Preservation Order for Hydra Island
Preserved National Monument
The island's status as a Preserved National Monument came into being in the fifties and the restrictions imposed ensure that even today building work on the island must conform with the methods and style used circa 1800. So just as so many other Greek islands were blighted by a massive explosion of sixties careless building, Hydra remained safe thanks to the foresight of a small group of dedicated individuals who have ensured the architectural beauty of Hydra for future generations to enjoy. When you arrive it really is a bit like stepping back into history - even Admiral Miaoulis, whose statue dominates the entrance to the harbour in recognition of his part in leading Hydra during the overthrow of the Ottoman Empire at the start of the Greek War of Independence, would recognise most of the houses and the layout still!
Building Permits & Approval
Anyone renovating or building a house is required to not only apply for a building permit but also approval from the archeological department that maintains the regulations that govern the preservation order. In England, the closest regulations would be to say that the entire island is a Grade II Listed area.
No Swimming Pools
Visitors are often surprised by there being so few places to stay with a swimming pool This is because technically swimming pools are banned because of the preservation order for the island. There are few exceptions for properties that were originally built with open cisternas, (rainwater-catchment tanks) prior to the 50's, such as the pool at the Hydra Windmill, the sponge-washing pool at the Bratsera and some of the houses that had holding tanks for fresh fish. There was a brief period in early 2000 when it was possible to legalise some pools. But today, there are very few on the island and it has been impossible to legally build a swimming pool since 2010.
No Cars, No Bikes, No Mopeds
There is a Presidential Decree in place on all of Hydra that bans all 'wheeled vehicles'. This includes cars, bicycles, mopeds, quad bikes, basically any 'vehicle' with wheels. The decree bans the use anywhere on Hydra Island. This decree being in place accounts for why there are no conventionally made roads on the island and why there are no car or bike rental companies on the island!
The only exceptions are for emergency vehicles (fire truck and hospital ambulance), rubbish collection trucks and a couple of multi-purpose municipality trucks, all of which require a specific license from the appropriate Greek Ministry in Athens.
The ban on 'wheels' in place means that Hydra Island is completely dependent upon one of the largest herd of working mules in the world to transport everything from shopping, house furniture and building material.