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

Hydra 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, … Open
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. … Open
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 … Open
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.
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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   Photo
♥   Cathedral Basilica of St. Dionysious, Athens, 73.8 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Cathedral of the Holy Trinity, Athens, 76.4 km from the center. On the map   Photo
Map of all castles
Survived castles around Hydra Island
♥   Castle 'Markellos Tower' Aegina, 44.3 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Castle 'Palamidi' Nafplion, 63.1 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Castle 'Acronauplia' Nafplion, 63.6 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Castle 'Bourtzi' Nafplio, 64.5 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Castle 'Tiryns Castle' Acropolis of Tiryns, 65.1 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Castle 'Acrocorinth' Corinth, 79.9 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Castle 'Monemvasia Fortress' Monemvasia, 82.1 km from the center. On the map   Photo

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
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Hydra Island photo gallery


Colors of Hydra Island in photos

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Traditions and festivals in cities around Hydra Island

Attica Region
From April to October at the Acropolis, there are nightly performances in English related to the culture and history of Athens held on the Pnyx hill. They come with a magnificent light show. And, of course, there is no age limit during such performances. Near the Acropolis, you also can enjoy a dance performance of "Dora Stratou" Greek Dances Theatre. From May to September ... Open »
Spetses Island
Siesta is a sacred ritual for Greeks. Don’t plan shopping or a visit to a tavern or bank in the period from two to five o’clock. Locals spend this time lying on a beach or sleeping at home. After the working day, locals go to taverns. You will hardly find a free table in a tavern in the evening. Greeks love to meet with friends and family in a tavern. They have a meal and ... Open »
Agistri Island
A typical Greek day starts with coffee and cigarettes.A Greek wakes up at 8 o’clock, has a cup of coffee, which is the most popular drink in Greece, then he go to work, works till 2 o’clock and has siesta till 5 o’clock. Try to plan your holiday, because almost all the cafes and shops are closed during the period of siesta. Locals spend this period of time sunbathing on ... Open »
Aegina Island
In general, the locals are very emotional. They behave very freely. If the Greek wants to laugh-he laughs if he wants to sing-he sings, even if it happens in public transport. Aegina inhabitants are very hot-tempered. They use a lot of hand movements, raise their voice and interrupt each other. They may seem rude and impolite, but that is not true. Such behavior is common for ... Open »
Athens
Athenians never take their shoes off even when entering a home. They are very hospitable, but invite guests for a dinner or lunch quite rarely. The period starting from 2 to 6 p.m. is considered the time of day rest, so it would be better to refrain from phone calls on this time. You should also not call and after 10 p.m. as it will also be the sign of bad manners. Every ... Open »
Loutraki
On the festive day, it is customary to put on bright carnival costumes and wear masks. Local residents prepare all the costumes for the celebration on their own. It's not recommended to wear expensive clothes on the carnival day, as locals have a tradition of spraying each other with water and sprinkling confetti. The main event of the holiday is a traditional carnival ... Open »
Cityguide on traditions, mentality and lifestyle of people in Hydra Island. Learn the best periods to visit Hydra Island to discover its soul - authentic festivals, events and celebrations. We will also reveal the interesting habits, attitude towards the world and to tourists in Hydra Island.
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