Family trip to Hydra Island with children. Ideas on where to go with your child

Hydra is one of the Saronic Islands of Greece. It is a perfect place for active and curious children. The island is small, its area is only 55 square kilometres, but it is perfect for walking. During long walks, you can easily introduce your child to the main attractions of the island. The thing is that any wheeled vehicles are prohibited on Hydra. There are no trams, cars, motorbikes and even bicycles on the island. That is why the ecological environment of the island is perfect for peaceful holidays with small children. Nobody will wake your child early in the morning with the sound of his vehicle.

However, there is one type of transport on Hydra. It is animal-drawn transportation. It may seem strange but you can not only ride a horse for a small fee here but also move from point «A» to point «B» exactly the same as islanders did many centuries ago. If you want, you can take a ride in a carriage. Moreover, Hydra is a perfect place where your child can communicate with horses and donkeys. The animals are trained, so they are not aggressive towards people.

Aristocrats and wealthy merchants lived on Hydra for many centuries. There are many amazing mansions in Chora, built for the most famous Greek families. The mansions represent the classic examples of 17-19th centuries architecture. Be sure to show to your child the houses of Budury, Rafalias and Koundouriotis families. Many of them are free to enter, so a curious child will explore the life of rich islanders. The interior of the houses hasn’t changed a lot. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

If your child is interested in religion and church architecture, Hydra is an ideal place for him. There are three hundred cult constructions built at different times. They perfectly demonstrate different architectural styles. All children should definitely visit the Church of the Dormition of the Virgin. It is the main Hydra’s cathedral which is located in the centre of the harbour underneath the clock tower. It was founded in 1643. The interior of the construction is a masterpiece. There is also a Cathedral Museum displaying various historical religious objects. Don’t miss the chance to visit the Monastery of Prophet Elias. It is located 500 meters above the sea. This is the only male monastery on the island. There is a rich library with manuscripts in the monastery.

Take your child to the Historical Archives Museum of Hydra. There is an archive with important manuscripts and a museum. Your child will know more about the Independence War (1821-1829) and see the weapons of those times. Earlier findings are also exhibited here, but there are not many of them. The island was almost empty in ancient times. The first floor is a perfect place for those who love books. There is a library with four thousand books, some of them have already celebrated their 300th anniversary.

Hydra attracts those who love pebble beaches. Molos Beach is a remote place with crystal clear water. If your child likes fishing, take him to Kaminia Beach. It is a shallow beach popular among fishermen. Hydroneta Beach is good for holidays with children. You will see the remains of the guns from the Independence War on the way to the beach. Agios Nikolaos is a secluded pebble beach perfect for snorkelling. You can reach it only by boat. If your children love to build sandcastles, be sure to visit Palamidas Beach, where you can go on a sea trip around the shores of Hydra.