HYDRA
It was so exciting to come into the harbor of Hydra and realize we were going to spend 2 nights on this charming, attractive island! One appealing aspect is that there are no vehicles except garbage trucks on this island. People get around on foot, buros and horses and water taxis. Everywhere I looked was beautiful and we could not wait to start exploring it.
First we trudged down some narrow walkways to find the Hotel Leto. It seemed like a very nice hotel and our room was clean and cozy. There was a nice breakfast room and also a courtyard where one could eat breakfast and relax. We dropped off our luggage and went out to find some lunch and check out the place since the rest of the day was a free one.
First we trudged down some narrow walkways to find the Hotel Leto. It seemed like a very nice hotel and our room was clean and cozy. There was a nice breakfast room and also a courtyard where one could eat breakfast and relax. We dropped off our luggage and went out to find some lunch and check out the place since the rest of the day was a free one.
Pat and I found a nice walkway along the water and followed it awhile. The views were so panoramic and phenomenal! Hydra was very romantic but unfortunately I had left my husband at home. We saw all kinds of boats - old boats, new boats, small fishing boats and huge yachts! It was a mecca for water enthusiasts! We also came across a little area where people were swimming but it seemed a little cool for us. We ventured into some of the nice shops along the promenade.
That evening David again mentioned where he was going for dinner and invited anyone to join him. Since we knew he was aware of great places, we joined him. I had a nice dinner of moussaka which is a Greek casserole made with egg plant and meat , tomatoes and cheese sauce. A wonderful Greek salad started off the meal with olives, tomatoes, onions and feta cheese covered in olive oil. It was a yummy meal! Of course, the wine was good also! It finished "oaky" on the back of my throat!
The next day David again volunteered to lead anyone who was interested on a hike along the coastal path to Vlychos after a fine breakfast. The Greeks have such great breads and cheeses available for breakfast. On the hike, he pointed out various plants and told us tidbits about Hydra. It was a warm, sunny day and another one of those days where you are glad to be alive and especially that you saved enough money to be in Greece! We had a beverage at a seaside restaurant in Vlychos and some of our group went in for a swim.
The next day David again volunteered to lead anyone who was interested on a hike along the coastal path to Vlychos after a fine breakfast. The Greeks have such great breads and cheeses available for breakfast. On the hike, he pointed out various plants and told us tidbits about Hydra. It was a warm, sunny day and another one of those days where you are glad to be alive and especially that you saved enough money to be in Greece! We had a beverage at a seaside restaurant in Vlychos and some of our group went in for a swim.
After the hike, Pat and I poked into more shops, especially jewelry shops, along the harbor to browse and talked to local shop owners. We found the Greek people to be very friendly and glad to have you in their country. They seemed to be anxious to know how you liked Greece and offered to help you in any way. We asked one shop owner for his recommendation for a place for lunch which we pursued and found other of our tour members there and joined them. I could not get enough of the meat kabobs and Greek salads!
That evening David hosted a Happy Hour in our hotel courtyard with wine and snacks. We all had a great time and took lots of pictures. We were starting to feel sad knowing our tour was soon coming to an end and we would have to say goodbye to our new friends. The tour hosted dinner at Kryfo Limani, where we had eaten the night before, and we were treated to another fantastic meal!
Below is a slideshow of photos taken on Hydra Island. It sure was a gorgeous place!
Below is a slideshow of photos taken on Hydra Island. It sure was a gorgeous place!
The next morning we got up early, had breakfast and rolled our luggage down the narrow streets to catch the ferry back to Athens. Since we were not able to get in the Acropolis Museum when we were in Athens before , now was the time to meet Faye again for that tour. Information on that visit is on the Athens page in the slideshow.
Our last night in Athens and on our tour David arranged for another fantastic meal. This night we ate at Restaurant Mani Mani near our hotel, the Acropolis Select. We were sad that we would all be going on our own way the next day!
Pat and I had planned a little time in Santorini after our tour. We really enjoyed that too! If you are interested in seeing beautiful, sunny Santorini, click here.
There were lots of dogs that were probably strays in Greece. I made a page about them here on my website because they were so enjoyable to me. To learn about the dogs, click here.
Our last night in Athens and on our tour David arranged for another fantastic meal. This night we ate at Restaurant Mani Mani near our hotel, the Acropolis Select. We were sad that we would all be going on our own way the next day!
Pat and I had planned a little time in Santorini after our tour. We really enjoyed that too! If you are interested in seeing beautiful, sunny Santorini, click here.
There were lots of dogs that were probably strays in Greece. I made a page about them here on my website because they were so enjoyable to me. To learn about the dogs, click here.