Hydra island

General info
Hydra, the celebrated Argosaronic island stands like a gem between Spetses and Poros. It covers an area of some 65 square km and has 3,000 permanent residents approximately.
The island, that it  is famed for the  remarkable quaintness of its capital,( its  sole settlement), its long marine tradition  and its historical importance has been for many decades now one of the most favourite destination among  weekenders due to its proximity with Athens, and among people of Arts and Letters who find its atmosphere quite inspiring.  Delightful footpaths, romantic spots, extremely lively places and some descent beaches complement the mesmerizing atmosphere of this island.

 Despite the massive tourism, Hydra has retained intact its authentic character and remains one of the few places that vehicle access is strictly forbidden.  

Historical profile:
According to excavation finds, Hydra has been inhabited since the Neolithic Age and it was developed during the Mycenaean Times.
Around the 15th century its population was increased when people from Peloponnese settled on this island, which was developed to a considerable marine and trade centre around the 18th century.  During the Greek War of Independence Hydra played a significant role and its fleet under the commands of the hero Andreas Miaoulis passed in history.

Villages:
Hydra , is island’s capital and sole settlement,  internationally famed  for its unique beauty.  Built amphitheatrically around a   natural harbour, the capital radiates a cosmopolitan charm; elegant neoclassical mansions that witness its past grandeur, white-washed houses with blooming yards,   cobbled narrow alleys, beautiful churches and chapels create a magical picture.
The port is a pleasant and popular shelter for yachts and fishing boats and also a place  that is always bustling with life since here are gathered most of the shops existing in the islands. It is also the heart of the nightlife with many coffee-bars and night clubs suitable for every taste.  
Wandering around the capital can be a unique experience for exploration or for romance. The Mansions of great fighters of 1821, such as the ones of Georgiou and Pavlou Kountourioti, that today serves as a museum; the Mansion of Tompazi in which the Annex of the Athens School of Fine Arts is housed;   the building of the Historical Archive Museum and the Cathedral of the Dormition of Virgin Mary are only few of the worth-seeing sites you shouldn’t miss.  

Beaches:
Beaches are definitely not the greatest asset of Hydra; nevertheless there are  some places  where you can enjoy the sea.

The beach of Vlichos, a pebble one with clear waters; the  pebble Mandraki beach, an organized one with crystal-clear waters that offers also  water sport facilities; the Kaminia beach with pebbles and clear shallow waters; the  remote  pebble beach of Agios Nikolaos  with  crystalline waters that is  found in a verdant  scenery and is accessible only by boat, are  some  of them.   

Access:
Hydra    is connected by scheduled trips via ferry boat or hydrofoil with Piraeus Port, and also with the islands of Aegina, Poros, Spetses, Methana and with the Prefecture of Argolida (Porto Heli, HermionI). 

 

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