Hydra

Written by John Reality, Cambodia, June 2011

RECOMMENDATION Keywords:
Cultural Experience, Good Place to Relax, Swim & Snorkel, Island

Comment from John Reality

Located just 37 nautical miles from the chaotic cosmopolitanism of Athens, the picturesque island of Hydra is everything the bustling ancient metropolis is not. In contrast to the hectic traffic, bustling crowds and sprawling modernity found elsewhere, life on Hydra unfolds much as it has for hundreds of years: slowly, leisurely, and above all quietly

Owing to the strict zoning codes and restrictive legislation that make the island a Greek national treasure, it is possible to experience the geography and culture it has to offer without the distractions of motorized vehicles, gaudy resort architecture or nature-marring modern construction techniques. In fact, the only modernized vehicles allowed anywhere on the island is the weekly garbage truck that wends its way through the ancient, stone streets and primitive paths that link the few, remote collections of humanity about the island. Most of the island’s tiny permanent population lives in the one main town that emerges up the steep slopes around the port. Apart from walking, people and goods are moved about primarily by the fleet of donkeys that serves the island and the small number of water taxis.

Though separated from the Peloponnese by a relatively narrow strip of water, Hydra’s beautiful port, historic captains’ mansions and isolated (still functioning) Greek Orthodox monasteries feel as far from the bustle of the modern world as it’s possible to get without venturing into the desolation of the wilds. The island is accessible by a variety of ferries, private yachts, fishing boats, and water taxis. From the Athenian port of Piraeus, a variety of lumbering traditional ferries, catamarans and high-speed hydrofoils make daily visits to Hydra for very affordable ticket prices.

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Reply by John Reality, Cambodia, July 2012

Hydra is just as described. A true step back in time, but with good plumbing, and WiFi. The locals are friendly and warm. Most speak English, if not more languages.There are several spectacular restaurants on the water. We are from Chicago, and I can't explain the calm that comes over my family as we step of the and quot;Flying Dolphin and quot; from Athens. No motorized vehicles makes it so that all night you only hear the distant laughter from the clubs at the port, or a rooster, or a donkey, or church bells...we sleep so soundly! The hotels are lovely. We've stayed at 2 different ones, both bed and breakfast style. They are large homes that have been completely re-done to rent out rooms like the nicest of our American bed and breakfast places. They are clean, with air conditioning and excellent plumbing. I keep mentioning the plumbing because not all islands are like this, and we take that for granted sometimes. The streets are clean cobblestone with white wall and flowers hanging from balconies. The muleteers carry your luggage to your hotel, and clean up after their donkeys on the way, so you don't have to worry all the time about stepping on animal and quot;droppings and quot;.
We've been to other Greek islands, this is a treasure! You won't be disappointed.

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