An Afternoon on Hydra

We went to Hydra just for the afternoon – as I explained earlier this week, the plan was a bit impulsive and not entirely practical, but we have no regrets. The island is a beautiful place to spend any amount of time, no matter how brief. There’s nothing quite like arriving by ferry, even if it’s not for the first time, and seeing the buildings rise from the rocky hills as you pull into port.

Any afternoon on Hydra is well spent no matter what you do. But we wanted to spend most of ours enjoying lunch at Techne. The island offers an array of restaurants, but Techne is in a class of its own. It isn’t right in town, but don’t let the uphill walk deter you – the outdoor terrace offers ocean views that will make you forget the inconvenience instantly. And the food is perfection. We haven’t yet found a restaurant in Greece that compares. Ambiance, flavours, views – everything is exceptional. The adorable local cats who wander the place, hoping to find a diner who might offer to share a bite, just add to the experience. It’s a place to take your time and really enjoy.

All of Hydra is, actually. The pace of the island is slow and leisurely. An afternoon on Hydra should involve stops for coffee or cocktails at restaurants closer to the port. Any one will do, really. The point is to sit in the sun and simply enjoy the view of the boats moored in the turquoise water, admiring their particular shimmer in the afternoon light. You’ll meet more cats. They wander everywhere, like members of a local welcoming committee, always ready to say hello (and never likely to say no to a bit of feta.) There are shops to visit, too, of course. On Hydra, they’re quite sophisticated, offering an array of both locally and internationally designed items mostly aimed at the jet set… which means they can get quite pricey.

That Hydra isn’t always budget-friendly isn’t really a strike against it. It’s just a fact, like any other; something to know, consider and accept. Some things on the island, like local olive oil and baked goods, can be decidedly economical if you stumble upon the right shop.

And there are typical souvenirs available, too. It’s worth commemorating your afternoon on Hydra with a fridge magnet or shot glass. You can pick up all kinds of postcards, too, but the Hellenic Post can be unreliable… If you do mail them, you’re likely to make it home long before your postcards do.

An afternoon on Hydra spent happily idle is never wasted – but if it were, it would be elegantly wasted. The island is the jewel of the Saronic crown. It’s beauty makes it universally beloved, and from the moment you arrive, it’s easy to understand why. Dine at Techne – you won’t be sorry. Or don’t, because you’ll enjoy your time on the island either way. I know that, even without necessarily knowing you personally. Hydra is the kind of place that’s almost impossible not to love – not just for an afternoon, but forever. I only needed to arrive at the port for the first time to see that.