Holidays on the Greek island of Hydra: beaches, entertainment and attractions. Sights of Hydra - what to see. Complete guide to iconic places Hydra Island on the map of Greece
Hydra (Ύδρα) is the southernmost island of the Saronic Gulf, with an area of 50 square kilometers and a rocky coastline of 56 km. This is one of the most developed tourist islands.
Hydra is famous for its cosmopolitan atmosphere, and in the 60s and 70s the island was a favorite summer resort of the Athenian aristocracy and many Greek tycoons.
Climate of Hydra dry Mediterranean, with long summers and mild winters. Light rains occur from November to the end of March. Hydra's dry climate is one of the key factors for the large tourist flow.
The only city on the island, the city of Hydra, with picturesque alleys and mansions, is built like an amphitheater around the harbor. Hydra retains its traditional architecture and today: impressive mansions with tiled roofs and small courtyards, decorated with original decoration, stand surrounded by narrow cobbled streets.
The rest of the island contains only small settlements: Vlichos in the west, Episkopi in the southwest and Mandraki on the eastern side of the island. There are many monasteries on Hydra, such as St. Euphrates, Elijah the Prophet, St. Matrona, St. Nicholas, Holy Trinity and Birth of the Virgin Mary.
The tourist life of the island is mainly concentrated in the city of Hydra. Nightlife is well developed here, there are many cafes, restaurants, and hotels. The peculiarity of Hydra is that any type of transport is prohibited here. The only permitted “transport” is donkeys.
The island has a rich maritime history that began in Byzantine times and reached its peak in the 17th and 18th centuries when the inhabitants of Hydra established a large fleet of commercial ships in the Mediterranean. During the Greek Revolution (1821), together with the islands of Psara and Spetses, they served as one of the main strongholds of the Greek fleet.
How to get to Hydra Island:
The distance from Hydra to the port of Piraeus is about 36 miles, making it relatively quick to reach the island from Athens. Hydra is also connected by ferries to nearby Peloponnese cities such as Porto Heli, Nafplio and Ermioni.
Ferries depart daily from the port of Piraeus (berths E8 and E9), travel time is 3 to 3.5 hours.
By "dolphin" travel time from the port of Piraeus to Hydra is 1 hour 15 minutes.
By car you can get to Ermioni, you can leave the car there and from there take a boat or water taxi to Hydra.
Information by phone:
Tourist police: +30 22982 53360
Port o. Hydra: +30 22890 52279
Water taxi o. Hydra: +30 2298053690
Port of Piraeus: +30 210 4226000, 4511310 - 7; +30 2104199000
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.
In Greek transcription, the name of the island sounds like Hydra, which means “water”. And initially it was mentioned under the name Idrea, which spoke of the presence of a large number of water sources. Later, for Russian ears, the sound of the name of the island was adapted into the more understandable “Hydra”, which is still used even in official sources.
What attracts and surprises this island? First of all, the lack of vehicles and, as a result, the cleanliness of the air. In fact, upon arrival at this sunny place you will not encounter the usual traffic. The only thing the island hasn't gotten rid of is garbage trucks. However, they rarely move through the streets solely on work.
Tours to Hydra island foreign tourists began to purchase for the first time in the 20th century. Today you can find a wide selection of recreation options here. First of all, lovers of solitude and silence come here. The capital of the island is built in the shape of an amphitheater and you will find the most beautiful houses made of stone. Some of them even house museums.
If your understanding of a holiday in Greece must include visiting holy places, on the island of Hydra you will find such an opportunity. To do this, just go to Monastery of the Prophet Elijah, built at an altitude of 500 meters from sea level. Not only religious travelers, but also lovers of natural beauty strive to get there.
The best beaches on Hydra island
Tours to the island of Hydra are in demand, including due to the possibility of a beach holiday. The local beaches are very distinctive; they are mainly characterized by a rocky bottom. The lack of sand is more than compensated by the purity of the waters.
