Three things that made the island of Hydra in Greece different from the rest. Order excursions Online To the island of Hydra as a team
is a secluded island where those tourists who are looking for peace and quiet can spend their holidays.
The island of Hydra has very convenient bays, so the new inhabitants of the island took up maritime trade and piracy.
History of Hydra Island
In ancient times and the Middle Ages the island was empty. It was settled in the 18th century by Christian Albanians, who fled to this deserted and practically uninhabitable island from persecution by the Turks.
By the 19th century The island has reached the peak of its development. It was a real maritime power, practically independent of the Turks, with a population of more than 30 thousand people.
During the Greek War of Independence, the inhabitants of the island equipped their merchant ships with artillery at their own expense and created their own on their basis. naval squadron. This squadron fought with great success against the Turks, winning several important naval victories and making a significant contribution to the achievement of Greece's independence.
However, after the conclusion of peace, the pirate spirit affected the blood of the islanders. They did not want to obey the first official government of Greece, which was headed by Count Kapodistrias. Hydra, together with the Cyclades, raised a rebellion against the Greek government, which, however, was very quickly suppressed by the fleets of the Great Powers, under whose patronage the young Greek state grew.
After Greece gained independence, the ancient port of Piraeus was rebuilt. All important trade sea routes gradually moved to Piraeus, and Hydra lost its former importance.
Tourist Information
The capital of the island is Hydra city. The city is a mixture of white houses and gray palaces, where Greek captains lived in the 18th and 19th centuries. These captain's houses today house tourist hotels.
You can get to Hydra through port of Piraeus. Vessels heading to Hydra depart 9 times a day. The cost of travel will be 15.5 euros; time - one and a half hours.
Hydra island on the map of Greece
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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, sincere 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 was filmed here. leading role and many celebrities like to come 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, warm up 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. 
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:
Hydra is one of the most picturesque islands Greece, his business card has become 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 will certainly enjoy this place. beach holiday and hiking, the island is rich 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 facade made of rare marbles, 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 off 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 from which a magnificent panoramic view of the surrounding area opens.
The Greek island of Hydra is not quite ordinary tourist destination. For several decades it has been considered a favorite vacation spot of world and Greek celebrities. And the landscapes of Hydra attract filmmakers - British, American and French directors chose it for filming. Having received its well-deserved fame, Hydra did not turn into a noisy resort center. The atmosphere of real Greece is felt here, and the only means of transport on Hydra are mules and water taxis.
How to get to Hydra
The island belongs to the Saronic archipelago group. Hydra is located next to Athens - hydrofoils and ferries run from Piraeus to the capital of the island. Therefore, the easiest way to get to Hydra is to choose a route through the Greek capital. Travel time will be no more than an hour.
It is worth remembering that any type of motor transport is prohibited on Hydra itself. They move around cities on mules and on foot, and from one settlement Hydra to the other can be reached by water taxi.
What to see on Hydra: main attractions
Attractions are concentrated on Hydra different eras. In the capital of the island it is worth visiting the Church of the Assumption - main cathedral Hydra, where the Church Museum operates. The collection contains Byzantine icons and ancient utensils. No less interesting is the Koundouriotis Mansion, an elegant stone building that belonged to the Koundouriotis family. It also houses a museum, the collection of which includes traditional clothing of the island's inhabitants, objects created by folk craftsmen, weapons and paintings. Around the port of the capital there are bastions with cannons, which were used to protect Hydra from attacks by the Turkish fleet.
One of the main attractions of the capital of Hydra is the Monastery of Elijah the Prophet, built in the 19th century on the site of an abandoned chapel. This is the only one monastery on an island founded by monks from Athos. It is also worth visiting for the magnificent views that open from a height of 500 m. The convent of St. Eupraxia is located nearby. Its nuns are known as skilled craftswomen - you can buy embroidery created by them as a souvenir.
Another significant city Hydras by quantity interesting places- Mandraki. Here it is worth visiting the monasteries of Zourvas and Agios Nikolaos, which house valuable frescoes and icons from the 16th century. Also in Mandraki is the monastery of Agia Triada, founded in the 18th century.
Beaches of Hydra
Hydra - island calm beaches and bays. Located 2 km from the capital resort village Vlychos with a small pebble beach. It is washed by a crystal clear sea and is well equipped: there are sun loungers on the coast, and there are taverns nearby. Kaminia Beach is located between Vlychos and the capital. The village of Caminia itself is a fishing village with good taverns and a leisurely pace of life. The beach is suitable for families with children, since the sea here is shallow and clean, there are no waves. Mandraki is one of the most well organized beaches in Hydra. Available here water activities, from the shore there is a view of the Peloponnese.
What else to do on Hydra
Hydra is chosen for vacation by the Greeks themselves, and most often by the Athenians. Although they are spoiled by entertainment, they cannot resist Hydra’s charm. Boat trips to the nearest islands are organized from the island; you can even watch the sunset at sea. The cuisine on Hydra also deserves praise - you can enjoy moussaka and fresh fish dishes while relaxing in taverns overlooking the sea. For those who are used to spending their evenings actively, there are numerous bars in the port of Hydra.
Diving enthusiasts are also frequent guests on Hydra. The coast of the island is predominantly rocky, and its coastline rich in reefs and underwater caves to explore. There are also several shipwrecks near Hydra. The island's dive centers organize not only daytime but also night dives.
Souvenir shopping is an obligatory part of the holiday program on Hydra. From the island you can take away ceramic figurines and plates with images of mules, handmade lace and jewelry, which are sold in numerous boutiques in the capital of Hydra.
Where to stay on Hydra
Hotels on Hydra can be described in two words: tradition and romance. Many small and cozy hotels are happy to accommodate tourists at any time of the year.
