Hydra

Why Visit
Traditional stone mansions, narrow cobblestoned streets, secluded squares and above all the banning of cars and the use of around 500 donkeys as means of public transportation, explain the reason why Hydra preserved its distinctive atmosphere through the passage of time. 300 churches and 6 monasteries spread around the island as well as the cannons and the statues of the Independence War heroes still standing at the balconies of the islands create a romantic mosaic.

As you walk along the waterfront, the heart of the town, you encounter monuments, churches, canons, museums, old mansions, statues of famous heroes, the old gunpowder store, shops and cafes, while picturesque winding streets lead you to neighborhoods located at the upper part of the town, as well as to the old neighborhood of Kiafas. Hydra is also a yachting paradise, as every summer groups of sailing boats moor at the harbor, where they are joined by dozens of sensational motorboats and yachts.

On the way you will make a stop for swimming in amazing waters of one of the best Hydra's beaches St. Nicholas. Overnights in the port of Hydra.

History
Very little is known about the history of Hydra until the beginning of the Ottoman rule. The first settlers of the island were Mycenaeans and are traced back to the ancient times as witnessed by the excavations. No major historical event is known, until the 15th century period (after the fall of Constantinople), when the inhabitants of the island started to move inland and in the mountains to escape from the numerous pirate raids and the attacks of the Turks. Around 1460, Hydra welcomed refugees from Albania, Epirus, Crete, Evia, Kythnos and Asia Minor, as well as refugees from the Peloponnese who were escaping the Russo-Turkish War during the 18th century.

During the Ottoman domination, the Turks had little interest on the island because of its lack of water. The island began to acquire a powerful merchant fleet during the 17th century but the plague of 1792 wiped out a great number of the population and those who survived moved away. Things improved for Hydra in the 18th century, when it became powerful and prosperous because of its highly developed commercial fleet, trading with all of Greece and even abroad, with France, Spain and America.

The superiority of the island's fleet reached its peak during the Napoleonic wars and with the creation of the Merchant Marine Academy, was able to monopolised the sea transport throughout the Mediterranean. The inhabitants of Hydra were beginning to fear attacks from the Ottoman fleet so they used their wealth to fortify the harbour with bastions of cannons, and their fleet power during the Greek Revolution against the Turkish yoke. They participated in the Revolutionary secret alliance called Philiki Etairia (founded in 1814) and many wealthy sea-captains used their vessels as warships and helped the Revolution economically. The heroism of their crews became famous all around Europe and is still honored today. Two of the most heroic figures of Hydra were the ship owners Andreas Miaoulis and Lazaros Koundouriotis, who contributed to the revolution. The superiority of the islands ships and the heroism of its inhabitants was one of the most determining factors in the success of the revolution.

After World War II, the economy of Hydra went through a difficult phase. It recovered slightly with fishing and sponge fishing but declined again due to the restrictions of financial assistance to the sponge fishing enterprises from the Greek Agricultural bank. In the 1950s, Hydra became a center of artistic creation for many artists who used its magical scenery as the main theme of inspiration. Many famous movies were also shot on the island, including the Boy on a dolphin (1957) starring Sophia Loren and Phaedra (1962) starring Anthony Perkins and Melina Merkouri. Till today, Hydra attracts many artists and various festivals take place in summer in the Melina Merkouri Auditorium.

Museums - Archeological
The first traces of human presence in Hydra date from the antiquity as the island was an important trade center during the Mycenaean times. Few findings from excavations can be seen in the Historical Archives Museum of Hydra, although most have been moved to the National Archaeological Museum in Athens.

The Historical Archives Museum was founded in 1918 but moved to its presence building in 1952. It is housed in a large stone mansion just above the port of Hydra. It hosts several manuscripts, paintings and ship models. Only its library has 4,800 books dating the 18th century till today.

Above the port, in the church of the Assumption, there is also a small Ecclesiastical Museum with an interesting collection of Byzantine and post-Byzantine icons.

Beaches
Vlichos beach, Kaminia beach, Avlaki, Hydroneta, Spilia, Agios Nikolaos, Bisti, Limnioniza, Mandraki, Molos

Religious Monasteries and Churches
Hydra is one of the best-preserved and picturesque islands of the Saronic, known for its cosmopolitan atmosphere and natural beauty. In the heart of the town some churches and beautiful monastic complexes lie.

One of the most interesting places in Hydra, sitting on a hill, amidst lush green trees is the Monastery of Agia Efpraxia. It was founded in 1825 and today it is inhabited by nine nuns who are involved in the art of embroidery. It lies close to the 9th century monastery of Prophet Ilias church and both sites are worth visiting for their gorgeous view and historical past. During the Greek revolution they used to be jails where Greek heroes were imprisoned. Only four monks live there today.

In a beautiful location, at the top of the hill, dominating Mandraki is the Monastery of Agia Triada. It is a typical Orthodox male monastery with austere architecture that contains a library, the monk cells and guest rooms. It was probably founded in 1704 and in the middle of the complex lies a Byzantine church with beautiful frescoes. It is accessed through a foot path.

In front of the port lies the Church of the Dormition of the Virgin. It was initially founded as a monastery in 1643. At the place where the prison used to be, today is the ecclesiastical museum of Hydra displaying historical documents, jewelry and icons of 19th century.

On the east part of Hydra, on top of the unspoilt rocky hill of Ano Zourva rises the Monastery of Zourvas built in 1814. It can be accessed through an ascending path and offers stunning panoramic views to the surrounding wild landscape and the sea. On the way to the monastery you will meet other churches as well. Close to the main port, above Mandraki bay is found the active convent of Agios Nikolaos. It is open for the public and religious events.