ISLAND

Hydra: An island full of colors

Hydra, the island with strong nautical colors and the distinctive architecture, enchants the visitors from the first moment. This island is characterized as protected village, and thats why there is no way the visitors will see any car moving. This is a surprise to most visitors, because in this way the island retains its''purity''.

The island owns its charm to the cobblestone alleys, the old mansions and the courtyards of the houses,with the colorful flowers and the beautiful smell, All of them are completing the great picture of the island.

Furthermore, Hydra is one of the islands of the Saronic Gulf and has played an important role in the Greek Revolution, highlighting major characters.

In this amazing island, visitors will find dozens of choices to spend their day. Specifically, visitors can stroll to the unique markets of the island, swim in the clear waters and have auforgetable nights at the cosmopolitan bars all over the island.

Tour of the island

It is worth visiting the sights of the island, which combine great historical importance. The mansions of Tombazis and Tsamadou, Bulgari, Koundourioti and Kriezi’s decorating the harbor and the city of Hydra.

Also, tourists worth visit the Historical Archive-Museum of the Revolution of 1821, which unfolds a part of the island’s history and Greece in general. There the visitors can see memorabilia from Hydra’s significant involvement in the Revolutionary War.

There are important monasteries on the outskirts of the city, such as the Virgin Mary dating from the 17th century, the Prophet Elijah, St. Matronas and the Holy Trinity, which continues to be sacrosanct for women.

Important religius paintings can be seen up close from visitors and  believers in the churches of Agios Giannis Nisteutis and of Ipapantis.

Beaches

Hydra has beaches that are rocky and pebbly, with clear waters that are ideal for diving and many moments of relaxation.

The most cosmopolitan part of the island is Splilia, just outside the port with very deep and clear waters. Also, a small beach with pebbles at Avlaki is one of the well-known places in Hydra.

However, the biggest beach of the island lies in Mpitsi and is also with pebbles. Another good choice for diving and relaxing under the Greek sun, is the beach, Vlychou.

There is an organized beach in Mantraki, at the hotel which offers to tourist, among other things, the ability to practice in different water sports.

On foot or by boat  visitors can reach the small port of Kamini. There, the combination of the beautiful fish restaurants and the small beach, makes the place ideal for children.

Entertainment: Nights of dancing...

Hydra’s nightlife is very strong and able to satisfy even the most demanding visitor. Great variety and many options there is in food, with local traditional recipes, such as the various shops on the island where tha tourists can buy everything they like.

During the Easter Hydra becomes one of the most atmospheric and fascinating islands of Greece. The procession of the epitaph on Big Friday is taking place in the sea, in Kaminia site, offering a unique spectacle to all visitors

Events

During the summer the visitors can attend major exhibitions and cultural events, passing their time creatively.
In late June, ‘’Miaoulia’’is the big celebration that is dedicated to the action of  Miaoulis. This event gathers a large number of tourists.

Local Market

The markets of the island have almost everything. From jewelry and designer clothing to delicious local sweets and marzipan. Also, visitors can purchase traditional embroidery as a memento of the Hydra. With all these options, Hydra can be described as a Lilliputian consumerist’s paradise.

Internal bus

Hydra is one of the few islands, as we already said, that you ate not going to see cars, so the only means of transportation are boats and the well know, and always reliable, donkeys. Of course, visitors can explore the island on foot, visiting every corner of the island.

Useful phones

Municipality of Hydra: 22980-53003
Police: 22980-52205
Tourist Police: 22980-52205
Coast Guard Hydra: 22980-52279
Telephony service: 22580-52399
Post Office: 22980-52262
Hospital: 22980-53150
Clinic: 22980-52420
Pharmacies: 22980-52584

Επιμέλεια: Σταυρούλα Παπαδοπούλου