Hydra
Hydra:From your very first visit, a magic feeling surrounds you.Perhaps it's in the unique architecture and graphic scenesthroughout the Island, or perhaps it's in its long history and rich heritage, or even - a fusion of all.A stroll through the town's picturesque cobble stone streets,will convince you of its uniqueness.
The town:
The town which is the centre of the whole island, is built amphitheatrically around the port .Right and left from the entrance of the port, there are the Parapets with the Canons, which protected the town. The city of Hydra, represents a big part of the Island's quaint traditional architecture, which combines insular and land-lubber characteristics. Simple houses and manors, differentiate with a quaint, but yet impressive architecture, which is not met in other parts of Greece and abroad.
Architecture:
This architecture is in every way unique and someone must come and see it for himself. The Manors of Hydra stand witnesses to the economic bloomming the Island had, during the end of the 18th century. These Manors stand imposing until today and impress with their size and magnificence.Also, they maintain their simplicity, by keeping a lot of elements from the simple, plain houses, but because of their size, they remind fortresses from the outside. All the manors of Hydra are stone made and usually they are three or four stories tall, because of the sloping ground.Most of the Manors have got external ladders, which lead to a flat roof. They have got rooms, which are spacy and high-ceiling. These rooms have got decorations, such as wall paintings, garlands, painted wooden ceilings, door cases and geometrical drawings on the marple floor.
Things to do :
Sailing
Every year there are two established sailing races at the island, and attract an increasing number of vessels and visitors to the island who come either by vessels or by other means of transport.
Hiking in the trails
The uniqueness of Hydra lies to the combination of the cosmopolitan life with its natural environment and the rich tradition. Perfect for those keen on walking and exploring nature; given its mild climate, walking is a joy all year round. With diverse degrees of difficulty, the paths presented here should satisfy even the most discriminate adventurer. You can stroll the paths easily and at your own pace.There are 11 routes that lead to respectively paths and will satisfy each visitor. These paths are self-guided and with the proper wooden marking will guide you to many sightseeings.
You will notice wild flowers, like the rare 'spentzes' or cyclamen and poppies. You can see pine, cypress and olive trees. Many birds also live here, including partridges, quails, or migrate birds. There are also many rabbits, cats, wild goats even reptiles and amphibians that have found a home in Hydra.
Yacht Charters:
The Hydra Gulf is located between the Saronic Gulf and the Argolic Gulf and is a one of the most popular yacht charter areas in Greece.
