provided 150 ships to participate in the fighting.
Moreover, it was this island that gave Greece outstanding military leaders - Admiral Andreas Miaoulis and the commander of the Greek fleet Georg Kandouriotis. 
5. After the liberation of the country, maritime and trade centers began to gradually move, initially to Ermoupolis, the island of Syros, and then to Piraeus. As steamships and steel shipbuilding were introduced into the navy, Hydra fell into decline by the beginning of the 20th century.
At the same time, the island gave Greece several famous artists and inspired the work of world-famous artists such as Picasso, Pablo and Chagall, Mark Zakharovich. Since 1936, a branch of the Athens School of Fine Arts has been operating here.
Today Hydra is an island for tourists, and in its small marina, even in the off-season, it is quite difficult to find a free place to moor a yacht 
6. The main port of the island is the city of the same name Hydra.
This is far from an ordinary port. There is always a clear sense of how this place is connected to the past thanks to the rising amphitheater of cafes and mansions, creating the atmosphere of a performance in which the island itself is the main participant. 
7. The history and entire existence of the island is inextricably linked with Athens. Now this is a vacation spot for representatives of the aristocracy and bohemians of the Greek capital, who are tired of the rhythms of life in the metropolis and want to change their daily routine as much as possible, enjoy the pristine beauty of the island, warm up on foot - and all this is an hour’s journey from the port of Piraeus. Therefore, this unique “island of the capital” attracts many famous people from Greece and from all over the world, among the fans of the island are: Brigitte Bardot, Audrey Hepburn, Anthony Quinn, Joan Collins, Arius Onassis, Maria Calas, Jackie Kennedy Onassi, fashion designer Valentino . Leonard Cohen, the owner of a charming timbre, lived on Hydra for a long time. The island is very popular among representatives of creative professions; during the six-month season, various creative exhibitions and meetings are constantly held on the island. 
8. The tourist fame of the island was promoted by the film “Boy on a Dolphin,” filmed on the island in 1957 with Sophia Loren in the title role.
In 2006, a sculpture of the same name dedicated to the film was even installed here. 
9. One important feature of Hydra is that it is the only island in Greece on which the use of motor vehicles is completely prohibited - from a car to the smallest scooter. There aren't even bicycles here. 
10. The only means of transport and transportation around the island are motor boats, mules and donkeys (I will talk about this in a separate post) 
11. The architecture of the island is very organic and thoroughly imbued with Mediterranean flavor and the spirit of history 
12. Narrow streets with a huge number of cafes and taverns spread out from the harbor in different directions along the hills. Tables often stand right on the pavement, attracting tourists 
13. On the narrow streets everything is mixed together - different eras, shops, cafes, people, living plants in tubs and pots. 
14. You never know where this or that narrowing street will lead 
15. Geometry of Hydra 
16. Crossroads 
17. Residential buildings 
18. Dark alley... 
19. .... at the end of which you suddenly find yourself at the top of another hill with a beautiful view of the rooftops of the city 
20. And again geometry 
21. Local residents.. 
22...very good-natured and friendly 
23. Trade is carried out right on the narrow streets. Cafe-shop-shop-vegetable rows-residential building... 
24. Hardware store. You can immediately see which goods are most in demand on the island.
Try it, buy a boat anchor in Moscow or Kyiv) 
25. Construction store 
26. And again vegetable rows 
27. The most vegetables are sold here. After the souvenirs 
28. And early in the morning, fishermen sell their fresh catch directly from their boats. 
29. The tiles of houses on Hydra are not at all similar to those used here 
30. Lemon. Female... 
31. Cactus. Male 
32. Still life with panties and basket 
33. Lanterns and pillows 
34. Cafe right next to the pier. You woke up on a yacht, took two steps, and now you’re drinking an incredibly delicious cappuccino. 
35. Cafe and town hall 
36. If anything, everything here is quite inexpensive.... 
37. Early in the morning of May 9, we left the yacht marina of Hydra Island, heading for our last passage - to the port of Piraeus... 
My previous photo reports and photo stories:
The Greek island of Hydra is not your average tourist destination. For several decades it has been considered a favorite vacation spot of world and Greek celebrities. And the landscapes of Hydra attract filmmakers - British, American and French directors chose it for filming. Having received its well-deserved fame, Hydra did not turn into a noisy resort center. The atmosphere of real Greece is felt here, and the only means of transport on Hydra are mules and water taxis.
How to get to Hydra
The island belongs to the Saronic archipelago group. Hydra is located next to Athens - hydrofoils and ferries run from Piraeus to the capital of the island. Therefore, the easiest way to get to Hydra is to choose a route through the Greek capital. Travel time will be no more than an hour.
