But not much about the island's history comes to light before the 15th century. Excavations on Hydra have revealed that its prehistoric settlers were Mycenaean. During the pirate raids in the Medieval times, the residents used to hide away in the mountains to avoid a direct conflict.
 The 17th and 18th centuries saw Hydra emerging with a prosperous merchant navy that carried out trade with the distant lands of France, Spain and northern Africa. During the Greek Revolution, many wealthy merchants used their ships as warships and sent financial help to the revolutionaries, who were fighting against the Turks. Two famous personalities of that time were Andreas Miaoulis and Lazaros Koundouriotis.
With World Wars, Hydra's economy faced a downfall but it started recuperating with fishing business. The recession came to an end in the 1950's when the island emerged as a captivating tourist destination. As the high profile visitors started flocking to Hydra, the island's popularity started growing rapidly among all countries around the world.
 On the Island, there is basically a single village, Hydra Town. There are also two small settlements that come alive in summer, Kaminia and Vlichos. Hydra Town covers almost two hills on this island. There, the houses seem to jut out from the slopes. Most of them are built of stone and they have contrasting colourful doors and windows and bright coloured tiled roofs.
An impressive thing about Hydra island is that it is banned from using any sort of automobiles. The only means of transport allowed are horse carriages and taxi-boats. Donkeys and mules are also available and they are the easiest means of transportation on the uneven rugged roads. |
 |
 Travel Services |
        
| Famous destinations |
|
Back:
More:
Related: