Greek island of Hydra featured in the Wall Street Journal
NEW YORK – Hydra is an inviting destination for travelers from across the globe who associate it most perhaps with its ban on vehicles. The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) on July 8 highlighted the “reopened” island and its charms beckoning tourists even amid the coronavirus pandemic.
The description captures the spirit of Hydra, “as disheveled young families, linen-clad art lovers and elegant Athenians step off boats onto polished cobblestones, they join a pantheon of artists who have come before, from Lord Byron to Henry Miller to Kara Walker,” WSJ reported.
Among the famous, “Leonard Cohen has perhaps contributed the most to Hydra’s international renown,” WSJ reported, adding that “it was here that he met Marianne Ihlen and immortalized their relationship in songs like ‘So Long, Marianne’ and ‘Hey, That’s No Way to Say Goodbye,’” and “locals view him as an honorary Hydriot, and his son, Adam, still owns the house his father lived in throughout the 1960s.”
The global coronavirus pandemic is also having an impact on the island as “more than 90 percent of Hydra’s economy relies on tourism, according to Hydra’s mayor, George Koukoudakis, and local businesses are waiting hopefully for more foreigners to return,” WSJ reported.
“So far it has been a disaster,” Koukoudakis said in a phone interview with WSJ in late May, adding, “thank God the Athenians have come. We love to see Hydra crowded. We want to see our friends again.”
Donkeys carry luggage for tourists from the main port to “hotels and apartments that are architecturally frozen in time,” WSJ reported, noting that “Hydra is roughly 25 square miles, with a year-round population of about 2,000” and “beyond the main port and its neighboring village, Kamini, which sits a half-mile down the coast, the only parts of the island accessible by boat or on foot are a few beaches.”
New construction ended when Hydra became a Greek national monument in the 1950s, WSJ reported, adding that “to ensure adherence through the ’60s and ’70s, the artist Pavlos Pantelakis dedicated the last years of his life to the cause of preservation, keeping binoculars trained at any extensions or renovations happening on the island.” American artists Brice and Helen Marden first visited in 1971, “fell in love with the island and bought a house a few years later,” WSJ reported, noting that “Helen has played her own part in the island’s preservation.”
“When Richard Branson tried to build a luxury resort in the fishing village of Kamini, she joined the local effort to block construction,” WSJ reported.
“I don’t think Branson fought very hard. As soon as he saw the opposition, that was it,” Marden told WSJ, adding that “as we’re talking, I’m picturing myself walking down to the port from the house, back by the old pharmacy. I hope, hope, hope we can go this summer,” referring to the travel restrictions currently imposed on Americans due to the pandemic.
“Before the bohemians of the ’60s descended, Hydriot painter Nikos Hadjikyriakos-Ghikas was the first to invite foreign artists to the island in the 1930s,” WSJ reported, pointing out that “a young Cohen was famously turned away from the 40-room mansion by Ghikas’ housekeeper when he arrived in search of artistic refuge,” and “Cohen purportedly put a curse on the house, which burned down six months later. The ruin still stands in the hills high above Kamini harbor.”
Among those who did visit Ghikas at his mansion was American writer Henry Miller who “got to know the leading lights of Greece’s Generation of the ’30s, critic George Katsimbalis and Nobel-winning poet Giorgos, or George Seferis,” WSJ reported, adding that “war hero and travel writer Patrick Leigh Fermor; his photographer wife, Joan Leigh Fermor; painter John Craxton; and Lawrence Durrell and his family” also regularly visited Ghikas.
The history of Hydra and its “naval museum on the east side of the port,” was also mentioned in the WSJ article, which noted that in the past, “the great drama of the port consisted of the comings and goings of ships, in the days when Hydra’s commercial clout and formidable fleet won it the nickname Little England,” and “the island’s merchants amassed extraordinary wealth during the Napoleonic Wars by violating the British blockade and carrying food to France and Spain.”
In his book, The Colossus of Maroussi, Henry Miller wrote of the “wild and naked perfection” of Hydra that “came from the spirit of the buccaneering islanders,” WSJ reported, quoting from Miller, “To recount the exploits of the men of Hydra would be to write a book about a race of madmen. It would mean writing the word DARING across the firmament in letters of fire.”
