Hydra Island Favorites

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Favorite thing: It’s no surprise that Hydra island is picturesque because there are no cars and motorcycles around. While other greek islands are full of bikers here you see only the lazy donkeys! These friendly creatures carry around the people to their homes but also all the supplies which means not only the luggage of tourists but also supplies for the markets (pic 1 shows a donkey full of bottles) and even construction supplies like woods etc (pic 2)

Another alternative are some hand carts, we saw one full of groceries and we were surprised of the speed of the young man that was pulling the cart. Usually, you can see many of these carts outside of the houses waiting… (pic 3)

There are some vehicles on the island, we saw 2 garbage trucks in the morning and there is also a fire-engine.

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Favorite thing: Swimming on Hydra is mainly from the rocks as there are few beaches and they are not with fine sand.
The swimming there is good though as there are many big flat rocks to lie on and you have latters going down in to the ocean, so you can get back ashore very easily.
The sea around Hydra is crystal clear and swimming there is pure joy.

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Favorite thing: Hydra is one of the most impressive Saronic Islands of Greece. It is located in the Aegean Sea between the Saronic Gulf and the Argolic Gulf. It is separated from the Peloponnese by the narrow Hydra Gulf.

Hydra Island is one of the most un-spoiled and interesting of the Greek islands, is a small rocky island in the Argo Saronic Gulf, south east out of the Athens port of Piraeus and within sight of the southern Peloponnese mainland.

Nowadays it's very cosmopolitan, safe and one of the easiest of the Greek islands to get to. Best of all, the entire island is a preserved national monument and has retained all its XVIIth and XVIIIth century charm and quaintness.

I visited Hydra with cruise over the Saronic Gulf and its Islands. That was one of the strongest impressions upon me during this trip.

You may watch my high resolution photos of Hydra Bay on Google Earth according to the following coordinates 37º 21' 8.47" N 23º 27' 54.60" E or on my Google Earth Panoramio Photo 1, Photo 2, Photo 3.

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Favorite thing: The architecture of Hydra is really unique and exceptional; it is the only place in Greece with so many beautiful XVIII-th century and XIX-th century buildings. The characteristics of the traditional and unique architecture of Hydra come from the mixture of design and necessity; heavily influenced by the Italian palaces and loggias that the sailors saw during their numerous trips abroad.

A stroll through the town's picturesque cobble stone streets will convince you of its uniqueness.

The unique and beautiful architecture of Hydra is protected by a law from the national preservation order, which states that any new building must be made according to the traditional architecture of the 18th and 19th century, conform to the traditional and authentic colour and character, therefore no modern development, high rise apartment buildings or large hotel complex can spoil the natural environment and the traditional architecture.

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Favorite thing: The first time visitor stays astonished by the imposing Manors that are located to the harbour of the island. There is one main town, known simply as "Hydra port". It consists of a crescent-shaped harbor, around which a strand of commercial establishments (restaurants, shops, markets, and galleries) is centered. Almost all of them cater to tourists and locals (Hydriots).

Steep stone streets lead up and outwards from the harbor area. Most of the local residences, as well as the hostelries on the island are located on these streets.
The town of Hydra is built amphitheatrically to the middle of the north coast of the island, inside a close cove, which is being surrounded by huge rocks.

Today the port of Hydra is full of boats which anchor there.

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Favorite thing: In ancient times, the island was known as Hydrea, which was a reference to the springs on the island. In the interior of the Island have been found traces of ancient living quarters, according to archaeological excavations that took place in the location of "Episkopi".

Hydra was used as a service station for the Greek navy, and as a result, it starred in the sea commerce with neighboring countries and in communications. Towards the end of the XVIIIth century, Hydra was blooming in export trade and commerce. It was that time which people of Hydra took advantage of the English-French war and earned for themselves great profits, by controlling the sea commerce

The Hydrian fleet dominated the sea during the seven year war with the Turks, contributing this way to the liberation of Greece, sacrificing many human lives, battleships and money.

Favorite thing: Just be, just take time to do nothing .. writing postcards will be your most important task for the day. Enjoy this time, before you have to return to your normal life.

Fondest memory: Doing nothing, with Steve, by the pool at the Bratsera.

Favorite thing: Dokos Island at the back and farer back Peloponissos (Ermioni).
Take a look at travelogue Dokos.

Fondest memory: DOKOS Island, Settlement of YDRA

Geographical Data
Type of location:Bay, Small port
Postal Code:18040
Tel+3 02980
Height:10 meters
Longitude:23o 19' 20"
Latitude:37o 20' 40"

SKINDOS (Bay) North of DOKOS