Hydra (island)

Lore & Background

Hydra's history stretches back to the third millennium BCE, with evidence of farmers, herders, and obsidian from Milos. During the Helladic period, it likely served as a maritime base. The Dorian invasion around the 12th century BCE depopulated the island, but it was repopulated by the 8th century BCE. Herodotus records that the island belonged to Ermioni, was sold to Samos, and then ceded to Troizina. Byzantine-era artifacts have been found, but the island lost population during the Latin Empire due to pirate raids.

The Arvanite community settled on Hydra in the early 16th century, likely from the Peloponnese, not directly from Albania. Arvanitika was spoken by all Hydriotes, and even in the 20th century, local magnates like the Koundouriotis family spoke it. Church liturgy was often held in Arvanitika, a rare practice. The community is now fully assimilated.

During the Ottoman era, Hydra's naval and commercial development began in the 17th century, with its first school for mariners established in 1645. The first truly Hydriot vessel was launched in 1657. The Treaty of Passarowitz in 1718 allowed maritime expansion. Captains' mansions, such as those of the Tsamadou, Tombazis, Kountouriotis, and Miaoulis families, reflect the island's wealth. The monastery of Profitis Ilias and the cathedral (old Monastery of the Dormition of the Virgin) are notable religious sites.

Reader's Guide

Hydra's significance lies in its unique blend of historical maritime power and modern preservation. During the Ottoman period, the island became a major naval and commercial force, with wealthy ship-owning families like the Kountouriotis and Miaoulis playing key roles in the Greek War of Independence. The island's captains' mansions, now museums or institutions, testify to this era. Today, Hydra's ban on wheeled vehicles—except rubbish trucks—preserves its traditional stone streets and donkey-based transport, making it a distinctive destination. In 2007, a National Geographic Traveler panel ranked Hydra the highest of any Greek island (11th worldwide) for preserving its 'integrity of place.' The island's Arvanite heritage, with its enduring language and unique liturgical practices, adds cultural depth. Hydra's compact harbor town, with restaurants, shops, and galleries, caters to tourists, especially Athenians, who arrive by hydrofoil or ferry. The island's history, from ancient times through Byzantine and Ottoman periods, is reflected in its archaeological finds, monasteries, and architecture, making it a living museum of Greek island life.

Did You Know?

• Hydra's name comes from the ancient Greek word for 'water,' referring to natural springs on the island.
• Wheeled vehicles, including cars, motorcycles, and bicycles, are banned on Hydra; only rubbish trucks are allowed.
• The island's cathedral, the old Monastery of the Dormition of the Virgin, contains the tomb of Lazaros Kountouriotis, who funded the Greek War of Independence.
• Arvanitika was spoken by all Hydriotes, and church liturgy was often held in that language, a rare practice in Orthodox Albanian communities.