Hydra is truly a gem among the Greek islands as there are no motor vehicles on the entire island - just donkeys and mules. Hydra is one of the Saronic Islands of Greece, It is separated from the Peloponnese by a narrow strip of water. In ancient times, the island was known as Hydrea, a reference to the springs on the island.

Hydra is built in the shape of an amphitheatre and filled with traditional stone mansions, narrow cobblestoned streets and secluded squares. Many are drawn to this island as it has preserved its distinctive atmosphere through the passage of time. It is rather impressive the fact that such a tiny island is the birthplace of five Greek Prime Ministers!

As you walk along the waterfront, the heart of the town, you encounter monuments, churches, canons, museums, old mansions, statues of famous heroes, the old gunpowder store, shops and cafes. You never know what you might find as you turn a corner as we also wandered up the hillside and found the "Boy on a Dolphin" made famous by the 1957 movie starring Sophia Loren which was filmed on this island.


I can only hope my photos give justice to this tiny piece of paradise......definitely a place I would like to return to....both chic and rustic.

Tonight on board ship we have the Captains Welcome Cocktail Party so as we head back to the ship we start to plan our evening - cocktail party, dinner and then a classical concert in the lounge. It will then be time for a late night snack in the Charlston Lounge before retiring.....another busy day to look forward to tomorrow.