Hydra is a
picturesque popular Greek island in the Saronic Gulf. Look at the red-tiled
houses and stone-paved narrow alleys. This gulf lies between the islands of
Poros and Spetses, near the coast of the eastern end of the Peloponnese. Hydra
is known as the "museum island" which has remained since the 1800's.
Rich villas, artists, writers, and film makers still make their residences in
Hydra since the sixties. The island still maintains a highly cosmopolitan
character.
Some of the
best spring and fall hiking are in Hydra and can be tailored for your interests.
At Easter, the island is carpeted with flowers and has a reputation as one of
the hottest Greek islands as it has very little shade. But, in September, the weather is temperate. It is worth the hike to The Profitis Ilias
Monastery which is perched on the highest hill above the town.
Aside from
the views from the monastery, every year there is a celebration of the famous
fire of then Admiral
Miaoulis which ends in the burning of a ship at sea. But, maybe you are
interested in art? The yearly summer exhibition is at the Hydra's Melina
Mercouri Gallery. The artist, Michael
Lawrence is a native Californian contemporary painter and sculptor who was
brought up and educated in Los Angeles. And
what a pleasure to see his paintings! “I have made Hydra my full-time residence
for over a decade. It gives me the opportunity
to live and paint in beauty. This is my
world.” It was enjoyable meeting another native Angelian
from California who also has a residence in Greece.
How do you
get to Hydra? Take a car ferry from Piraeus Harbor. It
also leaves daily during the warmer months from Ermioni which is a small quiet harbor
located on the eastern part of the Peloponnese and takes approximately 20
minutes versus the ferry trip of 3.5 hours.
Hotels are
approximately 50 Euros or more per night. The Hydroussa Hotel and the Four
Seasons are a couple of hotels for 80 plus euros per night. It might be worth
the extra money to get luxury.
Did you
hike, see the reenactment of the ship burning, see artwork from one of the
resident artists? What about a hike? Whatever your preference, you enjoyed your
stay on the island of Hydra.
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