Discover the beauty of a tiny Greek island that captivated the international jet set, but also artists such as Chagall and Picasso. A stone’s throw from Athens, a small, rocky, barren island, yet at the same time “vast” and majestic. A place made of the freedom that the sea gives. An island in the Saronic Gulf that gave birth, nurtured and dominated the war for independence of the whole country. Images in motion. City of Hydra, Kaminia, Vlychos, Molos, Episkopi, Mandraki. All of Hydra, a walk. Sea taxis run, rush, circle the island like bees. With them you feel the freedom to have the sea as your way. Getting off. The rhythms are changing. The port city, cosmopolitan, elegant, with its 18th century mansions, captain’s houses, old churches, wells, cobblestones that stretch everywhere will take you on a journey back in time…
Some of the must do’s are a donkey ride, a walk on the noisy seafront and the alley that starts from the port and ends in Mandraki. Of course, you will not miss exploring the right side of the harbor with the Cannons and taking selfies in front of the windmill (also known as “Lauren Mill”) and the statue depicting the theme of the movie “The Child and the Dolphin”, shot here.
Its attractions include the Mansion of Toipazis (houses the School of Fine Arts), the Historical Archive-Museum east of the port and the Merchant Marine Academy. Allow time to pass by the Art and Concert Hall “Melina Mercouri” with works by famous artists.
As for where you will make your first dive? Classic… from the rocks from Spilia or, if you are… beach type, at 800 µ. farther to the beach of Kaini or at 20 on the beach of Vlychos and Plakes (you will reach them by kayaks). The evenings have a different meaning – with a sergiani in the alleys between the mansions with the flowery courtyards and the squares or the taverns.
Athens Hot Spots escaped from its base and discovered favorite hangouts, in the aristocratic lady of the Saronic Gulf: