HYDRA
HYDRA
HYDRA
HYDRA
Hydra today appears like a painting all in grey, white and blue colours over the blue colour of
the sea, a model example of architecture and beauty.
Hydra is situated in the center of the island, in a closed bay and is built amphitheatrically on the bedrock side creating a unique harmony between architecture and the surrounding environment.
As soon as a visitor arrives in Hydra, he goes back in time impressed by the view of the tall and imposing mansions that dominate at the port of the town, while being surrounded by a magical sentiment. It could be the unique architecture and scenic of the island, it could also be the long lasting cultural legacy it carries, or all these together.
The main characteristic of the island is the absence of cars or other wheeled vehicles and all transportation is been accomplished by the donkeys, a fact that makes Hydra even more picturesque.
The island is famous for its natural beauty, the calm daylife it offers to all guests, but also for an intense cosmopolitan nightlife.
More about the island
We arrive in Hydra at 11.30 and you can go for a swim. As you disembark the ship, you’ll find the Museum of Hydra 100 meters on your left, where exhibits are displayed from the greek revolution and the Balkan wars.
You can also visit the bastions with the cannons or the church of Saint Constantinos.
At the port
Hydraiki Gonia
A good suggestion for all hours of the day
At the beach of Vlyxos
Bar-restaurant Enalion
Ideal choice for a filling breakfast, coffee or meal in a typical island environment.
At the Cannons
Bar-restaurant Sunset
This restaurant’s advantage is the location which in combination with good food offers the most idyllic view.
In the town of Hydra
To Paradosiakon
Here, authentic traditional flavors of the greek cuisine are the menu’s stars.
Bisti
Organised beach on the south-west end of the island.
Agios Nikolaos – Saint Nicholas
This beach is on the south-west side of the island, situated in a creek, surrounded by pine trees.
Kaoumithi & Nisiza
Beaches with pebbles and sand which can be approached by sea taxis.
Spilia Pigi
One of the most famous beaches of hydra, it is only a 5 minute walk distance from the center of the settlement and it’s major characteristic are the big stone plates.
Limnioniza
This beach is gifted by lovely pebbles and crystal-clear wates, which makes it ideal for swimming and diving away from nosey glances.
Hydroneta
This beach is almost next to the beach of Spilia, under the cannons of Hydra’s castle and is defined by it’s stone plates.
Mandraki
One of the most approachable beaches on the island, only 15 minutes from the port of Hydra.
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The bastions with the cannons
As soon as the ship reaches the port of Hydra, the eye catches the impressive bastions that protect its entrance. The island, wealthy and with great contribution in the struggle for Independence, had to be protected from pirates and possible attacks of the Ottoman fleet.
This is why, in the 18th century, the period of the island’s great prosperity, the bastions were risen on the 2 edges of the port and were strengthened with cannons to discourage any aspiring intruders. Today this kind of danger is only part of the island’s history, but the bastions are probably the most magical site of Hydra. The clear view of the sea and the settlement, especially at sunset, makes a walk there mandatory.
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O Άγιος Κωνσταντίνος ο Υδραίος
Ο Άγιος Κωνσταντίνος ο Υδραίος έζησε κατά την περίοδο της Τουρκοκρατίας. Τόπος γέννησης του και τόπος που τον φιλοξένησε στα πρώτα χρόνια της ζωής του υπήρξε το νησί της Ύδρας. Οι γονείς του ήταν ευλαβείς πιστοί και τον γαλούχησαν με τις αρχές και τα πιστεύω του χριστιανισμού και με περίσσια αγάπη για το Χριστό.
Μεγαλώνοντας και εξαιτίας των κακουχιών της σκληρής ζωής, ο Κωνσταντίνος αναγκάστηκε να εγκαταλείψει την πατρίδα του και να μεταβεί στη Ρόδο, ώστε να δουλέψει και να προσφέρει κάποια βοήθεια στο σπίτι του.Όπως ήταν τίμιος και εργατικός δεν δυσκολεύτηκε να διεισδύσει στην κοινωνία της Ρόδου και να γίνει αγαπητός σε αυτή. Κάποιος τον γνώρισε στο διοικητή τής Ρόδου Χασάν Καπιτάν, ο όποιος του έδωσε εργασία στο σαράι του.
Κάποιο βράδυ ο Κωνσταντίνος σε ένα γλέντι του Χασάν Καπιτάν μέθυσε και εκείνος κάλεσε τους χοτζάδες για να του κάνουν περιτομή. Έτσι και έγινε, επίσης του φόρεσαν το άσπρο σαρίκι και τον ονόμασαν Χασάν, όπως και το διοικητή του.
Όταν ξύπνησε και αντιλήφθηκε τι είχε συμβεί, ήρθε σε δύσκολη θέση και δεν αντέδρασε αμέσως. Μα στεναχωρήθηκε ακόμα περισσότερο όταν με τα λεφτά που έστειλε στη μάνα του, έφτασε και το μαντάτο ότι αλλαξοπίστησε. Εκείνη δε δέχθηκε τα λεφτά, τα πέταξε και έκλαιγε απαρηγόρητη μέρες ολόκληρες.
Το ίδιο συνέβη όμως και στη Ρόδο, όλοι του οι φίλοι τον απαρνήθηκαν, αποξενώθηκε απ’ αυτούς γιατί τον θεωρούσαν γενίτσαρο.
Recommended Cruises
One-day cruise from Pegasus Cruises departing from Tolo for scenic Hydra and beautiful Spetses.
One day cruise with Pegasus Cruises. Departure from Porto Heli for the picturesque island of Hydra and the beautiful island of Spetses.
One day cruise WITH Pegasus Cruises. Departure from Pefki for the island of Skiathos and the enchanting beach of Koukounaries
One day cruise with Pegasus Cruises. Departure from Tyros for the picturesque island of Hydra and the charming island of Spetses.