Also mentioned in the WSJ article, Douskos Taverna, or Xeri Elia, “where owner Stavros Douskos greets you with a shy smile,” and “his family has run the place for nearly 200 years.” An unpublished poem by Cohen is printed on the back of the menus at the taverna, and reads, “They are still singing down at Dusko’s [sic] / sitting under the ancient pine tree / in the deep night of fixed and falling stars.”
In the present day, Mayor Koukoudakis, told the WSJ that “the first yacht of the season has just docked … the boat is Guilty and belongs to Greek-Cypriot tycoon and art collector Dakis Joannou,” a Hydra visitor since the 1980s.
Read more at thenationalherald.com
RELATED TOPICS: Greece, Greek tourism news, Tourism in Greece, Greek islands, Hotels in Greece, Travel to Greece, Greek destinations, Greek travel market, Greek tourism statistics, Greek tourism report
Photo Source: Wikimedia Commons License: CC-BY-SA Copyright: Herbert Ortner
- 1) UN Tourism to make residents focus of Greek island of Thassos’ sector recovery
- 2) American Express report highlights Global Travel Trends during 2024
- 3) German Youth: Holidays are only worth it when they have content for social media
- 4) WTM 2023 Global Report: Tourists abandon sun loungers in favour of new experiences
04/05 17:56
Minister launches dynamic plan to boost Greece's relations with other countries
04/05 17:44
Greece opens another five Aegean Islands to Turkish visitors fast-track visas
03/05 18:00
03/05 17:42
Aegean and Olympic Air to fly 'Holy Light' from Athens to the rest of Greece
03/05 17:39
Athens transportation schedules over 2024 Greek Easter holidays announced
01/05 11:45
Euro 2004 Legends play FootGolf at Porto Carras Pro-Am Aegean Mini Tour
30/04 22:36
Visa entry express now available on five more Greek islands for Turkish citizens
30/04 20:44
Hellenic Police launches 10201, a 24-hour hotline for protection of minors in Greece
30/04 19:42
Aegean Airlines to distribute dividend for the first time after four years
30/04 18:39
May Day strikes in Greece: Public transportation disruptions and Syntagma Metro station closure
30/04 18:31
Bank of Greece report: More than 30 million tourists visit the country during 2023
25/04 22:00
Greek FM talks with Kuwaiti counterpart on bilateral relations, regional cooperation
25/04 14:49
Prices of products in Easter Basket the same or lower in Greece than in 2023
25/04 13:57
25/04 12:44
Greece and China to ink cooperation protocols in the fisheries sector
25/04 09:53
Extended shop opening hours for Easter in Greece start on Thursday
25/04 02:19
Athens Airport voted as the best in marketing strategy at European awards in Denmark
25/04 02:10
President of Hellenic Republic visits La Chascona Museum in visit to Chile
24/04 21:31
Thirty-one Greek political parties to take part in European Parliament elections
24/04 21:25
Payment by bank cards now accepted on Athens Airport Express bus lines
24/04 14:12
Herculaneum papyri unveil more than location of Plato's tomb in Athens
23/04 23:52
Greece’s New Ambassador to the United States visits Queens in New York
23/04 21:49
Traffic regulations in Athens due to the Olympic Torch Relay on Thursday-Friday
23/04 20:59
President of Hellenic Republic wraps up visit to Uruguay at parliament
23/04 15:44
Greek government will pass legislation halving commission paid for POS transactions
23/04 15:03
Precise location of Plato's burial site unveiled by ancient papyrus
22/04 22:33
'Nature Positive' peport highlights new collaborative era in travel & tourism
22/04 21:25
22/04 20:37
Greek and Turkish delegations discuss Confidence Building Measures for 2024
22/04 18:29
Over 114,000 Greek Diaspora citizens register to vote by post in the European elections
22/04 13:40
19/04 01:29
Athens State Orchestra presents 'St. Matthew's Passion' by Bach on April 30th
18/04 21:49
