Greece - Korina Miller [287]
There is an ATM at Saitis Tours on the harbour front. The post office ( 7.30am-2pm Mon-Fri) is opposite the fish market on a small side street that runs between the Bank Emporiki and the National Bank of Greece, both of which have ATMs. The tourist police ( 22980 52205; Votsi; mid-May–Sep) can be found sharing an office with the regular police.
You can check email at the Flamingo Internet Café ( 22980 53485; Tombazi; per 30min €3; 8.30am-late).
There are loos of last resort alongside the fish market.
Sights & Activities
Hydra’s star cultural attraction is the handsome Lazaros Koundouriotis Historical Mansion ( 22980 52421; nhmuseum@tee.gr; adult/concession €4/2; 9am-4pm Tue-Sun), an ochre-coloured building sitting high above the harbour. It was the home of one of the major players in the Greek independence struggle and is a fine example of late-18th-century traditional architecture. The main reception rooms of the 2nd floor have been restored to their full. The mansion is quite a steep hike up steps from the southwest corner of the harbour.
On the eastern arm of the harbour is the Historical Archives Museum of Hydra ( 22980 52355; www.iamy.gr; adult/child €5/3; 9am-4pm & 7.30-9.30pm Jul-Oct, 9am-4pm Nov-Jun). It houses a collection of portraits and naval oddments, with an emphasis on the island’s role in the War of Independence.
The Ecclesiastical Museum ( 22980 54071; admission €2; 10am-5pm Tue-Sun Apr-Oct) is housed in the peaceful complex of the Monastery of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary on the harbour front. It contains a collection of icons and assorted religious paraphernalia.
Kallianos Diving Center ( 27540 31095; www.kallianosdivingcenter.gr) is based at the private island of Kapari. Activities include a two-dive outing for €80 with full equipment supplied, or €125 with instructor. There’s a monthly diving-with-dolphins trip starting at €200, with a 50% refund if the dolphins don’t turn up. PADI courses are also available. The centre does pick-up and return to Hydra, and nondivers can also take the trip to Kapari (€15).
Festivals & Events
Hydriots celebrate their contribution to the War of Independence in late June by staging an exuberant mock battle in Hydra harbour during the Miaoulia Festival, held in honour of Admiral Miaoulis. Much carousing, feasting and fireworks accompany it. Easter is also celebrated in colourful fashion.
Sleeping
Accommodation in Hydra is of a generally high standard. You pay accordingly, but there are also some very reasonably priced places of quality. The prices shown are for high season, which in Hydra means weekends as well as July and August. Most owners will meet you at the harbour if pre-arranged and will organise luggage transfer.
BUDGET & MIDRANGE
Pension Erofili ( /fax 22980 54049; www.pensionerofili.gr; Tombazi; s/d/tr €45/55/65; ) Tucked away in the inner town, these pleasant, unassuming rooms are a decent budget deal for Hydra. The young family owners add a friendly sparkle. It also has a large studio room with private kitchen. During July and August you can get breakfast for €7.
Bahia ( 22980 52257, 6977462852; Oikonomou; s/d €55/60; ) These decent rooms are above a clothes and jewellery shop called Alexander. They have cooking facilities.
Glaros ( 22980 53679, 6940748446; s/d €50/60; ) These simple, well-kept rooms are in a very convenient position down an alleyway just back from the harbour front.
Pension Loulos ( 22980 52411/6972699381; s/d/tr €50/60/70; ) A grand old house brimming with seagoing history and tradition. Loulos’ eponymous owner was a noted sea captain and his rooms have old-fashioned charm, but with every amenity including tea- and coffee-making facilities. Most have glorious views. The roof terrace is sunset heaven. The pension is a few minutes inland on the slopes above Tombazi.
Nereids ( 22980 52875; www.nereids-hydra.com; Tombazi; s/d €60/65; ). These lovely rooms represent exceptional value and quality. They are spacious, peaceful and have beautiful decor and open views to Hydra’s rocky heights.