The island of Hydra is not only known for its beautiful landscapes, but it is actually admired for the strong bonds it still maintains with a past epoch. It constitutes the sole island in Greece, where not only driving a car is prohibited but even any other mechanical means of transportation has been kept well away. Apart from your two feet, donkeys will happily transfer you to wherever it is that you would like to go.
As far as maintaining strong bonds with the past is concerned, the island of Hydra knows very well how to celebrate and commemorate in a bright way, all the important events that marked its existence in history. The local festival of the “Miaoulia” constitute the perfect opportunity for visitors of the island to entertain themselves and get in touch with its rich naval traditions, as they are devoted to the commemoration of the great naval Admiral Andreas Miaoulis and his precious contribution during the emancipating Greek revolution. The “Miaoulia” are carried out annually at the end of June and they last for two weeks. The festival’s main theme consists of the partial representation of the naval battle and the setting on fire of a large frigate, which takes place at the entrance of the island’s port during the evening.
The “Koundouriotia” is another similar festival which commemorates the anniversary of the death of the first President of Greek Democracy - Admiral Pavlos Koundouriotis -. It is hosted around the 21st of August and it involves a rich program of events, speeches, projections, exhibitions, book presentations and sports.
