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Hydra Island

Colors of Hydra Island - traditions, festivals, mentality and lifestyle

The surest way to win the favour of Greek people is to say something pleasant about Hydra and Greece. Greeks are patriots but they love to criticize the government. But they hate when foreigners do the same, try not to discuss some issues if you don’t want to offend locals. One more thing you shouldn’t do is to discuss relationships between Turkey and Greece. It is customed here to greet everyone entering a public place.

Best beaches and recreation areas around Hydra Island

Hydra isn’t characterized by an abundance of large-scale beaches, but guests can choose from one of the picturesque bays. Most noisy beaches are in close proximity to the port area, …

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Greeks are very open and emotional people. They interrupt each other, raise their voice and touch other people without any embarrassment, private space is not important for them. Greeks shake hands only at the first meeting, then they greet each other by kissing in both cheeks. If a Greek didn’t ask you to call him by the first name, you should call him by the second name. Locals are hospitable people, they can even invite foreigners to their house but it doesn’t mean that you will have a meal there.

While communicating with locals, don’t forget that some of the common gestures have a different meaning on Hydra and in Greece. For example, not every nod means that a person agrees with you. A Greek “yes” is tilting the head to either side and making a sideways motion while slightly closing the eyes. When locals want to say «no», they raise their eyebrows and their whole head upwards, while softly clicking with their tongue. Don’t pretend brushing off the dust of the lapel of the jacket, Greeks use this gesture when they want to show neglect to a person. When they want to say something, they touch or pat the lower lip with the index finger. If a local signal to somebody to join him, he extends arms with the palms facing downwards. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Top hotels in Hydra Island for business trip or short vacation

Hydra Island has no big hotels usually offered by popular resorts. Guests of the island can rest at incredibly comfortable villas, as many popular hotels are set up in amazing old mansions. …

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You can easily relax on Hydra and forget about all the problems. It happens because money is not the most important thing for Greek people. Even if a Greek gets a large sum of money, he will easily spend it on a beautiful and useless thing or an evening in a tavern. Locals believe that there is no need for money if they don’t make you happy.

If you want to go shopping, you should know that Greeks have siesta from 2 to 5 o’clock. Locals sleep at home or sunbathe during this time. The working day is finished at about 9 pm and then the fiesta starts, it is time for leisure and meetings with friends. You will hardly find a free table in a tavern because they are full of people in the evenings, they enjoy delicious food and local drinks. Greeks love to gather around the table with friends and family and discuss the day's events, watching dancers in traditional costumes, moving under folk music.

Shopping in Hydra Island - main shopping streets, outlets and boutiques

Olive oil is very popular on Hydra, it can be found everywhere. It is connected with the peculiarities of national cuisine, Greeks add oil to almost all of the dishes. You can buy oil in …

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Despite the fact that locals love alcohol, you will hardly meet drunk people on the streets. The reason is that invariable behaviour is a disgrace for Greeks. So, if you don’t want to be condemned by locals, try to control yourself. Greeks love to teach people and it is getting worse with age. Local men marry late and they like to flirt with women and pay them compliments. Moreover, they are even not embarrassed by the presence of a girlfriend or a wife. Don’t take it seriously, it is just a norm of behaviour for local people.

This guide to traditions and festivals in Hydra Island is protected by the copyright law. You can re-publish this content with mandatory attribution: direct and active hyperlink to www.orangesmile.com.

Hydra Island - guide chapters 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

City tours, excursions and tickets in Hydra Island and surroundings

Reference information

Map of all churches

Cathedrals and basilicas near Hydra Island
♥ Armenian Church of St. Gregory the Illuminator, Athens, 73.5 km from the center. On the map Show on the map

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♥ Cathedral Basilica of St. Dionysious, Athens, 73.8 km from the center. On the map Show on the map

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♥ Cathedral of the Holy Trinity, Athens, 76.4 km from the center. On the map Show on the map

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Map of all castles

Survived castles around Hydra Island
♥ Castle 'Markellos Tower' Aegina, 44.3 km from the center. On the map Show on the map

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♥ Castle 'Palamidi' Nafplion, 63.1 km from the center. On the map Show on the map

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♥ Castle 'Acronauplia' Nafplion, 63.6 km from the center. On the map Show on the map

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♥ Castle 'Bourtzi' Nafplio, 64.5 km from the center. On the map Show on the map

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♥ Castle 'Tiryns Castle' Acropolis of Tiryns, 65.1 km from the center. On the map Show on the map

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♥ Castle 'Acrocorinth' Corinth, 79.9 km from the center. On the map Show on the map

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♥ Castle 'Monemvasia Fortress' Monemvasia, 82.1 km from the center. On the map Show on the map

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National traditions of Greece

Traditional dances in Greece are kochari, sirtaki, and hasapiko. Dances are treated with a special veneration, as they are an important part of the culture of this people. Locals share happiness with their dances. People can express all the pain and sorrow in their gestures. Sirtaki is one of the symbols of Greek culture. However, the dance was invented in the 60s of the 20th century. Surprisingly, it’s not a folk dance. The music for sirtaki was based on folk songs, sirtos. The modern Greek culture is based on folk songs; people honor and respect their ancestors. The Greeks are very proud of being descendants of Hellenes. Also, they are proud of the fact that they continued to fight in times of world wars, when the rest of Europe has capitulated. For centuries, they compelled to defend themselves against attacks from Turkey. Locals know how to appreciate and respect their own freedom and struggle for it. … Open

Colors of Hydra Island - traditions, festivals, mentality and lifestyle

City tours, excursions and tickets in Hydra Island and surroundings

National traditions of Greece

Colors of Hydra Island in photos

Search for popular touristic sites on Hydra Island map

Traditions and festivals in cities around Hydra Island