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Hydra: paradise of Sea and Sky.*
The island of Hydra in the Saronic Gulf off of the Greek mainland may have served as the natural model for the ancient architects when they were designing the marvelous acoustically magical amphitheaters in Greece and Rome. Its horseshoe-shaped harbor welcomes hydrofoils and tour boats at all hours of the night and day.
As with most of the Greek islands, Hydra's port is the center of activity. It is lined with the obligatory tourist shops, restaurants and independent merchants. It is also a wonderful place to sit in a cafe, munching on a Greek salad, writing postcards or watching the world go by. The "tink-tink" of the halyards on the sailboat masts as the boats bob up and down at the docks or on moorings is in stark contrast to the "thwack-thwack" of fishermen tenderizing octopuses by hurling them against the bottoms of overturned dinghies.
Around the corners to either side of the port are the beaches, although some are more rock than beach. Mandhraki beach offers sand for traditionalists who want to feel the grit between their toes. It is about a half-hour walk east of the port, or about a 10-minute ride in one of the red and white "water taxis." These taxis can also take people to the next island, Spetse. The beach to the west, in the town of
Kamini, is one of the rocky ones, as is the one at Vlykhos, a half an hour further west. In fact, most of what people consider premium tanning spots on this island are rocks. The further from town, the more private the area is likely to be.
The town rises up and away from the port much like the tiers of an amphitheater. This creates a wonderful situation where every sound down at the port can be heard, no matter where one is in the town. Even from the Monastery of Profitis Ilias at the top of the mountain, every sound is crystal clear. In the morning, it is not unusual to be woken by the sound of bells on donkeys' necks as they pass beneath the windows on their way down to the port for another day of work.
Cruise ships rarely, if ever, stay overnight. That means that in the evenings the island returns to the residents. In the alleys and side streets behind the first wave of buildings from the port can be found wonderful local eating spots where outdoor dining is "de rigueur".
To work off all the culinary delights, go to the Kavos disco on the hill or the Pirate's bar at the far end of the port or walk along the coast. The only sound heard there, other than the whispering of couples, will be the Mediterranean caressing the rocks. The lights of the Peloponnese can be seen across the water, and on the water, the lights from the ring of shrimp boats on their nightly excursion.
*(Extracted from article written by Kevin Nawn in Special for the Middle East Times)
Food Shopping
Hydra's Markets:
- At the floating market on Hydra every morning you can buy fresh vegetables, fruits and fish from boats in the harbour. They bring their produce fresh from the farms of the Peloponnese and fish the local seas.
- The Agora of Hydra is an open market in the centre of town. There you will find fruit, vegetables, butcher, fishmonger, frozen foods as well as a laundry.
- Specialist pastry shops are popular, some serving ice cream and coffee. Hydra has one particular sweet produced on the island which is a famous speciality, "Amigdalota" or almond cakes. Delicious!
- There are at least six mini-supermarkets on the island selling everything from barrels of feta cheese to the latest range of hair care products!
Eating Out
Restaurants:
There are many restaurants on the island, all of them providing traditional Greek meals and/or seafood.
Among our favorites for fine home-cooking :
- The Steki, where Mustache will take you in the kitchen to make your selection.
- Xeri Elia (also known as Douskos), is in a tree-lined plaza, where there is music and great ambiance on a summer evening.
- I Yitonia, reliably good food on an open-air terrace.
- The restaurants on the waterfront are great places to have your daily ouzo and lunch as you people-watch and see the variously flagged yachts and the fishing boats working their way in and out of the busy harbour.
- Restaurants in Kamini tend to specialize in seafood. The Hotel Bratsera provides continental food with varying degrees of success.
- Sunset (Heliovasilema), ten minutes walk on the west side of town; it has a superb setting and somewhat more sophisticated food, and the greatest view of all.
Places To Visit Things to Do
SWIMMING AND SUNNING
Beaches and rocky outcroppings provide spots to socialize or very private beaches, as you prefer.
HIKING
From a distance Hydra appears like a huge dry rock projecting out of the sea, but in fact the isle still preserves much of its ancient forest! No vehicles are allowed on the island, which means lots of fantastic hiking paths. Remember you can also ride the trails on a donkey. Either way, it's a great way to leisurely see all the charm and wonderful delights of Hydra.
CHURCHES, MONASTORIES, MANSIONS
The nearest church, right in the center of the harbour, is the Metropolis of Hydra, Assumption of the Virgin Mary, distinguished by its tall Venetian clock tower, with the church bells that announce religious events. There are many other churches with beautiful domes supported by marble arches. Monasteries and convents abound, interesting to visit and great hiking targets.
Hydra is famous for its traditional picturesque architecture, where the visitor can visit old stone mansions still standing strong. These mansions are situated throughout the island and offer a thrilling view into Hydra's past.
RELAXING
Whether you are relaxing at home, at Villa Helios or going for a leisurely stroll along the village streets or having a coffee in on of the many cafés by the port, Hydra is a place to just put your worries away, forget about the world, and relax. Time seems to have stood still on the island of Hydra yet, at Villa Helios, you'll have all the amenities of 21st Century living.
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