Militant island: 10 reasons to visit Idra at least once in your life

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The island of admirals and captains, which the whole Greece is proud of — Hydra. Amphitheater of low white houses with tiled roofs surrounds the harbor with turquoise water. Here you will find museums, ancient mansions, restaurants overlooking the sunset and pastry shops. And most importantly — on the island there are no cars at all. Are you intrigued?

No cars!

Idra promises a real rest from civilization. After all, there is no motor transport! No cars, no motorcycles, no buses. On the island area of 64 km? Sup2; You can only move on wagons harnessed by donkeys, or on horseback. And then if you do not want to walk along the narrow streets on foot. This is the surest way to find the hidden and simply curious places of Idra.

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Cannons and fortress walls in the port

In the 18th century, the islanders began actively engaged in shipbuilding. Thanks to this, Idra began to be called "Little England & raquo ;. During the National Liberation War, the island provided more than 120 warships, and this was a significant contribution to the liberation of Greece from Turkish oppression. Since then, on Idra there were fortress walls, where old cannons harmoniously coexist with modern cafes.

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The military heritage of the Greeks

The difficult time of the National Liberation War gave birth to its heroes — admirals and captains, real sea wolves.

These are the houses of Pavlos Kunturiotis (Admiral and President of Greece), Yakovos Tombazis (merchant and ship-owner), Andreas-Vokos Miaulis (commander of the Greek fleet during the war). In honor of the last on the island at the end of June, the festival is held & laquo; Miaulia & raquo; — staging sea battle with the Turks, followed by festive fireworks.

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Kodylenia Tavern with excellent sea views

Kodylenia is considered one of the best restaurants in Idra. Here you can not only taste the local cuisine, but also enjoy an excellent view of the harbor and sunset. Especially advise to try squid with a garnish of sea fennel. Average check in the institution — approximately 25 euros. And what is important, seafood is caught almost in front of your eyes! There is a restaurant in the bay of Kamini.

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The first pharmacy at the island

For 400 years the Rafalias family has been treating people on the Idra. In 1890 hereditary pharmacists opened a pharmacy, which still works. The building is in excellent condition, and the furniture and racks inside have been left since the opening. In addition, the pharmacy has a large collection of porcelain and glass jars for potions, rare books and recipes, an old inventory for the preparation of medicines.

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Sculpture & The Boy on the Dolphin & raquo;

You can safely say that in the twentieth century, Idra became popular after the release of the movie "The Boy in the Dolphin & raquo; (1957) with Sophia Loren in the title role. The beauty of the island captivated many of the stars. Frequent guests here were Audrey Hepburn, Maria Callas, Jackie Onassis, Pablo Picasso, Marc Chagall, Leonard Cohen. In 2006, in honor of the island that made the island famous for film, a monument was erected on the Idra.

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Walk to Mount Eros

The best view of the Aegean Sea opens from the site near the monastery of St. Elijah. The shrine stands on the slope of the mountain with the romantic name Eros at an altitude of 500 meters above sea level! A leisurely walk from the port takes about an hour — If you, of course, do not want to take a ride on the traditional taxi for Idra — . Donkey

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Karamela Confectionery

The paradise for sweet tooth was opened in the spring of 2016 and has already won many hearts. In the center of the city near the bay (address: Ikonomou, Hydra Town, 18040), you can taste the freshest sweets: homemade cakes, ice cream and sweets. The store is open from 9:00 to 1:00, so even if you want a sweet after 18:00 — go to Karamela. The average check here is 2 - 3 euro.

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museum

As you have already understood, Idra has a long history full of rebellious events. All evidence is stored in one of the island's largest museums. In the archive you can move to the past for a while and see how the way of life of the Greeks changed, what clothes they wore, what books they read. Here you will find pirate treasure maps, ancient costumes, weapons, furniture, decorations and much more. In addition, the museum has a large library of fiction and chronicles that keep the secrets of the island.

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Museum of Modern Art

Do not think that the Greeks are fond of antiquity! To see this, it's enough to look into the modern art museum DESTE. Every year unusual and avant-garde art objects of artists from all over the world are exhibited here. Until September 30, 2016, the composition of Putiferio by the Italian sculptor Roberto Cuoghi will stand by the sea. It's a flock of white ceramic crabs that climbed ashore. How and why — you will be told in the museum. More information about the exhibitions can be found here.