The Charming Islands of Aegina and Hydra

If you have been following my blog for some time, you might recall that every year around this time, I share one post that is not about a recipe.  Many of my readers know that I spend time in Greece every summer and, upon my return, I put together a travel post to highlight a place I have visited that is memorable and worth the journey.

For my new followers and readers, do not worry – this is still a food blog!

Most people associate Greece with the better-known Greek islands, such as Santorini, Mykonos, or, Crete.  Did you know, however, that there is a small cluster of five islands which is only a couple of hours ferry ride away from Athens?  This short distance makes them ideal for day-trips, island-hopping, and short vacations.

The Charming Islands of Aegina and Hydra

This past summer, I spend some time on two of these islands in the Saronic Gulf:  Aegina and Hydra.  The proximity to the mainland, their natural beauty and the great weather that these welcoming islands enjoy year-round, is why many from around the world have chosen to make them their second home and why Athenians choose them as their go-to weekend getaway.

The Island of Aegina

Aegina:  barely an hour’s ferry ride from the port of Piraeus, this is the island closest to Athens.  Full of history and with a magnificent ancient temple, Aegina was briefly the capital of modern Greece.  It’s unique light has inspired artists throughout the years. There is an ancient olive grove on the island, where some trees date back 1,500 years. Aegina is famous for it’s pistachio nuts and the freshest seafood you can find.

🏛️ The Temple of Aphaia, dedicated to goddess Athena, one of the greatest architectural wonders of ancient Greece, built in 480 BC

❧ A 17th century Venetian tower, part of the greater fortifications that guarded the port. It functioned as a watchtower and is a landmark of Aegina island

❧ Old weather-worn island building 

❧ Beautiful century-old door knob

⛵️ Seaside taverna 

⛵️ By the beach

❧ Old blue door details

The Island of Hydra

Hydra:  with its cosmopolitan port and well-preserved historic houses, this small gem of an island is completely free of cars!  The only way to reach the beautiful beaches is by little boats and water taxis. Hydra is known for its maze-like narrow cobbled streets, its donkeys, the local almond sweets and some of the best homemade ice cream you will find in Greece!

❧ The port of Hydra at sunset

❧ Donkeys waiting by the port

❧ The “Cool Mule”

🌸 Bougainvillea 

🐈 Hydra cat

❧ Green courtyard 

❧ One of the oldest pharmacies in all of Greece, a historic building in the heart of Hydra Town. It opened in 1890 and it showcases the island’s tradition in the field of medicine

⛵️ Old stone house by the beach

🍦Best ice creams

❧ A donkey taking a nap

⛵️ Sailboat leaving Hydra

🇬🇷 I hope you enjoyed the photos of this week’s travel post about the charming islands of Aegina and Hydra! 🇬🇷

Check out my previous travel post about the beautiful island of Skiathos, which I shared last year!

I am working on my next post and a delicious new recipe!

❧ THANK YOU FOR READING AND FOLLOWING ALONG ❧