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Hydra is part of the group of islands located in the Saronic gulf, close to the coast of the eastern foot of the
Peloponnese. The harbour area of its main town
is one of the most picturesque
in Greece. |
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Hydra, now a very
popular tourist destination, was once a major seafaring community. Great
wealth was generated during this period, and this is evident through the grandeur of many of its
buildings. |
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Since almost
all private motor vehicles are barred from the island,
apart from
walking and the use of local excursion boats that run between Hydra town
and the most popular beaches, horse drawn carriages and donkeys
have remained the most common ways to travel. This only adds to the charm
of the island and provides a welcome break from the noisy motorbikes that
are the scourge of the practically all the other Greek Islands.
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The
main town, known simply as Hydra, consists of a horseshoe shaped harbour,
around which is located shops, tavernas, takeaway outlets, and quite a number of art
galleries. Steep, stone paved streets lead up from the harbour area
through to the town behind with its red
tiled houses.
The harbour area can become very crowded during the day
as day trippers flock to the island but once the excursion boats have left
the town reverts to a place where visitors and locals alike can relax, and
enjoy their evening. |
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History
Much
of Hydras ancient history is unrecorded, but the island paid an important
role in the 15th century as a refuge for people from the mainland and
other surrounding islands after attacks in the
area from Turks and pirates. In the 19th century the power of Hydra had
grown to such an extent that
when the war of Independence began in 1821, Hydra was
in a position to supply the cause with a fleet of over 130 ships. |
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