HYDRA ISLAND – Timelessness and tranquility
The island’s capital, Hydra, is located amphitheatrically overlooking the Saronic Gulf. This place is one of the most romantic places in Greece. Traditional stone mansions, narrow cobbled streets, secluded squares and, above all, a total ban on the use of cars – this is the distinctive atmosphere of Hydra. Donkeys serve as the only means of public transport on the island.
The modern island of Hydra gained fame in 1957, when the film “Dolphin Boy” with Sofia Loren was shot here. Soon after the film was made, various famous foreigners began to buy and renovate local real estate. The luxurious mansions, belonging to important Greek families and built by Italian masters, point to the rich past of the island. Today, most of these mansions have been turned into museum houses on the island.
Hydra Island has been and is one of the main centers of artistic creativity. The island is home to about 300 churches and 6 monasteries, creating a romantic mosaic of the island. Despite its widespread popularity, the island of Hydra remains untouched by time: as an architectural reserve, Hydra is virtually deprived of new buildings – this is forbidden on the island.
Beaches on the Island of Hydra
The island of Hydra is not so famous for its beaches, compared to the beaches of the Aegean coast or the Ionian Islands, mainly because the beaches are rocky. However, there are also great places to relax. In addition to the beloved by the Greeks rocky beach Limnioniza, it is worth visiting the beach Spilia, which is located behind the port – it is an ideal place for diving into very deep waters. The beaches of Avlaki, Idroneta and Kamini are very picturesque. You can also try traditional Greek food in taverns near the beaches.
Sightseeing on the Island of Hydra
Many of the city’s mansions, which once belonged to ship captains, have become museum houses. These are large stone buildings with external stairs and expensive furniture inside. An obligatory stop during your holiday on the island of Hydra is the Historical Archive Museum – here you can see national costumes, old engravings and various military artifacts.
The Byzantine Church Museum of Hydra is another important landmark on the island of Hydra. It is located near the Monastery of the Virgin Mary, built in the mid-17th century. Here you can admire old church vestments and relics. At the highest point of the island is the monastery of the prophet Elijah, which offers beautiful views of the Aegean coast.
Hotels and Accommodation on the Island of Hydra
There are no big hotels on the island of Hydra that fans of popular resorts are used to. Here guests are offered accommodation in incredibly cozy villas, and many popular hotels are located in beautiful old mansions.
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