It is worth remembering that any type of motor transport is prohibited on Hydra itself. People travel around the cities by mules and on foot, and from one settlement of Hydra to another you can get by water taxi.
What to see on Hydra: main attractions
The sights of different eras are concentrated on Hydra. In the capital of the island, it is worth visiting the Church of the Assumption - the main cathedral of Hydra, where the Church Museum operates. The collection contains Byzantine icons and ancient utensils. No less interesting is the Koundouriotis Mansion, an elegant stone building that belonged to the Koundouriotis family. It also houses a museum, the collection of which includes traditional clothing of the inhabitants of the island, objects created by folk craftsmen, weapons and paintings. Around the port of the capital there are bastions with cannons, which were used to protect Hydra from attacks by the Turkish fleet.
One of the main attractions of the capital of Hydra is the Monastery of Elijah the Prophet, built in the 19th century on the site of an abandoned chapel. This is the only monastery on the island, founded by monks from Athos. It is also worth visiting for the magnificent views that open from a height of 500 m. The convent of St. Eupraxia is located nearby. Its nuns are known as skilled craftswomen - you can buy embroidery created by them as a souvenir.
Another significant city in Hydra in terms of the number of interesting places is Mandraki. Here it is worth visiting the monasteries of Zourvas and Agios Nikolaos, which house valuable frescoes and icons from the 16th century. Also in Mandraki is the monastery of Agia Triada, founded in the 18th century.
Beaches of Hydra
Hydra is an island of calm beaches and coves. 2 km from the capital is the resort village of Vlichos with a small pebble beach. It is washed by a crystal clear sea and is well equipped: there are sun loungers on the coast, and there are taverns nearby. Kaminia Beach is located between Vlychos and the capital. The village of Caminia itself is a fishing village with good taverns and a leisurely pace of life. The beach is suitable for families with children, since the sea here is shallow and clean, there are no waves. Mandraki is one of the most well organized beaches in Hydra. Water activities are available here, with views of the Peloponnese from the shore.
What else to do on Hydra
Hydra is chosen for vacation by the Greeks themselves, and most often by the Athenians. Although they are spoiled by entertainment, they cannot resist Hydra’s charm. Boat trips to the nearest islands are organized from the island; you can even watch the sunset at sea. The cuisine on Hydra also deserves praise - you can enjoy moussaka and fresh fish dishes while relaxing in taverns overlooking the sea. For those who are used to spending their evenings actively, there are numerous bars in the port of Hydra.
Diving enthusiasts are also frequent guests on Hydra. The island's coastline is predominantly rocky, and its coastline is rich in reefs and underwater caves to explore. There are also several shipwrecks near Hydra. The island's dive centers organize not only daytime but also night dives.
Souvenir shopping is an obligatory part of the holiday program on Hydra. From the island you can take away ceramic figurines and plates with images of mules, handmade lace and jewelry, which are sold in numerous boutiques in the capital of Hydra.
Where to stay on Hydra
Hotels on Hydra can be described in two words: tradition and romance. Many small and cozy hotels are happy to accommodate tourists at any time of the year.
Hydra is the most famous of all the Argosaronic islands. Hydra is a unique Greek island - all mechanical means of transportation are completely prohibited here: cars, motorcycles and even bicycles!
Only two types of transport are available: sea - in the form of ferries and taxi ferries, ready to take you with the breeze to any shore of the island of Hydra in a matter of minutes; and a four-legged one - in the person of hard-working donkeys, ready to slowly deliver you on their backs so that you can enjoy the piercingly clean air of the island of Hydra!
The island of Hydra (Hydra) is a small rocky island - it is also the southernmost point of the globe, where I have visited so far and one of the most beautiful places in Greece. The distance to Piraeus is 37 nautical miles, the journey time by ship is 3 hours.
Lying between the Saronic and Argolid Gulfs, the island of Hydra has an area of 50 square meters. km, and the length of its coastline is 55 km. Hydra is a mountainous island. The highest mountain is Eros (593 m), the population is less than 3,000 inhabitants. Unlike the other islands of the Argosaronic Gulf, Hydra is mostly an island devoid of vegetation, with pine trees growing only in the southwest. 
The oldest settlement discovered on the island dates back to the Mycenaean era. Hydra was subsequently captured by Ermioni, who then sold it to the Samians.
Hydra continued to eke out an inconspicuous existence until the 17th century, when the island gradually acquired a powerful merchant fleet, which later, during the Napoleonic wars, monopolized shipping throughout the Mediterranean Sea.
Hydra has been home to fishermen and sailors since the Middle Ages, becoming more and more professional sailors with each generation, which led to Hydra becoming known as “Little England” at the beginning of the nineteenth century, so large was the number of wealthy shipowners for such a small island . The population was then about 25,000 people, and the fleet consisted of about 120 modern and well-equipped ships, which made it possible to carry out maritime trade without fear of Ottoman ships and Mediterranean pirates.
