Hydra, Saronic Islands
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Categories: Piraeus Prefecture | Cities and towns in Greece | Islands of Greece | Saronic Islands | Tourism in Greece
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For other uses, see Hydra.
Hydra (Greek: Ύδρα, pronounced [ˈiðra]) is one of the Saronic Islands of Greece, located in the Aegean Sea between the Saronic Gulf and the Argolic Gulf. It is separated from the Peloponnese by the narrow Hydra Gulf. Hydra is also a municipality and one of the few provinces in Greece to have two municipalities---which includes the island of Dokos (pop. 43)---yet fewer than five communes. In ancient times, the island was known as Hydrea (Υδρέα), which was a reference to the springs on the island. An island dependent upon tourism, well-to-do Athenians comprise a sizeable segment of Hydra's visitors. Ferries arrive regularly from Piraeus (the port city adjacent to Athens), as well as from the port in Nafplion, which is on the nearby Peloponnese coast. Besides garbage trucks, motor vehicles are not permitted on the island; which leaves the bulk of public transportation up to donkeys and water taxis. The inhabited area, however, is so compact that most people walk everywhere. There is one main town, known simply as "Hydra port" (pop. 2,526 in 2001). It consists of a crescent-shaped harbor, around which is centered a strand of commercial establishments (restaurants, shops, markets, and galleries), all of which cater to tourists and locals (Hydriots). Steep stone streets lead up and outwards from the harbor area. Most of the local residences, as well as the hostelries on the island are located on these streets. Other small villages or hamlets on the island include Mandraki (pop. 33), Kamini, Vlychos (28), Palomitha (18), Episkopi (23), and Molos (2). Although the island takes its name from ancient springs, it is now dry. While Hydra previously had wells, these were closed by seismic activity around the mid-20th century. Today, the island's water is imported by boat from the Greek mainland. The dominant geographic feature of Hydra is its rocky hillsides, which are empty save for the occasional farmhouse and one or two very isolated Orthodox monasteries. Hydra's harbour, market, and collection of buildings were the primary architectural influence for resort developer Charles Fraser to create Harbour Town, the well known village at Sea Pines Resort on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, USA.
Books about or set on Hydra
Movies filmed on HydraImage:Hydra port panoramic s.jpg
Hydra port, boater's view.
Image:Ydraharbour.jpg
Hydra Harbour at Dusk
Image:Ydrabar.jpg
Waterside Bar on Hydra
Image:Ydrataxi.jpg
No cars are allowed on Hydra so the only transport is by donkey.
Rebetiko ConferenceThe island hosts an annual conference on Rebetiko, which is held in mid-October. Historical population
There are no municipal boundaries on the island and its smaller islands. Notable people
External links
ca:Illa d'Hidra de:Hydra (Insel) el:Ύδρα es:Hidra (isla) fr:Hydra (île) it:Idra (isola) la:Hydra (insula) hu:Idra nl:Hydra (eiland) no:Hydra (øy) nn:Ýdra i Dei saroniske øyane pl:Hydra (wyspa) ru:Идра sv:Hydra (ö) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
