Hydra, a cosmopolitan island with a rich maritime tradition, is hailed as one of the most popular Greek tourist destinations. It is well deserving of its reputation and is set like a jewel, overlooking the Argosaronic gulf. Built in the shape of an amphitheatre, Hydra wraps itself gently around a natural harbor, aesthetically charming with its narrow cobblestoned streets and traditional stone houses.

Visitors will delight to pause awhile and admire the many quaint little churches and flowering gardens filled with bright climbing bougainvilleas or softly cascading wisteria. A stroll along the waterfront lined with cannons will take you back to Hydra’s glorious past. The imposing old stone mansions and estates belonging to the great families of Hydra (Lazaros Kountouriotis’ – museum, Pavlos Kountouriotis’, Miaouli’s, Voulgari’s, Tsamadou’s - , Kriezi’s, Tobazi’s – School of Art, Sahini’s, etc) offer a glimpse into the revolutionary days of the 1800s and1900s.

Some of those architectural marvels are open to visitors and are a testament of Hydra’s title as one of the best preserved historical settlements in the country.

Artist of all kinds are drawn to the island, perhaps because of the peace and quiet afforded by the ban on motorized vehicles and the fact that they have only to vie with donkeys, mules, horses or the legendary cats of Hydra on the cobbled walkways. Perhaps they come more simply for the light which, special to Hydra, has a kind of magic to it.

Trekking towards Mandraki, Kamini and Vliho will offer the intrepid hiker an unforgettable experience as will any journey inland. If you are foreign to these shores, prepare to be enchanted but you, native sons and daughters be proud to call this island your heritage