From the harbor itself, up the mountainside, an amphitheater-like panorama of the city rises with dazzling white plastered houses and orange-brown roof tiles. Flowers on windows, balconies and patios, narrow stairs. Unlike other islands of the Saronic Gulf, Hydra is mostly devoid of vegetation, only in the southwest do pine trees grow.
The island's capital, Hydra, is built like an amphitheater around the island's port. The houses here are very beautiful - stone - captains' houses - they are a real decoration of the island. House museums were created on the basis of some of them. We also recommend visiting the monastery of Elijah the Prophet, built at an altitude of 500 m, from where a beautiful view opens. The beaches of Hydra are mostly rocky. Spilia Beach is recognized as the best - it has deep and clear waters.
Many people prefer the small beach in Awlaki, but the largest one is the beach in Bisti (it is surrounded by rocks, and there is a pine forest near it - why not paradise?). Mandraki has the most organized beach, where you can practice various sea sports. Hydra is also famous for its nightlife. Here everyone will find entertainment to suit their taste and, of course, enjoy the unique tastes of dishes from the endless variety of taverns on the island.
The island of Hydra (Hydra) became the first Greek island to which foreign tourists began to be allowed in in the 20th century. Today, tours to Greece offer a wide choice of holiday destinations, but Hydra still attracts vacationers with a unique atmosphere of peace and tranquility, stunning panoramas and the hospitality of the locals.
To be honest, we had never heard of the island of Hydra in Greece (aka Hydra) before we started planning our travel itinerary. There is little information about it on the Internet; there are no attractions as such. Why did we still decide to go there, and for our fifth wedding anniversary?
What attracted us to the island of Hydra in Greece?
I love places with traditions. It is interesting to visit a place where the way of life is not similar to what you are used to (only we are not talking about Afghanistan, not about African primitive tribes, and not about expeditions to the North Pole). Let these traditions manifest themselves in one thing, that is enough. What is so unusual about the island of Hydra in Greece, what is its traditionality? We noted three things.
1. The island is very, very! - a lot of cats
More than once we have seen reviews from other travelers to Greece that the island of Hydra is the most feline island in the country. “The level of catness here is just off the charts!” - someone wrote in their LiveJournal report. We agree one hundred percent: it seems that you didn’t end up on an island, but in a cat cafe. Kitties of all colors meet you right on the pier and wait in every alley. And everyone is so well-groomed, healthy, affectionate - it’s clear that the locals and guests of Hydra treat the cats well and do not offend them.
On Hydra there are most of the red cats, so the gray ones turn their faces away from the camera in annoyance.
2. There are no motorized vehicles on the island of Hydra
Not 100%, of course - there is a garbage truck on the island, and we even got to see it. Information about bicycles varies: somewhere they say they exist, somewhere they say they don’t. We walked around the island all day and did not see any bicycles - neither saddled nor parked. In general, this ban on the island of Hydra was not introduced in order to look interesting in the eyes of tourists: transport traffic on Hydra is prohibited by law (sort of like a large nature reserve in which everything needs to be preserved as it is). But we still don’t understand how the ambulance works on Hydra :)
Hold on tight, girls, it's about to take off!
3. Despite the abundance of tourists, the appearance of Hydra has not changed for years
In 1957, the film "Boy on a Dolphin" with Sophia Loren was released. They filmed a movie on Hydra, and after that a string of all kinds of travelers came here. It has been going on for all these decades, and so fortunately that real estate prices on Hydra have become prohibitively high: now only very wealthy people can buy housing here. They write on the Internet that some world and Greek celebrities have purchased houses on the island of Hydra in Greece, but which ones are not specified. 🙂
The island of Hydra in Greece cannot boast of huge villas and mansions, but a house like this is already considered large.
Since traditionally the facades of all houses on the island should be made in white colors and with a minimum of finishing, the owners transfer all the beauty of the design to the front doors and fence.
So, despite the fact that the island of Hydra in Greece is especially loved among tourists, you really won’t feel it at all. Only on the embankment, where after the ships arrive, a crowd with cameras appears, and everyone starts taking pictures of the parked donkeys (and more often with a camera than for a walk). But then one day - and all these people disappeared somewhere, and you yourself already dived into the first street you came across, and that’s all - boom, noise and din. And inside the island, nothing at all will remind you of tourism: there are not many cafes here, there are no tour agencies, there are no catchy Hotel and Bar signs, there is no blaring music, and in general - at all! - there are no barkers.
This is how the street of that Greek island, where tourists are only known about on TV, could look so discreet.