Hydra as a museum

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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