Approaching the port, the town of Hydra looks like a painting with grey, white and blue colours over the blue sea, a model of architecture and aesthetics.
It is located in the centre of the island, in the cove of a closed bay, and is built amphitheatrically on the rocky slope around the harbour, creating a unique harmony between architecture and environment.
On his first visit, the visitor who approaches it, turns back in time, impressed by the view of the tall and imposing mansions that dominate the port of the city, while at the same time a feeling of magic surrounds him. Maybe it is the unique architecture and scenic beauty of the island, maybe it is the long-standing and the Cultural Heritage or maybe it is all of them together.
Hydra, Stately, Glorious and Cosmopolitan, Rich in History and Traditions with excellent architecture and unparalleled beauty is a source of inspiration for artists and intellectuals.
Historical island, where the visitor meets the history and culture of the recent past.
Strolling through the picturesque alleys and gazing at the imposing buildings, one imagines that one is living in the glorious moments of the history of Hydra.
Hydra, apart from its unchanged characteristics, its beaches, the deep blue sea, the romantic walks, the tranquility and the nightlife with its cosmopolitan style, offers the visitor intense activities, to make the days spent on the island unforgettable.
To the right and to the left of the port entrance are the Bastions with the cannons that used to protect the city. Today the port of Hydra is flooded daily by small and large boats, yachts and cruise ships.
You can walk on the waterfront, where the heart of the city beats, browse the tourist shops on the beach, admire the old mansions and visit the museums of Hydra.
You can also climb up the narrow cobbled picturesque alleys and find yourself in the oldest quarter of Hydra town, the medieval fortified settlement of Kiafa and from there you can enjoy the view which is fantastic.
The main characteristic of the island is that there are no cars or other wheeled vehicles and travel is done only on foot or with donkeys, which makes Hydra even more picturesque.
For swimming close to the city, the rocks of Spilia, Hydroneta, Avlaki and a short distance from the city, Kamini and Mandraki are offered.
The connection of the city with the other beautiful beaches of the island, Vlycho, Agios Nikolaos, Bisti … is only possible by sea, with touristic small boats or with water taxis.
In Hydra is the headquarters of the Diocese of the islands of Hydra – Spetses – Poros, Aegina and Agistri, located in the center of the port, together with the Town Hall and the Ecclesiastical Museum, in the grounds of the Holy Dormition Monastery. Today the permanent residents of Hydra do not exceed 3,000 and almost all of them are engaged in tourism, since the island receives a large number of Greek and foreign visitors every year.
The island is renowned for its natural beauty, for the tranquil life it offers its visitors during the day, but also for the intense cosmopolitan life it offers at night.
Hydra, with its architecture and its contribution to tourism and cultural life of our country, remains the jewel of the Saronic Gulf and one of the most important resorts of Greece.
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