(the capital) is the only town of the island. The spectacular
horseshoe port with ranked rows of restored grey and white Italianate
mansions -built in the late 18th century by Venetian and Genoese
architects-, is a breathtaking experience. The front is almost
one long outdoor cafe and chic boutiques line the quayside. Day
trippers, cruise passengers, multilingual salesman of jewellery
and paintings add to the parade.
Panagia tis Theotokou is a beautiful church -next to the
port- with a marble iconostasis. Bariami Cave is
a place to swim near to town. The square of Kalo Pigadi
is the place where two wells have long supplied the town with
water. The Tsombadou villa on the harbour (now a maritime
academy) and the Tombazis family old resident (now a school
of fine arts) are worth a visit.
Hydra,
the very cosmopolitan and fashionable island, was discovered by
a band of artists in the 1960s who had been attracted by its spectacular,
steep-sided port. Even today artists and moving stars are visiting
the island and Hydra has gained the title of the artists colony.
Once with 25,000 population, Hydra made a remarkable contribution
to the war of independence in the 19th century. Some Hydriots
spent their own fortunes to convert their fleet for war and Hydriot
navy terrorized the Turkish fleet.
Getting There -
Getting Around -
Nightlife -
Excursions
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