Hydra

Hydra is a beautiful island located in the argosaronikos gulf. The island’s name derives from the ancient Greek word for water (“ύδωρ”) due to the presence of drinkable water springs on the island in antiquity.

Cars and other road vehicles are banned except for an ambulance and a couple of municipal utility trucks and transportation of goods is either done by hand trolleys or donkeys. The island’s long maritime history led to the establishment of the “Merchant Maritime Academy”, the oldest maritime college in the East Mediterranean sea.

Hydra has been the birthplace of many admirals and politicians who played an important role in the Greek War of Independence. Members of the Kountouriotis family and admirals Emmanuel Tompazis and Andreas Miaoulis are worth mentioning. To Honour admiral Andreas Miaoulis, the island’s local authorities organise the “Miaoulia” festival every June.

A close bond between the island and fine arts has been created over the centuries. Among the numerous artists who have impictured the island into their work were Pablo Picasso and Marc Chagall.

Hydra was also the first ever place in Greece to be used as an American movie set. 20th Century Fox movie “Boy on a Dolphin”, starring actress Sophia Loren, helped the island becoming one of the greatest destinations in Greece.