Hydra is a picturesque town on the island of the same name. A visit will transport you to the serene past of pastoral Greece, with its mountains, forest of swaying masts, and small, snow-white houses.

Hydra is a favorite destination for Athenians, but the streets are never crowded. The town has always been considered a vacation spot for the rich and famous, but prices there are quite reasonable.

Hydra Attractions
All of Hydra is one big attraction. There are no major landmarks on the island. There are no ancient monuments left, as the region was sparsely populated at the time. There are no beaches either; the entire waterfront is covered with concrete slabs. The development next to the marina, the so-called “archondika,” is considered the town’s most beautiful symbol.

Several centuries ago, picturesque mansions were built for the island’s wealthy shipowners, according to designs by Genoese and Venetian architects. Nearby on the waterfront is the Monastery of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary with the Hydra Cathedral and clock tower.

It’s also worth noting that the town has numerous small churches. Further on, typical Greek island architecture follows, with ancient streets, cobbled paths, narrow alleys, and countless steps.

After a stroll through the town, you can learn about the town’s history at one of the local museums. The Historical and Archive Museum, located on the eastern waterfront, displays archaeological finds, latrine figures that adorned the bows of ships, fine art from various eras, clothing, and weapons from the Greek War of Independence (early 19th century).

Another interesting museum is located in the western part of the town, above a restored watermill in a luxurious mansion. This is the House of Kountouriotis, with coffered ceilings and a vast collection of Greek paintings. The Kountouriotis family is renowned throughout the country—the wealthy shipowner Georgios fought in the War of Independence. His great-grandson, Pavlos Kountouriotis, commanded the Greek navy in the victorious naval battles of Elli and Lemnos, and served as president of the country in the 1920s. His grave is located here, in front of the mansion, above a steep cliff among the pine trees.