None of us had ever heard of Hydra (pronounced EEE dra) but what a pleasant surprise once we arrived this morning. It is a tiny island (population 2,070). Wheeled vehicles are not allowed on the island; only garbage trucks and emergency vehicles are welcome. Even bicycles are banned! Transportation is by walking, donkeys, horses or boats. As expected, it is mainly a tourist destination. It turned out to be an idyllic visit!
The island of Hydra.
The small harbor town of Hydra.
We had to back into this rock breakwater to dock. It was a bIt tricky.
A bit tricky walking the “gangplank”to get off the ship.
Niki led us on a short orientation tour of the town and its history. One of the interesting stories she shared was about the maritime tradition associated with Hydriots (people of Hydra). They have always been known for their ship building and training of maritime sailors. In fact they played an important part on the Greek war of independence of 1821. Hydra had a fleet of 130 ships ( and 10,000 sailors) at the time and used them in their war against Turkey. Their use of “fire ships” were an important part of their success. Fire ships were basically striped down ships loaded with explosives that were purposely detonated when interacting with Turkish ships. To this day Hydra is noted for its training of seafaring personnel and it boosts the oldest mariner training academy in the world.
Niki starting our walking tour of Hydra.
The waterfront in Hydra town. At 10AM it is still pretty deserted.
It is impressive how close boats are moored to each other.
A local fishing boat
Boats packed like sardines. I wonder how they manage to get in/out.
Canons positioned to protect the island.
The old and the new!
Looking out across the harbor.
Moving goods on the island. Note the lead person using his cell phone as he rides an ancient mode of transportation!
I saw some electric carts delivering food to local restaurants.
Entrance to the complex that contains a 17th century women’s monastery and the Catholic cathedral.
Cathedral Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, a Catholic Church and monastery on the island.
Story of the icon.
Entrance to the cathedral. Pictures were not allowed inside.
A stone used to crush olives.
Lazaros Kountouriotis, a prominent Hydriot who spent much of his fortune supporting the 1821 war of independence. He was also a Greek senator.
The bell tower of the church on the waterfront
Mules carry just about everything that must be moved on the island.
A group photo with Niki, our tour leader.
After Niki’s tour we were left to explore the island and create our own memories of it before having to board the ship by 4:45 PM. Our group separated and agreed to reconvene for lunch at a somewhat famous island restaurant that has been frequented by the likes of the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, Onassis, and Brigitte Bardot. If it was good enough for them we simply had to go there!
10 AM and some of the men are gathering for their morning coffee. The waterfront was lined with cafes.
This cat obviously is looking for a handout or to be allowed back into the house.
A door in Hydra town.
Mule driver picking up tourists at the ferry dock.
These cats are waiting by a local fishing boat for a handout. The fishermen sell their product right from their boat.
Another door.
A blooming bougainvillea.
We started walking up these steps but they seemed to go on forever so we quit!
All the side streets seemed to go up!
They really want you to know everything is FRESH!
Some people shopped. Some people (Michael and John) chose to sit and watch the world go by.
A stop at a local bakery for a mid morning snack.
One wonders how many thousands of people have walked these cobblestone streets over the millennia.
Local fishing boats in the harbor.
Ferries are used to visit the island.
11:30 but the lunch crowd has not yet appeared.
Local museum dedicated to the naval history of the island. I visited it while Yvonne people watched on the waterfront.
Weapons from the 19th century.
Examples of 19th century Greek swords.
Naval uniforms of the 19th century.
This contains the embalmed heart of a famous Hydra capitan, Admiral Andreas Miaoulis.
A model of the the type of fireship used in the Greek War of Independence.
Typical dress of a Hydriot lady in the 19 th century.
Typical dress of the inhabitants of Hydra in the 19th century.
Handmade embroidery from the 19th-20th century. My grandmother did it but I believe it has become a lost art.
Hydra is also famous for sponges.
Tourist season was over so we had no problem getting an outdoor table at the surprisingly tiny restaurant. It was a lovely way to finish our visit to a simply marvelous island. I would certainly enjoy spending more time there one day!
The modest entrance to Omilos where we had lunch.
The menu at Omilos. The prices indicate that it caters to the tourist crowd!
The inside portion of the restaurant is really tiny. Luckily we were able to have an outdoor table by the sea.
Interesting placement of mirrors to reflect the sea behind us.
Group luncheon at a seaside restaurant frequented by other rich and famous!
Celebrating with a bottle of local Sauvignon Blanc which was not bad.
Risotto crayfish with truffles
My dish of more than enough calamari.
One more gelato. Why not?
The weather was fabulous as we began our sail back to Athens. There was a farewell cocktail hour followed by a special dinner. The crew was reintroduced to us and thanked us for sailing with them.
Sailing away from Hydra.
Niki giving a farewell message to us.
Niki giving us a gift of olive soap as a momento of out trip.
Hors d’oeuvres before dinner.
Niki talking to Elizabeth, Sheri and Yvonne.
Last attempt at a selfie. Still needs practice!
A farewell sunset.
Red sky at night….sailors delight.
Farewell dinner menu.
Sort of looks like a smiley face.they always added a bit of olive oil to their soups.
Dessert.
The chef taking a well deserved applause for his efforts.
