Hydra

The historical picturesque island of Hydra is renowned as a cosmopolitan and artistic centre. Hydra, long and narrow, is extremely rocky and dry. But it has an enchanting natural amphitheatre shape around the horseshoe harbour, virtually unchanged since the revolution of 1821. The town itself, of red tilled houses and white chapels rising onto the steep hills, encloses the natural harbour. The port is croweded with fishing boats, sailboats and yachts, and lined with colourful cafes and bars, jewellery, art shops and boutiques. Most vehicles, including bicycles, are prohibited. Donkeys and mules form the main means of transport, in addition to the little boats that provide a taxi service along the coast..

Spetses

Spetses is a small oval island opposite the area of Porto Heli on the Peloponnesus mainland. Anciently known as “Pityousa”, or Pine Tree Island, Spetses has an abundance of aromatic pine forests, in addition to beautiful sandy beaches.
During the last few centuries Spetses flourished, and great fortunes were made by the sailors and sea captains. The latter built impressive mansions and churches, many of which still stand today. Spetses was the first of the Saronic islands to revolt against the Turks during the 1821 Revolution.