At first glance, Hydra resembles many other islands in the Aegean Sea, with white streets, air filled with the scent of jasmine and breathtaking views of the surrounding clear blue waters – Photo: CNN
Like other Greek islands, Hydra features sandy beaches, quaint fishing spots and breathtaking coastal views. However, this place lacks one thing: cars.
All motor vehicles except ambulances, garbage trucks and fire trucks are prohibited. Therefore, local people use other means of transportation.
About 2,500 local residents travel by mule, donkey and miniature horse. Upon arriving at Hydra port, visitors will encounter miniature horses weaving gracefully through the cobblestone streets, giving a taste of the leisurely pace of island life.
While wandering the streets of the island, visitors will often see locals walking to work each day with their four-legged companions.
While in most European towns, visitors can hear the screech of tires on the road or the rumble of engines, in Hydra, those things have been replaced by the leisurely patter of horse hooves – Photo: TripSavvy
Harriet Jarman, owner of a company that rents horses for mountain rides, said: “Hydra is an island that takes you back in time. All means of transportation are based on horses or mules. Because there are no cars there, There’s life there.” Quieter than other places too.”
Harriet Jarman opened a horse rental service. He said that due to the financial crisis he had to sell his beloved horse, after which he opened this service – Photo: CNN
Actually, Hydra also used to have cars. During the 18th and 19th centuries, Hydra flourished and became a bustling maritime centre. Motor vehicles began to appear in the 20th century. However, the road is narrow, steep and full of rocks, making it very difficult for cars to move.
That’s why people stuck to four-legged animals. Over time, reliance on four hooves became deeply ingrained in the culture and lifestyle of the Hydra islanders.
Today it is even legal to ban cars on the island. Horses, donkeys and mules became an integral part of Hydra’s identity, used to transport goods, building materials and people around the island.
Harriet said cnn: “They are our cars and our legs, carrying everything from building materials and furniture to luggage and everyday items.”
Despite a lack of inspiration, the islanders still manage to live a good life thanks to their four-legged friends – Photo: The Sun
Such an environment turns Hydra into an artists’ paradise. Jewelery designer Elena Votsi said: “Hydra is a paradise, a magical place to work. I’m lucky that I can come here as an artist, as many people do and will come.”
Four-legged animals have become part of life in Hydra – Photo: The Sun
Elena Votsi is not the only artist who has turned the island into her studio. Famous actress Sophia Loren (the first non-English speaking actress to win an Oscar for a film). two women) I also fell in love with Hydra after coming here for the shooting of the film boy on dolphin,
Rare peaceful life has made Hydra a paradise for artists – Photo: Travel
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