"HYDRA - GRECIAN VACATION FROM VACATIONS" Top 5 Page for this destination Hydra Island by mtncorg

Hydra Island Travel Guide: 245 reviews and 596 photos

Olive trees high on Profitis Ilias, Hydra

'St Tropez of Greece'? this island is wildly popular with tourist. Knowing that I am not necessarily a lover of places directly in the midst of the touristic river, why do I like Hydra so? Well, first off, most of the tourists come to Hydra on daytrips out of Athens. They go home in the afternoon and peace returns. The harbor is extraordinarily grand. There are no cars. Spend a few days in Athens and that alone would be worth the price of admission. To avoid the daytrippers, simply wander out of town during the day or catch one of the many boat taxis to assorted and sundry locations around the island.

Hydra didn't really get started until the 15th Century when the first permanent settlers came - refugees from Epirus fleeing the Turks. By the late 1700's, Hydra was a shipbuilding center and home for pirates. Turks were never much good with pirates and they pretty much left the Hydriots alone in return for a ew sailors to serve in their fleets. The island eached its height during the Napoleonic Wars when great fortunes were made by running the blockade of the British. Hydra was one of the rebel centers during the War for Independence in 1821. Their fleet served the Greek cause enthusiastically, terrorizing Turkish fleets.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Grandest harbor in Greece, handsome old homes, flowers, glorious landscapes
Cons:Hectic around the harbor in day, expensive, limited accomodation
In a nutshell:Why Stay in Athens when Hydra is only an Hour and a Half Away?

Intro Updated Apr 17, 2004
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Reviews (19)

Hotel Poseidon on Spetses - Hydra Island

SPETSES Off The Beaten Path (1)

You keep seeing the hydrofoils going further south from Hydra until, finally, curiosity gets the better of you and you... more travel advice

Daytrip cruise boat entering harbor of Hydra - Hydra Island

GET OUT OF TOWN! Warnings Or Dangers (1)

Hydra is best enjoyed in the morning and in the evening. During the day, it belongs to daytrippers out of Athens. Go... more travel advice

Flying Dolphin hydrofoil turning into Hydra harbor - Hydra Island

FLYING DOLPHINS Transportation (4)

From Marina Zea on the east side of Pireaus, the hydrofoils rumble forth out onto the Argo-Saronic Gulf. They take you... more travel advice

Water taxi jets through a Hydra sunset - Hydra Island

BOAT TAXIS Transportation (4)

Boat taxis humm in and out of the Hydriot harbor. They bustle up and down the coast taking people to this beach or that. more travel advice

Things to Do (13)
See All TABLE FOR TWO WITH A VIEW

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Comments (12)

Nemorino Jul 15, 2007 at 2:38 AM Report Abuse

Beautiful photos and descriptions. I always like places with no cars.
planxty Jan 20, 2006 at 1:46 AM Report Abuse

Hi Mark, I hope to be on Hydra this April - your tips have been very helpful, thanks. fergy.
XenoHumph Feb 9, 2005 at 2:17 PM Report Abuse

This looks really beautiful!! I'll have to make an effort one day, and go to Greece!! BTW, excellent page, of course!
iandsmith Feb 5, 2005 at 4:20 PM Report Abuse

Very enticing.
deecat Aug 5, 2004 at 12:52 PM Report Abuse

Your descriptions are enticing. How romantic Hydra seems. You capture the "magic" of the island without daytrippers. Excellent tips that are quite helpful.
ShawnaM May 21, 2004 at 3:50 PM Report Abuse

Hydra, in a nutshell, is magical! You've certainly captured its charm, only wish you could have snagged a picture of one of cute kittens cavorting all over the island!
pedersdottir Apr 16, 2004 at 5:40 PM Report Abuse

Wish I were there again, at that table overlooking the sea!
barrikello Mar 4, 2004 at 2:42 PM Report Abuse

Hydra... seems fantastic through your tips... and excellent photos as well.
Sharon Jan 27, 2004 at 6:23 AM Report Abuse

Seems like paradise esepcially during middle week days. wonderful photos, thanks for the tips.
sandysmith Dec 31, 2003 at 4:28 AM Report Abuse

Great page and pics, perfect for a picnic