Hydra - Cosmopolitan and fashionable
Hydra, the very cosmopolitan and fashionable island, was discovered by a band of artists in the 1960s who had been attracted by its spectacular, steep-sided port. Even today artists and moving stars are visiting the island and Hydra has gained the title of the artists colony.
Once with 25,000 population, Hydra made a remarkable contribution to the war of independence in the 19th century. Some Hydriots spent their own fortunes to convert their fleet for war and Hydriot navy terrorized the Turkish fleet.
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Getting There
There plenty hydrofoils and ferries a day from Piraeus Port. For those travelling with a car and it happen to be in Peloponnese, Hydra Island is reachable from Ermioni, Porto Heli (Peloponnese) and Poros Island. Poros Island is just 400 metres away (5 minutes cross) from Galatas Town in Peloponnese. But remember: No cars are allowed in Hydra. You will have to leave it in Peloponnese.
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Getting Around
Since there are no cars in the island, the only way to go around is either the water taxis (to Vlichos, Kamini, Miramare) or donkeys or your own feet.
You can also hire speed boat for the destination you want.
Excursions
The Monastery of Pofitis Ilias (found in the early 19th century) at an altitude
of 500 meters has an excellent view.
Kamini the little fishing
village, Episkopi Hydra's pine forest (beginning to recover
after a fire), popular Molos for swimming, Bisti,
Ag. Nikolaos and Limioniza for swimming.
Dokos
an islet (1 hour's caique trip) made of a kind of marble where Jacques
Cousteau discovered a 3,000 years wreck.
Touring Hydra Island
Hydra
is the only town of the island. The spectacular
horseshoe port with ranked rows of restored grey and white Italianate
mansions -built in the late 18th century by Venetian and Genoese
architects-, is a breathtaking experience. The front is almost
one long outdoor cafe and chic boutiques line the quayside. Day
trippers, cruise passengers, multilingual salesman of jewellery
and paintings add to the parade.
Panagia tis Theotokou is a beautiful church -next to the port- with a marble iconostasis. Bariami Cave is a place to swim near to town. The square of Kalo Pigadi is the place where two wells have long supplied the town with water. The Tsombadou villa on the harbour (now a maritime academy) and the Tombazis family old resident (now a school of fine arts) are worth a visit.
Mandraki
the old shipbuilding docks of the Hydriots, is the island's only real sandy beach.
Vlichos
is a pretty small hamlet with a rocky beach, a picturesque 19th century bridge, tavernas and a few rooms.
Hydra Useful Info
Distance from Piraeus Port: 37 Nautical Miles
Medica Center: 22980 53150
Police: 22980 52205
Port Authority: 22980 52279
Water Taxis: 22980 53690
More about Hydra
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Contact: contact@thegreektravel.com Last update 26 April 2019