Sightseeing in Hydra - what to see. Complete guide to iconic places

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

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

History of Hydra Island

In ancient times and 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 its peak. 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 naval squadron. This squadron fought with great success against the Turks, scoring several important naval victories and making a significant contribution to the cause of Greece's independence.

However, after the conclusion of peace, the pirate spirit in the blood of the islanders affected. They did not want to obey the first official government of Greece, which was headed by Count Kapodistrias. Hydra, together with the Cyclades, revolted 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 revived. All important trade sea routes gradually moved to Piraeus, and Hydra lost its former importance.

Information for tourists

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 bound for Hydra depart 9 times a day. The cost of the trip will be 15.5 euros; time is an hour and a half.

Hydra island on the map of Greece

The Greek island of Hydra is not quite ordinary 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 - it was chosen for filming by British, American and French directors. Having received well-deserved fame, Hydra did not turn into a noisy resort center. Here you can feel the atmosphere of real Greece, and from the transport on Hydra - only mules and a water taxi.

How to get to Hydra

The island belongs to the group of the Saronic archipelago. Hydra is located near Athens - hydrofoils and ferries go from Piraeus to the capital of the island. Therefore, the easiest way to be on 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 kind of motor transport is prohibited on Hydra itself. They move around the cities on mules and on foot, and from one locality Hydra to another can be reached by water taxi.

What to see on Hydra: the main attractions

On Hydra concentrated sights of different eras. In the capital of the island, it is worth visiting the Church of the Assumption - main cathedral Hydra, where the Church Museum operates. The collection contains Byzantine icons and antique utensils. No less interesting is the mansion of Koundouriotis, an elegant stone building that belonged to the Koundouriotis family. It also houses a museum, the collection of which includes the traditional clothes 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 the attacks of 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 male 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. Nearby is the convent of St. Eupraxia. Its nuns are known as skilled craftswomen - you can buy embroidery created by them as a keepsake.

Another significant city of Hydra by number interesting places- Mandraki. It is worth visiting the monasteries of Zurvas and Agios Nikolaos, which store valuable frescoes and icons of the 16th century. Also in Mandraki is the monastery of Ayia Triada, founded in the 18th century.

Hydra beaches

Hydra - island calm beaches and bays. Located 2 km from the capital resort village Vlychos with a small pebble beach. It is washed by the crystal clear sea and is well equipped: there are sun loungers on the coast, taverns work nearby. Kaminia beach is located between Vlychos and the capital. The village of Kaminia itself is a fishing village with good taverns and a leisurely pace of life. The beach is suitable for families with children, because the sea is shallow and clean, there are no waves. Mandraki is one of the most well organized beaches in Hydra. Available here water activities from the shore overlooking the Peloponnese.

More things to do on Hydra

Hydra is chosen for recreation by the Greeks themselves, and most often by the Athenians. Although they are spoiled for entertainment, they cannot resist the charm of Hydra. Boat trips to the nearest islands are organized from the island, you can even watch the sunset in the sea. Hydra's cuisine 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 visitors to Hydra. The coast of the island is predominantly rocky, and its coastline rich in reefs and underwater caves to explore. Also near Hydra there are several sunken ships. Dive centers of the island organize not only day but also night dives.

Souvenir shopping is an obligatory part of the Hydra holiday program. From the island you can take ceramic figurines and plates with the image of mules, handmade lace and jewelry, which are sold in the numerous boutiques of 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.

Hydra was the last island of our 10 day sailing trip in the Aegean. And I must say that we have not in vain left the most delicious for the end. Hydra - an incredibly colorful island, not at all like the others we visited on this trip, soulful and completely devoid of cars ... Nobody 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 cappuccino in the world. The famous movie was filmed here. boy on a dolphin"with Sophia Loren in the title role and many celebrities like to visit here ...

Hydra Island is located very close to east coast Peloponnese Peninsula and is part of the Saronic Islands. Relative proximity to major port Piraeus has made this island one of the favorite holiday destinations for the people of Athens. At the peak of the season, the resident population, which is approximately 3,000 people, is simply lost among the numerous tourists.

Hydra Island is located just off the east coast of the Peloponnese peninsula and is part of the Saronic Islands group. The relative proximity to the large port of Piraeus made this island one of the favorite vacation spots for the inhabitants of Athens. At the peak of the season, the resident population, which is approximately 3,000 people, is simply lost among the numerous tourists.

In ancient times, Hydra was a sparsely populated island, Herodotus mentions it only in passing, and the first major settlement dates only to the Mycenaean era. But everything changed in the 16th century. At this time, Hydra became a refuge for those who tried to hide from the constant clashes between the Venetian Republic and the Ottoman Empire. They were mostly refugees from the territory of modern Albania. In the middle of the XVIII century, the inhabitants of the island began to build ships and engaged in maritime trade. At the same time, do not disdain piracy. They sailed to Egypt and the Black Sea, and during the Napoleonic Wars they transported goods to England, despite the prohibition stipulated by the law on the Continental Blockade.

Since the island paid taxes on time, the Ottoman Empire practically did not pay attention to it, and by XIX Idra had gained power and strength. The vast majority of the majestic mansions on the island were built with the money of local merchants. At the zenith of Hydra's power in 1821, the population of the island was 28 thousand inhabitants (now about 3 thousand). During the Greek War of Independence, the island provided 150 ships for combat. Moreover, it was this island that gave Greece outstanding military leaders - Admiral Andreas Miaoulis and Commander of the Greek Navy Georg Kanduriotis.

