And the winner is Hydra.

February 21, 2020

And the winner is Hydra.

Imagine a place totally void of motorized buzzing of any kind. A place with villages full of off white houses accented with dirty orange roofs and accent windows with matching wooden doors of every color. Villages periodically placed along the Aegean Coast. Full of lazy cats with coats of every possible pattern and matching, laid-back, citizens with smile lines etched into their sun-leathered faces. Best of all, a law is implemented which prohibits new building construction which allows the island to maintain a quaint and cozy vibe.

This is a literal description of Hydra which has since surpassed Meteora as my favorite place in Greece. Kon, Nancy and I travelled by ferry the two hours from Athens our last weekend together to finish up my AIESEC exchange. There was discussion between other AIESECers and myself about joining them for their weekend trip to Santorini which was 8 hours from Athen by ferry and an hour plane ride back. The cost, lesser travel time and ability to bring my best buddies helped me settle on Hydra and I couldn't have been happier with my decision.

Over the 3 day weekend we explored villages, hiked to the island's highest peak to explore the Prophet Elias Monastery, explored hidden stairways littering the winding side"streets" and pet a LOT of cats. Twice we relaxed at coffee shops on the pier to discuss the beauties and hardships of life with cats asleep on our laps.

John Lennon frequently visited the island, Leonard Cohen bought a house so he could write music off it's coasts, the Rolling Stones and several other famous and not so famous people have travelled to Hydra due to it's relaxed vibe and unique beauty. Being with my two closest friend I've made through my exchange in part with the atmosphere and island scenery I can honestly say I agree 100% with every traveller.