Three things that made the island of Hydra in Greece different from the rest. Holidays on the Greek island of Hydra: beaches, entertainment and attractions Hydra island on the map of Greece

Hydra was the last island our 10 day sailing trip By Aegean Sea. And I must say that it was not in vain that we left the most delicious for the end. Hydra - an incredibly colorful island, completely different from the others we visited on this trip, soulful and completely devoid of cars... No one 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 cappuccinos in the world. The famous movie was filmed here Boy on a dolphin"starring Sophia Loren and many celebrities like to come here...

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

Hydra Island is located very close to the eastern coast of the Peloponnese Peninsula and is part of the Saronic Islands group. The relative proximity to the major port of Piraeus has made this island one of the favorite holiday destinations for the residents of Athens. During peak season, the permanent population of approximately 3,000 people simply gets lost among the numerous tourists.

In ancient times, Hydra was a sparsely populated island, Herodotus mentions it only briefly, and the first large settlement dates back only to the Mycenaean era. But everything changed in the 16th century. At this time, Hydra became a refuge for those who were trying to hide from the constant clashes between the Venetian Republic and the Ottoman Empire. These were mainly refugees from the territory of modern Albania. In the middle of the 18th century, the inhabitants of the island began to build ships and engaged in maritime trade. At the same time, without disdaining piracy. They sailed to Egypt and the Black Sea, and during the Napoleonic Wars they transported goods to England, despite the ban stipulated by the law on the Continental Blockade.

Since the island paid its taxes on time, the Ottoman Empire paid virtually no attention to it, and by the 19th century Hydra had gained power and strength. The vast majority of stately mansions on the island were built with the money of local merchants. At the zenith of Hydra's power in 1821, the island's population was 28 thousand inhabitants (now about 3 thousand). During the Greek War of Independence, the island provided 150 ships to participate in the fighting. Moreover, it was this island that gave Greece outstanding military leaders - Admiral Andreas Miaoulis and the commander of the Greek fleet Georg Kandouriotis.

After the liberation of the country, sea and shopping centers began to gradually move initially to Ermoupolis, the island of Syros, and then to Piraeus. As steamships and steel shipbuilding were introduced into the navy, Hydra fell into decline 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 its small marina is quite difficult to find even in the off-season free place for yacht mooring

After the liberation of the country, maritime and trade centers began to gradually move, initially to Ermoupolis, the island of Syros, and then to Piraeus. As steamships and steel shipbuilding were introduced into the navy, Hydra fell into decline 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 an ordinary port. There is always a clear sense of how this place is connected to the past thanks to the rising amphitheater of cafes and mansions, creating the atmosphere of a performance in which the island itself is the main participant.

The history and entire existence of the island is inextricably linked with Athens. Now this is a vacation spot for representatives of the aristocracy and bohemians of the Greek capital, who are tired of the rhythms of life in the metropolis and want to change their daily routine as much as possible, enjoy the pristine beauty of the island, and warm up in hiking– and all this is an hour’s journey from the port of Piraeus. Therefore, this unique “island of the capital” attracts a lot of people. 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 Kalas, Jackie Kennedy Onassi, fashion designer Valentino. Leonard Cohen, the owner of a charming timbre, lived on Hydra for a long time. The island is very popular among representatives of creative professions; during the six-month season, various creative exhibitions and meetings are constantly held on the island.

The history and entire existence of the island is inextricably linked with Athens. Now this is a vacation spot for representatives of the aristocracy and bohemians of the Greek capital, who are tired of the rhythms of life in the metropolis and want to change their daily routine as much as possible, enjoy the pristine beauty of the island, stretch their legs on foot - and all this is an hour’s journey from the port of Piraeus. Therefore, this unique “island of the capital” attracts many 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 . Leonard Cohen, the owner of a charming timbre, lived on Hydra for a long time. The island is very popular among representatives of creative professions; during the six-month season, various creative exhibitions and meetings are constantly held on the island.

The island's tourist fame was boosted by the film Boy on a Dolphin, filmed on the island in 1957 and starring Sophia Loren. 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 motorized vehicles is completely prohibited - from a car to the smallest scooter. There aren't even bicycles here.

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

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

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

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

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

From the harbor, narrow streets with a huge number of cafes and taverns spread across 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 this or that narrowing street will lead

You never know where this or that 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 at the top of another hill with beautiful view on the roofs of the city

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

And again geometry

And again geometry

Local residents..

Local residents..

Very good-natured and friendly

...very good-natured and friendly

Trade takes place right on the narrow streets. Cafe-shop-shop-vegetable rows-residential building...

Trade takes place right on the narrow streets. Cafe-shop-shop-vegetable rows-residential building...

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 large nature reserve, in which you need to keep everything as is). But we still don’t understand how the ambulance works on Hydra :)

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 - good-bye, 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.

Hydra Island (Hydra) - a small rocky island - it is also the southern point globe, where I have had the opportunity to visit so far and one of the most beautiful places Greece. Distance to Piraeus is 37 nautical miles, travel time by ship is 3 hours.

Lying between the Saronic and Argolid Gulfs, the island of Hydra has an area of 50 square meters. km, and its length coastline is 55 km. Hydra is a mountainous island. The most high mountain- Erot (593 m), population - less than 3000 inhabitants. Unlike the other islands of the Argosaronic Gulf, Hydra is mostly an island devoid of vegetation, with pine trees growing only in the southwest. The oldest settlement discovered on the island dates back to the Mycenaean era. Hydra was subsequently captured by Ermioni, who then sold it to the Samians. Hydra continued to eke out an inconspicuous existence until the 17th century, when the island gradually acquired a powerful merchant fleet, which later, during the Napoleonic wars, monopolized shipping throughout the Mediterranean Sea.

