User Rating:  / 0

Hydra ( 35 nautical miles from the port of Piraeus), maintains its own peace and rhythm, not to mention architectural style. It is probably the only place where not only cars, but motorbikes and bicycles are prohibited.

Hydra, with its fresh ocean air and sparkling blue waters is the ideal place for vacation, for it combiness the beauty and peace of a unique scenery, with a great selection of night-life for those who so please.

With its unique character, the narrow paths and the houses it has a certain charm which attracts many artists.

History Of Hydra

Around the 15th century, Hydra started being inhabited by refugees seeking shelter from Turkish persecution. The barren grounds of Hydra made the inhabitants to seek breadwinning from the sea, and, thus, many became excellent sailors.

In 1821, with the beginning of the Greek Revolution for Independence from the Turks, Hydra had around 130 battle ships, which constituted two thirds of the total greek fleet. The well-built mansions on the island still remain erect to show the glory that the island once had (in the end of the 18th century and the beginning of th 19th).

Places To Visit

Mansions

Hydra is famous for its traditional picturesque architecture, where the visitor can enjoy old stone mansions still standing strong. Some are used as public service bureau. The Tompazis mansion had been a School of arts and is now a quest house exclusively for art students. The Sahtouris mansion now shelters the National Merchant Marine Academy, the first Marine Academy in Greece.

The Koudouriotis mansion has been acquired recently by the Greek ministry of Defense and is currently being renovated. Other famous mansion are the Voudouris, the Voulgaris and the Rafalias.

Churches - Monasteries

The nearest church, right in the center of the harbour, is the Metropolis of Hydra, Assumption of the Virgin Mary, distinguished by its tall prominent clock tower, with the church's bells that announce religious events.

There are also other churches with beautiful domes supported by marble arcs, like Agios loannis and Ipapanti.The newest church on the island isAgios Konstantinos of Hydra, which is built upon the Saint's old family house.

This is an elaborate church with wooden sculptures and a gold-plated temple. Among the multitude of churches on the island, there are also a number of monasteries and convents, like the monastery of Prophet Elias, and convent of Agia Efpraxia, both lying on the top or mount Eros - 500 meters height.

You can make your visit here, either by a lovely one-and-a-half hour hike. or a rnerriorable donkey ride. Other monasteries are Agia Trias (Holy Trinity), and Agios Nikolaos: and convents are Agia Matroni and the convent of Zourva.

Beaches

Kaminia, Molos, Palamida and Bitsi are some of the sandy beaches of Hydra. Hydra is better known for the rocky beaches. Swimming in such waters is a unique experience.

Night Life

Hydra offers a wide variety of pubs, bars, restaurans and taverns .

Transportation

From Piraeus to Hydra there are ferries daily (duration:3,15 hours).For more information contact the Coastguard of Piraeus tel. (01) 451.1311-19.
For the local connections of Hydra contact the Coastguard of Hydra tel. (0298) 52.279.

• Hydra: Good shelter; Limited fuel; Water on quay; Night life
• Mandraki: Poor shelter; Anchored off; No fuel or water; Taverns

• < Prev
• Next >