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One of the Saronic Islands of Greece
Photo: User:Jpatokal, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Hydra (Greek: 'Υδρα Ydra or Idhra, pronounced "EE-thra") is one of the Saronic Gulf Islands in central Greece. The port of Hydra has a scenic location in a deep harbour, with whitewashed houses rising on the hills on both sides from an azure blue sea.
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Spot the belltower to find it, with a small "Ecclesiastical Museum of Hydra" sign pointing the way inside. Opening hours for the interior and the museum are rather more erratic than stated, but the courtyard is always open and worth a peep. The cathedral's interior is gorgeous, with hundreds of gold and silver icons and other elaborate Orthodox decoration. There's also a small museum on the second floor, which displays a variety of historical religious objects, textiles, bejeweled vestments, and other treasures. Entry to the museum costs about €4.
Small but reasonably well-presented museum on the seafaring ways of the Hydriots and their disproportionate contributions to Greece's many wars. Notable exhibits include the embalmed heart of Admiral Andreas Miaoulis and the sad story of patriot Kouroulis Michalis who, we are informed, "died of sorrow caused by the renewed enslavement of his homeland" in 1832.
At the far right side of the port. During the day it operates as a cafe offering a variety of coffees and snacks including fresh salads, brushcettas, sandwiches and a small selection of main courses and desserts. The homemade gnocchi with bacon and sage and fresh lemon cheesecake are just heavenly. Free wifi.
Small taverna with an interior open courtyard with very good, somewhat innovative traditional Greek dishes.
This taverna seems to have three names: "Douskos," "Xeri Elia," and the English translation of the latter, "The Dry Olive." The food is traditional standard taverna fare, and prices are reasonable for Hydra, but the restaurant's real attraction is the huge, shaded outdoor square where most of the tables are located, making it a pleasant and atmospheric place for a leisurely lunch, when it is usually fairly quiet. In the evenings it's more lively and crowded. Many evenings in season there is live Greek music, usually played by an ensemble of the sort which is often described as making up in enthusiasm what they lack in polish.
Unassuming little harbourside eatery that offers fresh seafood in a glass case for those who can afford it, and pretty good home-style Greek grub for the rest of us. Avoid the set menus, instead try the excellent moussaka.
Kondylenia has lovely, breezy views of the Saronic Gulf and Peloponnese. Sunsets are fabulous, the food is excellent, and the staff are wonderful. Open year-round, but with a limited menu in winter.
Nestled in Kamini valley, Theo's been serving a delicious alternative to traditional Greek food in an outdoor taverna-style atmosphere for nearly 15 years. Open from Easter until mid-October.
Perched on a cliff at the edge of town, this spot has guaranteed breezes and great views of both the port. Draws a youthful crowd with a full selection of coffees and cocktails and easy access to the rocky bay.
Do not miss the opportunity to visit this taverna and taste the traditional Greek dishes.
Guest House 70 m away from the harbour with a fridge a TV and A/C in every room. Also every room has a private balcony with view (something you won't find that often in Hydra due to the strict building code).
Attractive island atmosphere at this moderate/upper priced hotel makes it one of the better choices in its category. Open May - October.
Well located hotel run by a helpful and friendly couple, more modest in its appointments than many Hydra hotels but also less expensive; in addition to standard rooms there's a studio with kitchenette.
There are frequent boats between Piraeus and Hydra.5 hours).50 one way.
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Spata-Artemida · International · ATH
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