The donkeys of Hydra

Day 27
Hydra, Greece

Needing an escape from Athen’s never-ending traffic, we hopped on a two-hour ferry this morning to Hydra, an island that prohibits motor vehicles. Stepping off the boat and taking a whiff, we could immediately tell that the gas fumes had been replaced with something a bit different — donkeys are the only means of transportation here.

Hydra (pronounced e-drah) is the largest of the Saronic Gulf islands, with a dramatic landscape that contrasts its rocky interior with the crystal blue waters of the surrounding Gulf of Hydra. The port is filled with fishing boats, yachts and sail boats and lined with cafes, restaurants and small shops.

First up: a delicious, traditional lunch of tzatziki, Greek salad and meatballs at a family-run spot.

Afterwards, we walked through the town’s windy streets before following the road (really, a glorified donkey trail) around to more isolated parts of the island, passing deserted swimming coves, the red-tiled roofs of churches and homes perched precariously on hillsides.

It was a nice way to spend our second, and last day, in Athens. We’re off now to what will undoubtedly be a delicious dinner (can’t beat Greek food) and then need to pack for our early morning flight tomorrow to Istanbul.