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About Hydra
A Brief Look At Hydra
Hydra Harbour: by Georgos of Foto GlikasHydra Island Greece, one of the most un-spoiled and interesting of the Greek islands, is a small rocky island in the Argo Saronic Gulf, south east out of the Athens port of Piraeus and within sight of the southern Peloponnese mainland.
It's very cosmopolitan, safe and one of the easiest of the Greek islands to get to. Best of all, the entire island is a preserved national monument and has retained all its 17th & 18th century charm and quaintness.
16th & 17th Century
Most areas of Greece were in turmoil because of war during these centuries. This combined with the outbreak of piracy in the Mediterranean, contributed to further settlement on the island. Throughout this period several Greek families moved to Hydra. From Epirus the Lazarou, Zerva, Kokini and Kountourioti families; from Kythnos the Barou, Rafalia, Nega, Ghika and Gouma families; from Vourla of Smy
18th Century
19th Century
In 1802 the governmental system of the island changed when Kapoudan Pashas' favourite George Dimas Voulgaris, the chief commander of the Turkish flag ship, was sent to Hydra. Voulgaris was appointed by the sultan as Kotzabasis and supervisor (Naziris) of Hydra, Poros and Spetses in order to regain peace and order on the islands. His prudence as well as Ottoman favour, contributed to a well-governed island.
A few useful tips on pronunciation
The much quoted phrase "it's all Greek to me" is certainly accurate. I've lived on Hydra since 2000 and still pronouncing even the simplest of phrases defeats me. I know what I mean but my accent leaves a lot to be desired so rarely does anyone Greek have a clue what I'm talking about. But having an appreciation of a few basics does help so I hope you enjoy having fun with these small pointers before you come to Hydra.
Byzantine Years
Without a special historical presence in the Medieval Ages, it was thought that Hydra was unimportant until the first post Byzantine years when the island followed the destiny of the major cities nearby on the Peloponnese, which it belonged to. Politically and culturally the nearby Dhokos Island, belonged to Hydra throughout these centuries as it still does today.
Greek National Religion
The national religion of Greece is the Greek Orthodox Church. It dates back to 105 ad when the Christian Church divided into Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches (Orthodox meaning "right belief").
By 1850 the Greek Orthodox Church withdrew from control of the pope, and today it accounts for 98% of religious belief in Greece, and is the only official Orthodox country in the world.
Greek Orthodox Name Days
According to Greek Orthodox tradition, every day of the year is dedicated to a Christian saint or martyr. January 7 for example, is the day of Saint John the Baptist and it is the name day for all Greek people named Yannis (or Ioannis = John, male) or Yanna (or Ioanna, female). A person's Name Day is considered more important than the same person's actual birthday and it is always celebrated in Greece.
Hooked on Hydra
As a teenager I first came to Hydra in 1987, a very different place to how the island has progressed…we spent nights in Disco Heaven and Pirate Bar, mixing with the locals and making merry!
Despite all the changes over the years, Hydra maintains a charm and warmth off the tourist trail. You’ll find a slower pace of life and nothing happens very fast, which is wonderful for downtime. If you are looking for a step back in time and an appetite to experience the ‘real’ Greece then Hydra has lots to offer.
Horta
The gathering of Hórta is done during the spring and winter months. It is a major part of Greek countryside life. On Hydra, many of the locals can be seen in the hills, gathering great bunches of these wild greens. On clear dry days, they will wind their way down from higher ground, clutching simple plastic bags or baskets, which are bulging with fresh wild greens ready for immediate consumption.
They are usually boiled for about 20 minutes and served hot or cold, with olive oil and lemon juice.
There are over sixty varieties of edible plants growing in the Greek countryside and there are numerous ways in which to prepare them. Here are just a few of what are known as Horta and their English translations:
Kafkalithra – Tordylium
Agriomaroulo – Dandelion
Vleeta – Pigweed
Agria Sparagia – Wild asparagus
Radhiki Agrio – Bitter Chicory
Radhiki tis Thalassas – Spiny Chicory
Maratho – Fennel
Andrakla – Purslane
Many of these plants have therapeutic qualities and are immensely beneficial to the stomach and the digestive system.
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