Hydra
Police: + (30) 22980 52205
Hospital: + (30) 22980 53150
According to various archeological findings in the place Episkopi of Hydra, scientists have concluded that the emigration to the island had begun long before the Homeric period, meaning the after Neolithic time (3000 - 2600 B.C.). Hydra didn't manage, to the centuries that followed, to evolve in a place socially and historically capable of being.
Hydria, as Herodotus used to call the island of Hydra, around the 13th century, is becoming the place of Driops farmers, fishermen and shepherds, who used to live to the Parnassus and Oiti. Two centuries later, with the descent of Dorians, Driops are disappearing and so the life in the island.
During Archaic times, Hydra didn't have to offer anything of Historical value. The island was probably under the command of the king of Mycenae , then it was bought from Hermions until 525 B.C and then again it was bought from political refugees from Samos to be given to trizinians, who wanted the island for farming and forager.
Sightseeings
The beautiful roads and alleys, paved with slabs and the houses, adorned with flowers, give to the island of Hydra a touch of magic and a romantic mood. Its worth visiting the
Manors of the Island and watch the harbour from down the hill.
Also, to admire the sunset from
Periptero and
Spilia and to visit the
6 Monasteries and the 300 churches of Hydra.
Especially, you have to visit the twin Monasteries of
Saint Eupraxia and
Prophet Elias, where in 1825 were imprisoned some of the heroes of Greek Revolution, amongst them and Kolokotronis.
The Monastery of
Saint Trinity, The Monasteryof
Saint Matrona, The Monastery of
Saint Nikolaos. The Monastery of
Virgin Mary of Zoubra, and the
Church of dormition, with the
Byzantine and Ecclesiastic Museum.
Also, you have to visit the
Churches of Hypapante and
St. John the abstinent, with the wonderful wall paintings of the 18
th century, the
Museum of History, which runs daily and has got importand relics, archives and also a library. A very nice sight is the
Bastions with cannons, that protected the city to the left and to the right of the harbour.
Finally, you should visit the
Manor of Lazaros Kountoyriotis, which it accommodates a division of the National Historic Museum, the Manor of
G. Kountouriotis.
The manor accommodates the Museum of Byzantic Art and History and the Auditorium
Melina Merkouri, which it displays paintings of famous artists.
Beaches
Hydra has got a lot of beaches with rocks or sand and pebbles. You have got access to them on foot, with donkeys or sea transportation means. Common characteristic of these beaches are the crystal clear blue waters. Close to the harbour is a beautiful rocky area with deep blue water, called
Spilia. It attracts many tourists every year and it is an ideal place to enjoy the panoramic harbor view.
Near Spilia is another beautiful beach for swimming in blue waters and nice music from the bar 20 hours a day, called
Hydronetta
Vlychos Plakes Beautiful organised beach with sun umbrellas and chair decks and also the hotel "Four Seasons", with its picturesque taverna, literally above the sea.
After 20 minutes walking and after passing a 17th century bridge, we reach the place
Palamidas, with a sand beach. Just next to Hydronetta is a small pebble beach, with lights when the night come down and disco. Following the road next to the port we reach the place
Kamini, a small, natural, picturesque harbour full of fishing boats.
Mikro (small) Kamini Beautiful, small, pebbled beach, ideal for water sports and small children. In Kamini there are tavernas with local food and hospitality.
Vlyho Beautiful beach with clean waters and white houses up to the rocks, besides the small beautiful shrine of
Saint Haralampos.
Bisti Unique pebble organized beach 10 minutes by taxi boat and 30 minutes by regular boat, ideal for underwater fishing.
Hotels
"The Orloff" 5* Boutique Hotel
The Orloff house was built in 1796 by a noble Russian sent by Catherine II to assist the Greeks in the fight against the Turkish domination. Its name is related to the first revolution known as “Orloffika” in the late 18th century.
"Four Seasons" 4* Luxury Suites
With the utmost regard towards its guests, was designed with care in order to provide comfort and fulfill the needs for those who wish to experience unforgettable moments on the island of Hydra.
"Cotommatae 1810" Boutique Hotel, Furnished Apartments
Situated in the centre of the historical town of Hydra, has been opened as a special Boutique Hotel. It is a traditional Hydrian Mansion which over the past four years has been lovingly restored by the descendants of the original owners who have taken great care to retain its character and history.