Hydra, the most famous island in Argosaronikos, is found at a small distance from the southeast coasts of Argolida and is 35 nautical miles away from the small port of Zeas.
It is an historical island, with a great nautical tradition, known by the fight against Turks, in the Revolution 1821. Today, it constitutes one of the most developed touristic islands of Mediterranean, with a vivid cosmopolitan character.
Hydra, contrary to the rest islands of the cluster, is characterized by low vegetation, whereas in few places, mostly in the southwest part of the island, we meet small pine woods. However, the wild beauty that the rocky massifs give to it, render it enchanting in Greek and foreign visitors' eyes.
Hydra, romantic and unchangeable in time, is an ideal holiday destination for thousands of holiday makers that visit it every year. The fact that there are no cars on the island, and the transfers are on foot, by lovely little donkeys or by marine taxis, gives a charming sense of peace.
The countless natural beauties, the stone mansions with the particular architecture, the narrow paved backstreets, the beautiful monasteries and the picturesque churches in combination with the historical and cultural wealth of the island fascinate and drift the visitor.
Hydra is the unique town of the island and has been nominated as preservable. With a rich nautical history, it constitutes today a big touristic centre. Here, you will find a lot of hotels, rooms to let, taverns, restaurants, cafes, bars and clubs. Small and big pleasure crafts as well as cruisers fasten at its scenic small port.
In Hydra town, there are many important sights. The old, stone and imposing mansions around the port mark out. Most of them belong to famous captains. Visit Lazarus' Kountouriotis mansion, where branch of National Historical Museum is running today, as well as that of Georgios Kountouriotis, where Museum of post-Byzantine Art and History of Hydra runs. Distinctive are also the mansions of Miaoulis, Boulgaris, Mpountouris, Tompazis and Kriezis. The School of Officers in the Merchant Marine is lodged in Tsamados mansion.
The Historical Archive-Museum with worthy archival matter from the fights of seamen of the island, in the Revolution 1821, stands next to the impressive building of Port Authority. Right and left of the mouth of the port, the Ramparts with the canons, which in past protected the town, are saved until now.
Do not miss to visit the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin, with the rich internal decor. Today, the Religious and Byzantine Museum with remarkable hieratic relics is entertained in the church. Ascending the scenic cobbled roads, you will be found in Kiafa, the oldest settlement in Hydra. The Monasteries of Saint Eupraxia and Prophet Ilias overlook there, from where you can admire the excellent view.
Hydra offers a variety of beaches with natural beauty and crystal-clear waters, some much-frequented and other isolated and quiet. The most known beaches are Spilia, Aulaki, Agios Nikolaos, Kamini, Vlyhos, Hydroneta, Mpisti, Molos and Mantraki, where you can swim, go in for sea sports and activities, and enjoy your coffee and food in taverns being all around.
The picturesque island of Hydra is the ideal destination for those who want to have calm holidays, as well as for those who search for a vivid cosmopolitan life, and promises that you have unforgettable and unique experiences.
How you can get there
Coastally: Ferry Boats, Catamarans or Flying Dolphins depart daily from Piraeus Port to Hydra. The duration of the voyage may be from 1 hour to 3,30 hours depending on the mean you choose.
Roadly: You can also go roadly to Spetses via the National Road Athens-Korinthos. At the Isthmus of Korinthos, you go left to Epidaurus. From Epidaurus, following the street, you arrive at the region of Galata and Metoxi. Tthere are a sea taxi to Hydra. The distance from Athens is 180km
approximately.
USEFUL TELEPHONE NUMBERS
(Calling code for Greece 0030)
Hydra Municipality 22980 52210
Hydra Hospital 22980 53150, 53151 Hydra Community Clinic 22980 52420
Hydra Police Station 22980 52205 Hydra Port Authority 22980 52279
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