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is a secluded island where those tourists who are looking for peace and quiet can spend their holidays.

The island of Hydra has very convenient bays, so the new inhabitants of the island took up maritime trade and piracy.

History of Hydra Island

IN ancient times and in the Middle Ages the island was empty. It was settled in the 18th century by Christian Albanians, who fled to this deserted and practically uninhabitable island from persecution by the Turks.

By the 19th century The island has reached the peak of its development. It was a real maritime power, practically independent of the Turks, with a population of more than 30 thousand people.

During the Greek War of Independence, the inhabitants of the island equipped their merchant ships with artillery at their own expense and created their own on their basis. naval squadron. This squadron fought with great success against the Turks, winning several important naval victories and making a significant contribution to the conquest of Greece's independence.

However, after the conclusion of peace, the pirate spirit affected the blood of the islanders. They did not want to obey the first official government of Greece, which was headed by Count Kapodistrias. Hydra, together with the Cyclades, raised a rebellion against the Greek government, which, however, was very quickly suppressed by the fleets of the Great Powers, under whose patronage the young Greek state grew.

After Greece gained independence, the ancient port of Piraeus was rebuilt. All important trade gradually moved to Piraeus sea ​​routes, and Hydra lost its former meaning.

Tourist Information

The capital of the island is Hydra city. The city is a mixture of white houses and gray palaces, where Greek captains lived in the 18th and 19th centuries. These captain's houses today house tourist hotels.

You can get to Hydra through port of Piraeus. Vessels heading to Hydra depart 9 times a day. The cost of travel will be 15.5 euros; time - one and a half hours.

Hydra island on the map of Greece

The island of Hydra (in ancient times - Hydra) is treated as a protected monument of national importance, where wheeled transport and modern architecture, which places the island among the most peaceful and refreshing places in 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 good beaches there is very little 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 tiers of imposing gray stone mansions and white-walled, red-tiled modest houses climbing up the mountain above the perfectly horseshoe-shaped harbour, is quite 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 through 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 card 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 specified in the list, 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 best hotel on the island - 4 stars (class A), which located in a former sea sponge factory extensive premises for all guests (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 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 very large area further 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 city ​​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. In summer there is an outdoor cinema at 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 here low prices It's only because this ouzeri caters to 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 This street of simple, tavern-style food has tables in a 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 separate water taxi – good price for a group it's about 12 € per boat to Vlychos, for example, or you can even hire mules for the overland journey.

The only one sand beach near the city - 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 discounted 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 headland 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 Ayios 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 cove (1 hour 15 minutes from the city) - the best and most picturesque cove on south coast, 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.

In contact with

In Greek transcription, the name of the island sounds like Hydra, which means “water”. And initially he was mentioned under the name Idrea, which spoke of the presence of a large number 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 in this sunny place you will not encounter the usual flow of cars. 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 be acquired 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 form of an amphitheater and you will find in it 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 best beaches considered Spilia. It is located closest to the city of Hydra, which makes this place attractive due to the lack 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 beach holiday excursions, it is possible 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 through water. The local library includes more than 4,000 of the most different books. The archives section contains information about the history and culture of the island, including chronicles, personal archives and church papers.

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’s interesting to visit a place where the way of life is not similar to what you’re used to (but we’re not talking about Afghanistan, not about African primitive tribes, and not about expeditions to 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 sleek, healthy, affectionate - it’s clear that local residents and Idra’s guests 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). And here's how it works on Hydra ambulance, we still don’t understand 🙁

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.