My last day here will be a special one with a boat ride around the island. I’ve really never heard much about “other side” of this island and I feel compelled to see more beyond the port and the beach clubs. Hydra is about 10 miles long and 4 miles wide but as a tourist life evolves around the port and the organized beaches all on the same side of the island. This will be a 4 or 5 hour trip and so worth it to find these coves that are so pure and clear.

My captain for the day is George, a young man originally from Hydra and now a seaman that spends most of the year traveling. He has been working on cargo ships for several years, working 7 months straight. He shares that it was a good way to make a living to provide for his family (he bought his parents a house) but he requires more human interaction and variety. So he will work for Celebrity Cruise lines and is leaving in a few weeks to work cruises in Alaska then Australia. We talk all day about everything – Greece, the US, our unique cultures and politics. He is wise beyond his 29 years and I learn a lot.

Along the way we pass what must be 50 little churches in the most remote areas. This continues to perplex me but it is a big part of their culture and history.

We stop several times for swimming and as we finish the trip around the island I see why people don’t talk much about it.

Yes, it just looks like one big rock. No vegetation and nothing that promotes development. We pass several megayachts on our way back to the port. It was a really lovely day.

As we get back to the port I take a last look at some of the beauty of this place.

I end the day with dinner at Omilos, a beautiful restaurant on the water.

And I enjoy one more walk around town where people from all around the world stroll and troll and hang out.

I’ve been told that a trip to Hydra would not be complete without a visit to Tsagkaris Pastry shop.

https://tsagkaris.com/en/

Here I find Dimitri who shares the story of his family-owned shop since 1930. This is the real deal, and his hospitality is as beautiful as the almond sweets.

Dimitri, if you read this, thank you for your kindness and hospitality. You are a beautiful ambassador of Hydra!

The last stop is a small jewelry shop thar is the home of the woman that designed the medals for the Greek Olympics.

The windows are filled with handmade jewelry but also this cool decor, a bit of the traditional Greek but with in an updated vibe.

One more reason to consider having Hydra as a second home, tonight they introduce the Hydra book club! I so wish I were here to join in!!

On to the next island!!