Holidays on the Greek island of Hydra: beaches, entertainment and attractions. Three things that made the island of Hydra in Greece different from the rest How to get to Hydra
Hydra is one of the most picturesque islands Greece, its calling card was its incomparable architecture and nature, the beauty of which cannot be described in words. On amazing island There is no car traffic at all, local residents They travel exclusively on donkeys and horses, which makes these places even more interesting and attractive for travelers. Fans of excursions, beach holidays and hiking will certainly enjoy this place; the island is rich in historical monuments and natural attractions.
Despite the fact that the island of Hydra is relatively small in scale, there are about 300 churches on its territory, as well as 6 ancient monasteries, which served as fortifications during the war years and saved the lives of thousands of people. You should start your acquaintance with historical sights with a walk through the port area; the entrance to the port is crowned by beautiful bastions. For many years they defended the island from invaders and became its permanent symbol.
Near the port area there is a beautiful building with a rare marble facade, today it is home to the Historical Archives and Museum. Within its walls are extensive collections of unique historical documents, hundreds of priceless archaeological finds and art objects with a long history are stored. Copyright www.site
Among religious attractions, one of the most beautiful is the Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. It is located in close proximity to the coast, in a beautiful rocky area. Since the most popular beach of Hydra is located next to the religious landmark, the church is visited by almost all guests of the island. An equally impressive religious monument is the Church of St. Constantine, which is one of the youngest churches on the island. The church was built near the center of Hydra, on a high hill overlooking a magnificent panoramic view to the surrounding area.
In Greek transcription, the name of the island sounds like Hydra, which means “water”. And initially it was mentioned under the name Idrea, which spoke of the presence of a large number of 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 at this sunny place you will not encounter the usual traffic. 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 purchase 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 shape of an amphitheater and you will find the most 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. Local beaches They are very peculiar, 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 different books. The archives section contains information about the history and culture of the island, including chronicles, personal archives and church papers.
Hydra was the last island our 10-day sailing trip in the Aegean Sea.
And I must say that it was not in vain that we left the most delicious for the end.
Hydra is 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 film "Dolphin Boy" with Sophia Loren in the title role was filmed here and many celebrities like to visit here...
2. Hydra Island 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. 
3. In ancient times, Hydra was a sparsely populated island, Herodotus mentions it only briefly, and the first major 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 escape 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. 
4. Since the island paid taxes on time, the Ottoman Empire practically did not pay 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. 
5. 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 in its small marina, even in the off-season, it is quite difficult to find a free place to moor a yacht 
6. 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. 
7. 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. For a long time The owner of the enchanting timbre, Leonard Cohen, lived on Hydra. 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. 
8. The tourist fame of the island was promoted 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. 
9. One important feature of Hydra is that it is the only island in Greece where the use of motorized vehicles is completely prohibited. Vehicle- from a car to the smallest scooter. There aren't even bicycles here. 
10. 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) 
11. The architecture of the island is very organic and thoroughly imbued with Mediterranean flavor and the spirit of history 
12. Narrow streets with a huge number of cafes and taverns spread out from the harbor in different directions along the hills. Tables often stand right on the pavement, attracting tourists 
13. On the narrow streets everything is mixed together - different eras, shops, cafes, people, living plants in tubs and pots. 
14. You never know where this or that narrowing street will lead 
15. Geometry of Hydra 
16. Crossroads 
17. Residential buildings 
18. Dark alley... 
19. .... at the end of which you suddenly find yourself at the top of another hill with beautiful view on the roofs of the city 
20. And again geometry 
21. Local residents.. 
22...very good-natured and friendly 
23. Trade is carried out right on the narrow streets. Cafe-shop-shop-vegetable rows-residential building... 
24. Hardware store. You can immediately see which goods are most in demand on the island.
Try it, buy a boat anchor in Moscow or Kyiv) 
25. Construction store 
26. And again vegetable rows 
27. The most vegetables are sold here. After the souvenirs 
28. And early in the morning, fishermen sell their fresh catch directly from their boats. 
29. The tiles of houses on Hydra are not at all similar to those used here 
30. Lemon. Female... 
31. Cactus. Male 
32. Still life with panties and basket 
33. Lanterns and pillows 
34. Cafe right next to the pier. You woke up on a yacht, took two steps, and now you’re drinking an incredibly delicious cappuccino. 
35. Cafe and town hall 
36. If anything, everything here is quite inexpensive.... 
37. Early in the morning of May 9, we left the yacht marina of Hydra Island, heading for our last passage - to the port of Piraeus... 
My previous photo reports and photo stories:
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 its tiers of imposing gray stone mansions and white-walled, red-tiled modest houses climbing up the mountain above the perfectly horseshoe-shaped harbor, is quite an 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 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 three thousand there aren’t enough, but it’s so cramped. 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. Interesting interior decoration the Voulgaris mansion on the western embankment, 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. 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 sandy beach near the city is 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.
Paved path that goes around western cape harbor, then goes along the coast to Kamini - about 20 minutes on foot. 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 devastation forest fires 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 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 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.
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Hydra is the most famous of all the Argosaronic islands. Hydra is unique island Greece - all mechanical vehicles are completely prohibited here: cars, motorcycles and even bicycles!
Only two types of transport are available: sea - in the form of ferries and taxi ferries, ready to take you with the breeze to any shore of the island of Hydra in a matter of minutes; and a four-legged one - in the person of hard-working donkeys, ready to slowly deliver you on their backs so that you can enjoy the piercingly clean air of the island of Hydra!
Hydra Island (Hydra) - a small rocky island - it is also the southern point globe, where I have visited so far and one of the most beautiful places Greece. The distance to Piraeus is 37 nautical miles, the journey 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- Eros (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.
Hydra has been home to fishermen and sailors since the Middle Ages, becoming increasingly professional sailors with each generation, which led to Hydra becoming known as "Little England" in the early nineteenth century - so great for such a small island there was a number of wealthy shipowners. The population was then about 25,000 people, and the fleet consisted of about 120 modern and well-equipped ships, which made it possible to carry out maritime trade without fear of ships Ottoman Empire and Mediterranean pirates.
From the harbor itself, up the mountainside, an amphitheater-like panorama of the city rises with dazzling white plastered houses and orange-brown roof tiles. Flowers on windows, balconies and patios, narrow stairs. Unlike other islands of the Saronic Gulf, Hydra is mostly devoid of vegetation, only in the southwest do pine trees grow.
The island's capital, Hydra, is built like an amphitheater around the island's port. The houses here are very beautiful - stone - captains' houses - they are a real decoration of the island. House museums were created on the basis of some of them. We also recommend visiting the monastery of Elijah the Prophet, built at an altitude of 500 m, from where a beautiful view opens. The beaches of Hydra are mostly rocky. Spilia Beach is recognized as the best - it has deep and clear waters.
Many people prefer the small beach in Awlaki, but the largest one is the beach in Bisti (it is surrounded by rocks, and there is a pine forest near it - why not paradise?). Mandraki has the most organized beach, where you can practice various sea sports. Hydra is also famous for its nightlife. Here everyone will find entertainment to suit their taste and, of course, enjoy the unique tastes of dishes from the endless variety of taverns on the island.
The island of Hydra (Hydra) became the first Greek island to which foreign tourists began to be allowed in in the 20th century. Today tours to Greece are offered wide choice places of recreation, but Hydra still attracts vacationers with a unique atmosphere of peace and tranquility, stunning panoramas and the hospitality of the local residents.
