Round the World 2015: Greek Isles

We went on a cruise to the Greek Isles of Hydra, Poros and Aegina. The swimming alone was worth it. We hope to return someday for a more extended and relaxing visit.

Hydra was the highlight. The village of Hydra is a beautiful, tiny harbor ringed with cafes, restaurants and gold shops is surrounded by stone houses and villas that rise up the hills like an amphitheater. There are no motor vehicles on Hydra so it was quiet and relaxing. We have spent so much of this trip dodging cars. Everything is moved by donkey, including groceries, building supplies, people and their luggage. Hydra was the most unspoiled island we visited. The swimming was the best on Hydra. We found a secluded, clean, uncrowded beach with crystal clear water. It was so refreshing. Despite the tourism demand, development has been strictly limited on Hydra. Developers have attempted to buy land to create resorts, but have been stopped. Hydra was once home to Leonard Cohen!

Poros was a small island 300 meters from the mainland of Peloponnessus. The village of Poros covers a small peninsula. Virtually no traffic where we visited. We climbed to a clock tower and took in the views and then got ice cream and people watched.

Aegina was the largest, busiest and least relaxing island that we visited. At one time it was the capital of Greece. We walked probably 4 miles while there. We saw lots of pistachio trees. Jack and I cut our feet on the rocky beach. Zoe scored some "Funky Buddha" shoes and we bought local pistachios.

On the boat