Beautiful, Enchanting Hydra!
The island of Hydra is located just off the southern coast of the Peloponnese, about a 90 minute boat ride from Athens. It is separated from the mainland by only a narrow channel of water and so it is easily accessible. Old-styled stone mansions, narrow cobblestoned streets, and town squares create its charm. The most interesting thing about Hydra is the banning of cars and the use of mules and donkeys for transportation. This has created a very old world, set-apart atmosphere for the island, and a step back in time. Sounds amazing doesn't it?
Due to its strategic location, Hydra has a long naval history and the island played a key role in the 1821 Greek War of Independence. This is evident as you stroll around the main town observing the various canon displays and monuments. Hydra was also the film location for Sophia Loren's 1957 movie "Boy on a Dolphin".
Although so close to the mainland, one feels a world away on this Greek Island paradise!
Due to its strategic location, Hydra has a long naval history and the island played a key role in the 1821 Greek War of Independence. This is evident as you stroll around the main town observing the various canon displays and monuments. Hydra was also the film location for Sophia Loren's 1957 movie "Boy on a Dolphin".
Although so close to the mainland, one feels a world away on this Greek Island paradise!
First A Stop on Route to Hydra: Epidavros
This morning we set out from Nafplio for Hydra, and stopped at Epidavros, the ancient site. Here we explored the famous theatre, a hospital with medicinal healing and an incredible authentic Corinthian capital in near perfect condition. The theatre at Epidavros is the best preserved theatre in all of Greece with incredible acoustics and seating for 17,000 spectators and it is still in use to this day for concerts and plays.
The Beautiful Island of Hydra
Next, we were excited for our Greek Island adventure to begin. We drove to the port and boarded our private boat and began our voyage to the enchanting Greek Island of Hydra. We experienced some rough water, but thankfully no one got sick. Navigating the narrow cobble streets with our light weight suitcases in tow, we arrived at the exquisite Hotel Leto!
Hydra Arrival
Exploring Hydra: Day 1
Being rather hungry with lots of free time on hand, we dropped our bags in our room and headed to the waterfront for some flavourful pizza at a café overlooking the circular bay, surrounded by stone buildings and a serene harbour full of colourful yachts and fishing boats. Any describing words that we could think of would not do justice for the beauty before us. Paradise!! We then sauntered further around the breezy waterfront and discovered museums, cannons from days gone by, statues and mansions. Wandering further, we discovered a concealed cappuccino bar playing peaceful “chill” music. What a find and we had the whole place to ourselves!! We hunkered down, sheltered from the cool wind and sipped on our piping hot cappuccinos. Later, we met up with David and the rest of the gang for an orientation walking tour.
Our Best Sunset Shots of the Trip
We were then determined to find our first Greek Island sunset and this search led us to a restaurant with the impeccable western view, perfect to drink in the glorious sunset and very romantic surroundings! Back at the hotel, David pointed out that this restaurant, Kodylenia's is featured on one of the Rick Steves videos!
Exploring Hydra: Day 2 Morning Walk to Plakes Beach
Exploring Hydra: Day 2 Afternoon Free Time
Back on shore, Gord and I picked up a picnic lunch from a local bakery and set off to find a secluded place to enjoy our lunch. We actually returned to our sweet spot we had found the day before and sat in the sun on a flat rock locals consider a “beach”, one level below our chill café. After lunch, feeling a little sunkist, we thought we would take David up on his challenge….."Go get lost in Hydra!" So we did!!! We strolled through the narrow cobblestone alleyways beside whitewashed buildings decorated with beautifully tended blue Koroni pots full of Mediterranean plants, fully anticipating getting lost!
After stumbling on our hotel and freshening up, we all gathered together for a David organized happy hour in the hotel lounge. There was rich conversation as we all shared with eagerness the wonderful memories, favourite moments and places of the trip. Julie was a little taken aback when Tim asked her what her top three "iniquities" of the trip were, only to realize the top three "antiquities" was what he was requesting! Gulp! She was thankful she caught on before answering truthfully!
Ready for a Greek fish dinner, Mike and Ann and the two of us, escaped for a dinner together on an out of the way rooftop restaurant terrace. Ordering Groupa was a mistake as Mike found out….60 Euros!! We didn’t enjoy it THAT much! Oh well we lived and learned. Where was David when we needed him??
After stumbling on our hotel and freshening up, we all gathered together for a David organized happy hour in the hotel lounge. There was rich conversation as we all shared with eagerness the wonderful memories, favourite moments and places of the trip. Julie was a little taken aback when Tim asked her what her top three "iniquities" of the trip were, only to realize the top three "antiquities" was what he was requesting! Gulp! She was thankful she caught on before answering truthfully!
Ready for a Greek fish dinner, Mike and Ann and the two of us, escaped for a dinner together on an out of the way rooftop restaurant terrace. Ordering Groupa was a mistake as Mike found out….60 Euros!! We didn’t enjoy it THAT much! Oh well we lived and learned. Where was David when we needed him??
Early Morning Departure from Hydra
We were smitten by Hydra, and grieved having to leave early the next morning and vowed to return one day which helped us in saying farewell. The “Flying Dolphin" hovercraft transported us directly back to Athens for our final day of the tour.
(Click or hover on Gallery photos below to scroll through and read captions)
(Click or hover on Gallery photos below to scroll through and read captions)