After the liberation of the country, maritime and shopping centers began to gradually move initially to Ermoupolis, the island of Syros, and then to Piraeus. With the introduction of steamships and steel shipbuilding in the fleet, Hydra fell into decay 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, sea and trade centers began to gradually move, initially to Ermoupolis, the island of Syros, and then to Piraeus. With the introduction of steamships and steel shipbuilding in the fleet, Hydra fell into decay 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 being an ordinary port. Here you always clearly feel how this place is connected with the past, thanks to the rising amphitheater of cafes and mansions, creating the atmosphere of a spectacle, the main participant of which is the island itself.

The history and the whole existence of the island is inextricably linked with Athens. Now this is a resting place for representatives of the aristocracy and bohemians of the Greek capital, who are tired of the rhythms of life in the metropolis and strive to change their daily routine as much as possible, enjoy the virgin beauty of the island, and warm up in hiking- and all this in an hour's journey from the port of Piraeus. Therefore, this kind of "island of the capital" attracts a lot of 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 . For a long time, the owner of the enchanting timbre, Leonard Cohen, lived on the Hydra. The island enjoys great love among representatives of creative professions; during the semi-annual season, various creative exhibitions and meetings are constantly held on the island.

The history and the whole existence of the island is inextricably linked with Athens. Now this is a resting place for representatives of the aristocracy and bohemians of the Greek capital, who are tired of the rhythms of life in the metropolis and strive to change their daily routine as much as possible, enjoy the virgin beauty of the island, stretch themselves on foot - and all this is an hour's journey from the port of Piraeus. Therefore, this kind of "island of the capital" attracts a lot of 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 . For a long time, the owner of the enchanting timbre, Leonard Cohen, lived on the Hydra. The island enjoys great love among representatives of creative professions; during the semi-annual season, various creative exhibitions and meetings are constantly held on the island.

The tourist fame of the island was facilitated by the film "Boy on a Dolphin", filmed on the island in 1957 with Sophia Loren in the title role. 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 motor vehicles is completely prohibited. Vehicle- from a car to the smallest scooter. There aren't even bicycles here.

As a transport and means of transportation around the island, exclusively motor boats, mules and donkeys (I will talk about this in a separate post)

As transport and means of transportation around the island, exclusively motor boats, mules and donkeys (I will talk about this in a separate post)

The architecture of the island is very organic and is thoroughly saturated with Mediterranean flavor and the spirit of history.

The architecture of the island is very organic and is thoroughly saturated with Mediterranean flavor and the spirit of history.

From the harbor in different directions, narrow streets with huge amount cafes and taverns. Tables often stand right on the pavement, attracting tourists

Narrow streets with a huge number of cafes and taverns sprawl from the harbor in different directions along 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 a narrowing street will lead.

You never know where a 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 on top of another hill with beautiful view on the rooftops of the city

.... at the end of which you suddenly find yourself on top of another hill with a beautiful view of the rooftops of the city

And geometry again

And geometry again

Locals..

Locals..

Very kind and welcoming

... very good-natured and friendly

Trade is carried out right on the narrow streets. Cafe-shop-shop-vegetable rows-residential building..

Trade is carried out right on the narrow streets. Cafe-shop-shop-vegetable rows-residential building..

To be honest, we didn’t even hear about the island of Hydra in Greece (aka Hydra) before we began to draw up the route of our trip. There is little information about it on the Internet, there are no sights as such. Why did we decide to go there, and for our five-year wedding anniversary?

What attracted us to the island of Hydra in Greece?

I love places with traditions. It is interesting to visit places where the way of life is not like what you are used to (only we are not talking about Afghanistan, not about African primitive tribes, and not about expeditions to the 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 traditional character? We noted three things.

1. The island is very, very! - many cats

More than once we have seen reviews from other travelers in Greece that the island of Hydra is the most feline island in the country. “The level of catness here just rolls over!” 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. Cats of all colors meet you right on the pier and wait in every alley. And everyone is so sleek, healthy, affectionate - it is clear that locals and Idra's guests treat cats well, they don't offend.

Hydra has the most red cats, so the gray ones turn their faces away from the camera with annoyance.

2. There is no motorized transport on Hydra Island

Not 100%, of course - there is a garbage truck on the island, and we even happened to see it. Regarding bicycles, the information varies: somewhere they write that they are, somewhere - that they are not. We walked around the island all day and did not see 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: traffic on Hydra is prohibited by law (it seems like a large nature reserve in which everything needs to be kept as it is). But we still don’t understand how the ambulance works on Hydra 🙁

Hold on tight, girls, now it will carry!

3. Despite the abundance of tourists, the appearance of Hydra does not change over the 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 various travelers reached here. It has been dragging on for all these decades, and so successfully that real estate prices on Hydra have become exorbitantly high: now only very wealthy people can buy housing here. They write on the Internet that some world and Greek celebrities have bought 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; such a house is already considered large.

Since traditionally the facades of all houses on the island should be made in white and with a minimum of decoration, the owners transfer all the beauty of the design to the front doors and the 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 arrival of the boats, a crowd with cameras appears, and everyone starts taking pictures of the parked donkeys (and more often on camera than for a walk). But then once - and all these people disappeared somewhere, and you yourself have already dived into the first street that came across, and that's it - buzz, noise and din. And inside the island, nothing at all will remind you of tourism: there are not very many cafes, there are no tour agencies, there are no catchy signs of Hotel and Bar, there is no music rumbling and in general - in general! - there are no touts.

So discreetly the street of that Greek island where tourists are known only on TV.