One of Spilia is considered the best beach. It is located closest to the city of Hydra, which makes this place attractive due to the lack of road transport. Vacationers can find many cafes and cozy restaurants here.
Avlak Beach and is located away from shops and cafes, has a rocky bottom, a pier and a marina. The local waters are cool and deep, so most often adults without children relax here.
Vlykos Beach created specifically for lovers of solitude. The close location to the village of Vlikos makes it very convenient. When going here, you don’t have to worry about food in advance, because there are taverns and shops in the village. On the shore you will find a lot of small pebbles and sand. The seabed in this place is not very rocky, and the natural beauty attracts vacationers here every year.
Plakes Vlykos Beach(four seasons) - located near the hotel with the same name. This place is often visited by couples with children, who prefer a sandy bottom to a pebble one. The beach is equipped with sun loungers. The most convenient way to get here is to take a water taxi.
Bisti Beach- located in the southern part of the island. Here you will find a lot of white pebbles, clean air, a magnificent pine grove and all the conditions for a comfortable holiday with children. Not far from the beach there are restaurants and bars, and there is the opportunity to go scuba diving and dive to the bottom.
Hydra Island Museums
For those who want to diversify their beach holiday with excursions, there is the opportunity to visit local museums. For example, the Museum of Byzantine and ecclesiastical art "Monastiri" located in Mitropoli. Tourists are invariably amazed by the architecture of this building, built in the 17th century, as well as its unique collection of rare icons and church relics.
To look at the masterpieces of post-Byzantine art, it is worth visiting the house-museum of Georgos Kountouriotis. In it you will find exhibits dedicated to the formation and development of Greece.
But the most frequently visited place is Hydra Museum, containing a historical archive. Exhibits from the 18th-20th centuries are presented here. Collections include weapons, nautical charts, outfits and devices for moving on water. The local library includes more than 4,000 different books. The archives section contains information about the history and culture of the island, including chronicles, personal archives and church papers.
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 - 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 movie was filmed here Boy on a dolphin"starring Sophia Loren and many celebrities like to come here...
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.
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.
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.
Since the island paid its taxes on time, the Ottoman Empire paid virtually no 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.
Since the island paid its taxes on time, the Ottoman Empire paid virtually no 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.
After the liberation of the country, maritime and trade centers gradually began to 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
After the liberation of the country, maritime and trade centers gradually began to 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
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.
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.
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, stretch their legs 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.
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, stretch their legs 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.
The island's tourist fame was boosted by the film Boy on a Dolphin, filmed on the island in 1957 and starring Sophia Loren. In 2006, a sculpture of the same name dedicated to the film was even installed here.
One important feature of Hydra is that it is the only island in Greece where the use of motorized vehicles is completely prohibited - from a car to the smallest scooter. There aren't even bicycles here.
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)
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)
The architecture of the island is very organic and thoroughly imbued with Mediterranean flavor and the spirit of history
The architecture of the island is very organic and thoroughly imbued with Mediterranean flavor and the spirit of history
From the harbor, narrow streets with a huge number of cafes and taverns spread across the hills. Tables often stand right on the pavement, attracting tourists
From the harbor, narrow streets with a huge number of cafes and taverns spread across the hills. Tables often stand right on the pavement, attracting tourists
Everything is mixed in the narrow streets - different eras, shops, cafes, people, living plants in tubs and pots.
Everything is mixed in the narrow streets - different eras, shops, cafes, people, living plants in tubs and pots.
You never know where this or that narrowing street will lead
You never know where this or that narrowing street will lead
Geometry of Hydra
Geometry of Hydra
Crossroads
Crossroads
Residential buildings
Residential buildings
Dark alley...
Dark alley...
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
.... 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
And again geometry
And again geometry
Local residents..
Local residents..
Very good-natured and friendly
...very good-natured and friendly
Trade takes place right on the narrow streets. Cafe-shop-shop-vegetable rows-residential building...
Trade takes place right on the narrow streets. Cafe-shop-shop-vegetable rows-residential building...
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