It is difficult to find another island city like this. Round port with yachts, surrounded rocky mountains, on which two- and three-story houses stand almost close to each other from the embankment and almost to the very mountain peaks.

Since the Middle Ages, Hydra was inhabited by fishermen and sailors, who with each generation became more and more professional sailors and successful traders, thanks to which by the beginning of the 19th century Hydra began to be called “little England” - so great for such small island there was a number of wealthy shipowners. The population of the island at that time was about 25,000 people, and the fleet consisted of about 120 modern, well-equipped ships, which made it possible to conduct maritime trade without fear of ships Ottoman Empire and Mediterranean pirates. It was then that rich mansions, 6 monasteries and more than 300 churches were built, making up the modern picture of the island.

I ran around the deck with my camera, trying to capture the views of the rapidly approaching island:

These houses with tiled roofs of traditional architecture make an unforgettable impression from the first minute of your stay on the island.

Near the port of Hydra there are massive old rich houses of captains from 1821 (built by Genoese and Venetian architects) - Kountouriotis, Tobasis (in which the department of the faculty is located fine arts), Voulgaris, Miaoulis, Kriezis and Tsamados (where the Merchant Marine School is located).

It must be said that by the beginning of the national liberation war against the Turks in 1821, the population of Hydra was about 30,000 people (the majority were people who came here in search of refuge), and the number of ships reached 150. At that time, there were rich shipowners - the brothers Kuntouriotis, Miaoulis, Sakhturis , Tobasis and others, who equipped ships at their own expense, spending fortunes to assist the uprising. The Hydra fleet, in cooperation with the fleets of the islands of Spetses and Psara, caused very significant damage Turkish fleet. The exploits and heroism of these sailors were known throughout Europe. In addition to ships, the islander sailors also used the so-called “fire ships” (“arsonists”) - small boats loaded with explosive materials that sailed up to Turkish ships at night and blew them up. The victories of the inhabitants of Hydra and their comrades at sea became the main factor in the success of the struggle of the Greek people.

Some of these houses are open to the public, allowing you to explore the interiors, which feature marble floors, wooden ceilings and antique furniture. At the exit from the port there are ancient cannons that defended the city.

These houses are cubic in shape with only one terrace, sometimes with one yard. There are flowers in the courtyards that are not easy to see from the outside because the stone walls are high. The color of the houses is usually grey. Strict forms and lines dominate everywhere. However, a white frame around the window is enough to eliminate monotony and give homes a welcoming look.

The first among Hydra's admirers are people of art, especially artists. Therefore, the Faculty of Fine Arts of the Athens Polytechnic Institute opened its branch here.

The anchor is dropped in the port of Hydra:

As already mentioned, the inhabitants of Hydra have long been engaged in navigation and shipbuilding; they made a significant contribution to equipping the Greek fleet during the national liberation war against the Turks. Another view of the fort with cannons:

Currently, the main occupation of the island's population is tourism, petty trade and the extraction of sea sponges. You could ride these horses lined up on the embankment:

Garbage trucks are the only motorized transport on this piece of land. All other motor vehicles are outlawed - cars, motorcycles and even bicycles! Therefore, local residents and tourists, in addition to their own two people, use everything possible - from “water taxis” to donkeys. The owner of this vehicle, who passed us with a click, is a typical Greek, tanned, thin, unshaven:

The central part of the town, the so-called Hora, picturesque and colorful:

And the merchants on Hydra seem to speak all languages, and, nodding their heads that their prices on the outside are “all lies,” they rush to lure people inside their shops.

In the middle of the embankment, near the sea, stands the Monastery of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, where it is currently located Cathedral Hydras.

In the courtyard there is a statue of the hero of Hydra - Miaoulis.

The second bust is most likely Saint Macarius Notaras, Metropolitan of Corinth, founder of “philocalism”, who lived here for some time:

A few more pictures of the monastery courtyard:

In the 20th century, Hydra became the first Greek island open to foreign tourists, on Hydra in 1956, John Negulesco shot his famous film “Boy on a Dolphin” with Sophia Loren and Alan Ladd, and in 1960, Jules Dassin made the film “Phaedra” with Anthony Perkins, Ralph Vallone and Melina Mercuri. Among the fans of the island are: Brigitte Bardot, Audrey Hepburn, Anthony Quinn, Joan Collins, Aristotle Onassis, Maria Callas, Jackie Kennedy Onassis, fashion designer Valentino. Leonard Cohen, the owner of a charming timbre, lived on Hydra for a long time.

This completed our cruise around the islands and on the way back we admired the bizarre play of clouds and the setting sun:

There the waves will rush in at dawn
The beach is sandy and empty,
And thirty beautiful knights
From time to time clear waters emerge,
And with them is their sea uncle...
- it looks like it, doesn’t it?

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 stated in the listing, 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 prosperous 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 the 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 largest square away 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 of the city's 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 at least 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, nearby there is a clock tower visible 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. During the summer there is an outdoor cinema on the 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 is best numbers 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 (the grain is used to feed donkeys), monasteries in the mountains and pine forests, having 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. The first monastery is probably reached by the longest staircase in Greece (the alternative is a zigzag path), the monastery is closed from 12:00 to 16:00, but you can restore your strength 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 Agios 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 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 each 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.

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