Hydra, with its cosmopolitan atmosphere, quite unlike the other islands of the Argosaronic gulf, lies 36 nautical miles from Piraeus. Tour facilities are of a high standard. Hydra is also exceptional on account of its unique landscape, differing from that of the other islands in that it is rocky and barren.
In antiquity Hydra was known as Hydraia and there was a Mycenean settlement, as excavations have revealed. In Homeric times it was dependent on Mycenae and later to Hermioni. In the Byzantine times Hydra experienced a floruit, as finds from Episkopi show. During 17th and 18th century its inhabitants created a fleet of vessels, which voyaged throughout the Mediterranean.The Hydriote fleet contributed a lot to the Struggle for Independence in 1821.
Must see: The old harbor with its canons and imposing residences. The houses are built amphitheatrically many of them have preserved their interior decoration. The mansions of Kountouriotis, Tombazis, Voulgaris, Votsis, Koulouris are some of these nice residences. A School of Fine Arts is accommodated in the Tombazis mansion and the Merchant Navy Academy in the Tsamados mansion. There are many important monasteries and churches on the island, such as The Cathedral (Metropolis), built in 1765, dedicated to the Dormition of the Virgin. On its marble iconostasis numerous Byzantine icons are displayed, including one of the icon of Neomartyr Constantine of Hydra.
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