Hydra
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Hydra
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Background
Hydra or Idhra (Ύδρα) is a very popular and picturesque island on the NW of Peloponnese.
Hydra as well as with Spetses and Psara were the most important Greek sea powers during the 1821 revolution which resulted in Greece's independence from the Ottoman rule. Hydra not only had the largest fleet of sailing vessels but was the home of Admiral Miaoulis and many other important captains. Hydra is a barren island and in antiquity was not very important. It was purchased in the 6th century BC by the famous Tyrant of Samos, Polykcrates but was not settled until the 15th century AD when Greek and Albanians fleeing the tyranny of Ali Pasha of Epirus moved in the island. Since there were hardly any resources for significant cultivation, they turned to the sea for trade, smuggling and piracy. By the 18th century the island had a fleet of 150 vessels and a wealthy population of 25,000. During the war of independence they were so successful that Ibrahim Pasha of Egypt called Hydra "Little England."
After the revolution, with the establishment of the Greek state, piracy was suppressed. This combined with the advent of steamships resulted in a decline of Hydra. Its inhabitants turned to sea again mostly sponge fishing but again the combination of a sponge disease and declining markets further depressed the island's economy. In the 1950's Hydra was the location of the film Boy on a Dolphin with Sofia Loren. Following this film the island was "discovered" and an artist colony was established spearheaded by the very successful Greek painter Hadjikyriakos Ghikas. Artists flocked here from all over the world and bought houses and Hydra became as famous as St. Tropez and Portofino. There are no roads and no cars in Hydra and that has saved the island. Despite its fame, it is still a very attractive place.
Charts
BA 1031 Yerakas to Kea
Imray-Tetra G14 Saronic and Argolic Gulfs
NIMA 54340 Nisos Spetsai - N. Vorioi Sp.
Greek 415 Ydra to Sikinos
Radio Nets
Also see World Cruiser's Nets
- Coast Guard - Channel 12
The approaches to Hydra present no problems other then the heavy and at times chaotic traffic to and from the harbor to the mainland.
Ports and Popular Stops
Hydra Harbor
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The harbor of Hydra [37° 21.1' N 23° 28' E] is always very crowded and in my experience is to be avoided. Last time I was moored there a fishing caïque, returning in the middle of the night, untied my stern lines and Thetis was nearly damaged. Crossed anchors is the least of the problems here. A bad swell develops with strong N-NW winds. It is better to anchor in near-by Mandraki or Vikhos.
Moor stern or bow to the N breakwater.
Warning: There are several rocks near the N breakwater.
Marinas & Yacht Clubs
None.
Anchorages
Mandraki
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Mardraki [37° 21' N 23° 29' E] is an attractive anchorage less than a mile E of Hydra Harbor. It is exposed, however, to the N. Anchor in 3-6 m over sand, weed, and mud. There is a water taxi service to the harbor.
Warning: The water taxis create a strong wake as the zoom by.
Vikhos
Anchor in front of the hamlet. The anchorage is exposed, however, to the N. Anchor in 3-6 m over sand, weed, and mud. There is a water taxi service to the harbor.
Warning: The water taxis create a strong wake as the zoom by.
Molos
Molos (Μόλος) [37° 19.6' N 23° 23' E] just a few miles W of Hydra Harbor is a good alternative anchorage. Other than a few luxurious properties the cove is isolated. Anchor in 3-5 m, good holding.
Offshore Islands
List Islands
Routes/Passages To/From
Popular passages/routes, timing, etc.
Tourism & things to do ashore
Also see each Port/Stop
Marine Stores & Facilities
See each Port/Stop
References & Publications
Publications, Guides, etc.
Cruiser's Friends
Contact details of "Cruiser's Friends" that can be contacted for local information or assistance.
Forum Discussions
List links to discussion threads on the Cruiser Log Forum
External Links
- Hydra (Wikipedia)
Personal Notes
Personal experiences?
.
