About Hydra
A Brief History of Hydra Island
Prehistory through Middle Ages
In ancient times, Hydra’s population was very small, and the historical record is sparse. Archaeological excavation has discovered evidence (mainly pottery sherds) of the first settlements in Episkope (today a small, inland village) between 3000 and 2500 BCE. After 2500 BCE, according to Herodotus, the island was populated by Dryopes from the Greek mainland, who subsisted through stockbreeding, agriculture, and fishing.
An image of early Hydra after settlement
The Dorian invasion of Greece in the twelfth century BCE probably resulted in a population decline, until farmers and herders, probably from Ermioni, came to Hydra in the eighth century BCE. These denizens tended to dwell inland and in the mountains due to frequent, destructive pirate raids. (more…)
A Cultural History of Modern Hydra
Since the 1950s, Hydra has drawn the interest of artists and intellectuals, gradually becoming a cosmopolitan cultural hub. A number of well-known Greek artists and intellectuals have been Hydriots, including painter Nicos Hantzikyriakos-Ghikas and poet Miltos Sahtouris. Others, like painters Panagiotis Tetsis and Periklis Vyzantios, architect Demetrios Pikionis, poets George Seferis and Odysseas Elytis, author D. Petsalis, and painter-poet Nicolaos Engonopoulos, fell in love with the island on a visit subsequently made Hydra their full- or part-time residence. (more…)
A Snapshot of Hydra
The two primary means of transport on Hydra (besides your feet).
Just 37 nautical miles from Athens in the Argo-Saronic Gulf, the long, narrow island of Hydra (or Ydra) is both cosmopolitan and tranquil. Donkeys and boats are the only form of transport as laws prohibit automobiles (except for a few small garbage trucks), mopeds, and even bicycles. Due to the island’s status as a national historic monument, strict building laws also regulate development, protecting Hydra’s traditional architectural style and enhancing its old-world charm.
The ampitheater of Hydra Town cascading to the Port
The main town of Hydra is built amphitheatrically around the island’s main harbor, lined with large and small yachts, as well as traditional caicques, or fishing boats. Shops, hotels, cafes, and tavernas line the port, while cobblestone streets and alleyways wind along the coast and climb the steep, rocky hillsides, leading to the island’s various neighborhoods and villages. Though Hydra has a year-round population of about 3000, which can swell to 6000 over the summer, the interior is nearly uninhabited. Fires burned through this once densely forested area in 2007, destroying trees and other vegetation covering nearly one-third of the island. (more…)
Carnival (Apokries)
The name “Apokries” derivies from the Greek phrase Apoxh apo kreas, literally meaning “goodbye to meat.” Similarly, the word “carnival” derives from the Latin carne, meaning “meat,” and vale, meaning “goodbye.” Originally a pagan feast marking the advent of spring and a celebration of fertility and the fecundity of nature, the today Apokries marks the beginning of the Christian Lent, a period during which many Greeks abstain from meat and dairy as well as oil. (more…)
Hydra’s Artists & Writers
Alexis Averbuck
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Painter and writerHaving relocated to Hydra in 2007, Alexis recent painting works to capture the specific luster of the island’s colors, moods, and natural environment. (more…) |
Hydra’s Architecture
Stone windmills, some in ruins, dot the hillsides, and the town and surrounding villages are home to more than 350 churches and chapels. Hydra’s status as a national historic landmark protects its unique and beautiful architecture. Any new buildings must stay in keeping with the island’s historic architectural style, using authentic colors and maintaining the traditional Hydriot character. As a result, no modern building developments (high-rise apartments, hotel complexes) can spoil Hydra’s traditional atmosphere. In addition to cars and mopeds, neon signs have been banned. Hydra’s architecture, which includes simple houses as well as grand manors, is unique to the island. (more…)
Hydra’s Historic Mansions
Mansions (Archontika)
The mansions and manors of Hydra have a history and architecture unique to the island. As most of these structures are still owned by private families, many are not open to the public. Some, however, now house public services are open to visitors. (more…)
Labor Day/May Day (Protomayia) | May 1
On this national holiday, people traditionally gather flowers and make them into wreaths for their homes. You’ll see them decorating many front doors. Many flower festivals take place all over the country.