Mules, houses perfectly positioned, and the absence of cars contribute to the timeless character of the island of Hydra. Us visitors are greeted with a sea breeze and salt air when stepping off the ferry and onto the port. The sun illuminates the cobblestone streets as the clicking sound of hooves draws my attention to the line of mules. There are no cars, bikes, or buses; small boats and walking have become the ideal forms of transportation. Likewise, the stone-built residences rise above the sea and the rocky landscape. Grand houses belonging to local fighters of the Greek War of Independence are now museums that offer their visitors insight into a particular period of Greek history and the role Hydra played. Everything on the island appears at a standstill and is rooted in the island’s history.
Visiting Hydra was the secondary destination of my study abroad trip in Greece. But to me, it was the most incredible part of the experience. Already, Hydra felt much cooler in temperatures compared to Athens where the crowds of tourists and bustling traffic made the air much more humid. After settling into my hotel room, my classmates and I ventured out to find our first meal on the island. We sat at a local tavern where we shared fried octopus, fried zucchini, fish roe dip, grilled octopus, and a Greek salad. I quickly noticed how quaint the island was as I ate my meal. This was no Santorini or Mykonos. Instead, the island felt like a return to simpler times, especially with the lack of cars.
We were only here for a weekend so each day, I woke up and got breakfast with my roommate before heading to the beach. Just a 12-minute walk along the coast brought us to Kaminia Beach where we spent hours lying on the pebbles. After a few hours, we walked back to the hotel and got ready for a sunset dinner with a couple of our friends. My friends and I rarely found ourselves using our phones or scrolling on TikTok, and as a result, we were able to form deeper bonds by sharing a meal and walking around the island together.
Hydra was the perfect opportunity to disconnect from technology. The decelerated pace of the island life was almost uncomfortable and challenged my familiarity with being constantly on the move. This timeless essence is exactly why Hydra is a hidden gem. It isn’t as popular or as heavily advertised as Santorini or Mykonos, but the experience you get from visiting Hydra will exceed your expectations of a peaceful paradise in Greece. Here, you can take your time and enjoy 3-hour-long dinners with good company. From the delicious seafood to the shops located along the port, the island consistently portrays its unique character. Ultimately, the island serves as a poignant reminder to disengage from over-stimulating activities and to refocus on the constants in life. But like everywhere else in Greece, no matter where you go on the island of Hydra, expect to meet friendly cats waiting for a handout.