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Hydra, a barren, rocky island, has become a cosmopolitan
artists' center in recent years. It's modern history dates
from the 15th Century butView of Hydra rose to
prominence as a shipping power in the 18th Century, winning
the appellation "Little England", as a result.
This maritime tradition has continued into our own time
in the island's Merchant Navy Training School. And the 18th
and 19th Century mansions surrounding the port still testify
to its earliest wealth and grandeur.
Among the most impressive of these are the Voulgaris, Koundouriotis
and Tombazis houses; the latter is now a hostel for students
from  the
Athens School of Fine Arts. The Koundouriotis mansion, on
the other hand, has been converted into a museum containing
memorabilia from the War of Independence, in which Hydra
played an important active role. For artists and art lovers
generally, Hydra is both a meeting place and showplace.
The galleries scattered throughout the port offer something
more than carefree relaxation by the sea.
Besides, being so rocky, Hydra is not renowned for the beaches;
but rather; its many monasteries and churches.  The
most important of these are the monasteries of Profitis
Ilias, Agia Matrona and Agia Triada. Swimming is nevertheless
possible from Hydra?s rocks, especially at Kaminia, Molos
and Vlichos south of the port and at Mandraki, formerly
a wartime harbour, north of it. For visitors with a boat,
a trip round the island with stops in the stunning covers
on the east coast is well worthwhile. Hydra is also blessed
by the absence of motorcars. To walk through its narrow,
arched back streets and steep steps, a common feature, is
to leave the modern world behind.
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