Aegina to Hydra, Greece
Greece has 6000 islands in various seas. 224 of them are inhabited! I’m experiencing two this trip, Aegina and Hydra (pronounced EEDra). It s not the typical Greek islands most folks go to, but I like the off the beaten path route probably more than the beat up trodden ones.
Both islands are in the Sardonic sea.
Being car-less for this trip means hiring a taxi to get around. Since the roads are less than desirable, with twists and turns, mountains and sea, ups and downs, more than any amusement park ride, getting around with taxis makes perfect sense. There is also a bus, which I have taken once (it was good in a pinch but lacks times and routes to travel more using this method).
Thankfully, I got picked up this morning by taxi, and delivered to another port on the island to catch my ferry. When the Blue Magic Seas ferry arrived, it was amazing. The crew was efficient and timely. We got to Hydra in 40 minutes with me being in awe of so many islands that we were passing, inhabited and many not inhabited. These Greek folks are on the open seas is every boat, sail, yacht you can think of. The small harbor of Hydra had three yachts that were huge and expensive!
It didn’t take long for me to get acquainted with this smallish car-less island. Donkeys do all the heavy lifting I noticed. I walked and found interesting things to take in, notwithstanding the beautiful sun draped buildings as a backdrop to the blue and turquoise waters of the Aegean Sea.
I ate lunch right on the waters edge at a restaurant called Omilos. I had grouper, and it tasted delicious. I was giddy when so many the sailboats (mostly white) mosied on by like there was not a care in the world. Slowing down to the pace here is one of the gifts I experienced so far on this adventure.
When I first arrived, the e main horseshoe that hugs the harbor was bustling like mad. But, once I got past the area to scaling many uneven steps and twisted paths, there were very few people around. It was like I had the island to myself. My photo taking was in overdrive because at every turn, there was a beautiful view!
Oh, yes, I did go into one museum- The Historical Archives of Hydra, that mainly focused on the wars that all of Greece, and Hydra specifically, were involved with over several centuries. My early morning taxi driver really wanted me to see it because he was a soldier 40 years ago, and he wanted me to see his war heroes, not only for him, but for all Greeks.
It was a stellar day! It was sunny and warm. The sea looked so beautiful against the backdrop of Hydra, and the people I encountered were all friendly. That’s a good day. ☀️🩷☀️
bSoleille!
Terri
Photos from Hydra today:
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