About Hydra

Home Contact Us Currency Rates Small Print

A bit of Background
Hydra one of the most un-spoilt and interesting of the Greek islands in the Argo Saronic Gulf. The island's history and culture are evident wherever you look. This page will give you a better idea of how Hydra's history, in terms of architecture and social structure, was influenced over the centuries, so that you can better appreciate the diversity of this proud and highly individual Greek Island.

From the ruins of Episcopi, the mansions of the main town - many having been converted into hotels - the numerous chapels, churches and monasteries, every building has a story to tell. Welcome to the island that has produced great sea admirals, inspired poets, writers and artists and given Greece no less than 5 Prime Ministers since the Greek War of Independence of 1821.

Throughout time, the island's name has been changed but in the main is referred to as Hydra, Idra or Ydra.

A bit of Geography

The island of Hydra is situated approximately 44 nautical miles from the port of Piraeus in the south-west of the Gulf of Saronikos. The hills of the Peloponnese can be clearly seen across the Saronic Gulf to the north of the island. Hydra is about 23km long and at its widest point almost 5.5km. The total area is approximately 48km2

The landscape is rocky with many hills, the highest being Eros at about 500m. In ancient times the island was well covered by pine-forest and had plenty of water, hence the name Hydra or Hydrea. Unfortunately during the period of Turkish occupation, thousands of trees were cut down for use in the construction of the Hydrain fleet. Thousands more were used as fuel. In the last 20 years, what little forest that was left, was destroyed by fire. Most of the fresh water wells have dried up. So the Hydra of today presents a very arid, rocky and barren vista.

History
Byzantine Years ... [more] 15th Century ... [more] 16th – 17th Century ... [more]
18th Century ... [more] 19th Century ... [more] The Greek Revolution ... [more] Economy ... [more] Society – Culture ... [more] Church Administration ... [more] Shipping & Trade ... [more] The Press ... [more] 20th Century ... [more]

Landmarks
Various places of interest on Hydra ... [more]
 

[Travel Info] [Fun]
[Hotels] [Private Houses to Rent]
[Weddings] [Conferences]
[Artist Gallery] [Eating Out] [Hydra Sailing]
[Real Estate]

Questions and comments to webmaster@SaronicNet.com
Copyright © 2000 SaronicNet
Last modified: November 11, 2001