Hydra is the nearest favorite destination of the Athenians and not unfairly. It’s one of those destinations that win you at first sight and once you set foot you can see why they call her “lady” of the Argosaronikos.
A historical foundation of the Saronic
This small diamond in the Saronic Gulf with an area of 50 square kilometers, and the right thing to do, if you are a lover of food, history, and architecture. An island with a very well preserved settlement, which has as its characteristic, mansions. Houses that belonged to the families of the Revolution of 1821. At every point of the port is diffused this long maritime history of Hydra and contribution of its people to the Revolution. The cannons, after all, that they still mark the Aegean, constantly bring to mind one thing: that there, lived rebels, such as Miaoulis and Kountouriotis.
On the left side of the port, above the left bastion, dominates the iconic statue of Admiral Andreas Miaoulis. At its base are buried his bones, which came to Hydra in 1985. Next door, is the house of the Tsamadou family, which houses the School of Merchant shipping. For history lovers there is the Historical Archive – Museum of Hydra which operates daily and displays important museum relics, archival material and a library with valuable publications.
Lazaros Kountouriotis was one of the most important political figures of Hydra and the Greek Revolution. He offered his ships, his crew and his property in the War of Independence. In his mansion you will find family heirlooms and paintings that travel you back in time.
Image source: National Historical Museum
Hydra and its gastronomy
The natural beauty and history of a place may give you an insight into this, but the puzzle is always complemented by its flavors and gastronomy traditions. Hydra is famous for its flavors salty but also its sweets (its marzipan is something else). I’m sure you’ve heard of the famous hydrosquid that the locals are picking up early so they will have in the summer. And if you haven’t heard of it, you should try it. Squid is the king of local gastronomy and in the summer is the must at every table.
Meet one of the most famous recipes that is, squid stuffed with spinach. Chef Myrsini Lambrakis proposes the most typical recipe for sure success.
Squid stuffed with spinach and feta cheese
Photo Source: mirsini.gr
Materials
For squid they need:
- 8 large squid, fresh or frozen
- 2 cups feta cheese
- 1 can. Soup. dill or fennel,very well chopped
- 2 cups fresh sautéed spinach
- 1 cup sourdough cheese,<ksinomizithra>
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1 medium onion, mashed
- 1 egg
- 1 cup dry white wine
- 1 pinch nutmeg
- 1 can. Oh, sweeties. black pepper
- 1 can. Oh, sweeties. Salt
For the sauce they need:
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 clove garlic mashed (if you don’t like you can use onion)
- 2 ripe tomatoes, peeled and grated
- 1 teaspoon. tomato paste
- 1/2 teaspoon. lemon zest
- 1 cup fresh basil
Implementation
Traditional< fasting> marzipan from Hydra
A recipe that has been carried for years by word of mouth since it is so simple and delicious. The hydra marzipan of fasting is the characteristic sweet of the island and has entered many homes of every day people who have nothing to do with the island. The recipe is very easy, here it is.
Materials
- 1 kilo of almonds
- 1/2 cup fine semolina
- 1/2 kg crystal sugar
- 1/2 cup flower water
- icing sugar for sprinkling
Lightly boil the almonds and peel. As soon as they cool, grind them in a blender. In a large bowl, combine the almonds, sugar, semolina and rose water. We work very well with our hands and then we make small <pears>.
Lay non-stick paper on a baking sheet, place the< pears>, and bake for 15 minutes at 180 degrees. Do not let them brown but obtain just a golden color. Allow to cool for 4 hours, then sprinkle with rose water and sprinkle with icing sugar. Ready!
External photography source: ydra.gov.gr
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Frequently Asked Questions
Hydra is famous for its salty flavors and traditional sweets, particularly its marzipan which is renowned throughout the region. The island is especially known for its squid (calamari), which locals catch fresh and is considered the king of local gastronomy, featuring prominently on summer tables.
The most famous and typical Hydra squid recipe is squid stuffed with spinach and feta cheese. This traditional dish, proposed by Chef Myrsini Lambrakis, combines fresh squid filled with a mixture of feta cheese, spinach, dill or fennel, and sourdough cheese, served with a tomato-based sauce.
Hydra is called the 'lady' of Argosaronikos because it is one of the most beautiful and charming destinations in the Saronic Gulf. The island wins visitors at first sight with its well-preserved historical settlement, elegant mansions from the families of the 1821 Revolution, rich maritime history, and stunning natural beauty.
Hydra offers several important historical attractions including the iconic statue of Admiral Andreas Miaoulis at the port, the Tsamadou family house which houses the School of Merchant Shipping, the Historical Archive-Museum of Hydra with museum relics and archival materials, and the mansion of Lazaros Kountouriotis featuring family heirlooms and historical paintings.
To prepare the filling for Hydra's stuffed squid, mix together feta cheese, sourdough cheese (ksinomizithra), fresh sautéed spinach, chopped dill or fennel, a mashed onion, an egg, nutmeg, black pepper, and salt. Fill the cleaned squid with this mixture and secure with toothpicks before cooking.
Hydra is ideal for food and history lovers because it combines exceptional gastronomy traditions with a well-preserved historical settlement spanning 50 square kilometers. Visitors can enjoy authentic local dishes like calamari and marzipan while exploring mansions from the Greek Revolution, maritime history, and cultural monuments that showcase the island's contributions to Greek independence.