Greek Climate Change Minister signs memorandum for Attica fire protection zones
18/04 20:32
'Easter Basket' and 'Godparents basket' to be put into effect next week in Greece
18/04 20:17
18/04 17:40
17/04 21:06
Thessaloniki Port: Performance growth for 2023 with record container throughput
17/04 20:57
Traffic regulations imposed in Athens for the 41st Peace Marathon on Sunday
17/04 20:52
17/04 18:15
Greek Foreign Minister addresses the 9th Our Ocean Conference in Athens
17/04 17:12
16/04 21:02
NHM hosts the Trial of Pericles at the Harris Theater in Chicago on April 17
16/04 20:17
Greece will invest $830 million to protect marine biodiversity
16/04 01:46
New York Greek Independence Parade honors 1821 and solemn Cyprus Anniversary
16/04 01:35
Olympic Games Paris 2024: Olympic Flame to be lit at Ancient Olympia in Greece
16/04 00:29
European Committee of Regions and UN release study on Rural Tourism
15/04 20:41
15/04 19:58
Minister: Greece is transforming into a hub for exporting quality agri-food products
15/04 18:51
Greek Environment Minister meets Chinese Deputy Minister of Natural Resources
13/04 00:13
UN Tourism and Croatia to launch Research Centre for Sustainable Tourism
12/04 00:03
2024 marks a critical year in the enduring strength of Greek-German relations
12/04 00:00
11/04 22:07
Ambassador: US committed to upgrade of Greek military and support NATO's SE flank
11/04 19:40
Hellenic Pride on display at rainy Chicago Greek Independence Day Parade
11/04 02:06
Delphi Economic Forum IX: Energy collaboration a 'key' in Greek-Bulgarian relations
11/04 01:58
UN Tourism launches investment guidelines for Albania sector
10/04 19:01
Greek FinMin: New package of economic measures in 2025 to lower taxes, raise pensions
10/04 18:25
Greek city of Nafplion hosts Mediterranean Yacht Show for ninth year running
09/04 23:57
Greek PM on Tilos: Innovative projects for a cyclical economy are of key significance
09/04 23:55
UN Tourism members promote agenda for Europe as region leads global recovery
09/04 23:46
HFS presents 1968, Rousing Docudrama about Greece’s First European Cup April 21
09/04 22:48
Stolen 7th-century BC oenochoe returned to Greece by Hanover museum, municipality
09/04 22:42
Greek civil servants confederation ADEDY to strike on May 21
09/04 21:55
Greek Migration Minister meets Senior US Coordinator for Lawful Migration
08/04 23:48
08/04 23:41
Elliniko-Argyroupoli Mayor marches in Greek Independence Philadelphia Parade
08/04 21:53
Project Voria casino complex in Maroussi moving ahead after environmental report
08/04 21:36
Minister: Up to 120 delegations to take part in 9th Our Ocean Conference in Athens
08/04 19:22
Direct flight from Shanghai to Athens offers access to key tourism market for Greece
08/04 18:31
AI conference to attract distinguished speakers to Thessaloniki on April 25-27
04/04 23:28
City of San Jose marks March 25 with 16th Annual Greek Flag Raising Event
04/04 22:16
Urban plans published for seven townships in Thessaloniki and Attica of Greece
04/04 17:24
FinMin: The new EU economic and fiscal framework is good for Greece
04/04 15:30
Greek PM meets with the chiefs of the international pharmaceutical manufacturers
04/04 00:15
Deputy Minister for Macedonia-Thrace meets US Embassy Deputy Mission Chief
03/04 20:12
Syracuse AHEPA Chapter 37 marks March 25th Greek Independence Day
03/04 18:10
Greece's Delphi Economic Forum on April 10-13 to focus on 'The Great Transition'
03/04 16:42
Minister: Industrial production has returned to the pre-crisis levels in Greece
02/04 18:06
30/03 23:21
Eleni Gatzoyiannis scholarship offered to Greek students at Boston University
29/03 16:44
3rd edition of 'This is Athens - City Festival' with 250+ events from May 1 until June 2
29/03 15:53
Athens Metro station Aghia Varvara to stay closed on Saturday and Sunday
29/03 13:55
Greek Foreign Minister for Economic Diplomacy concludes visit to Montenegro
29/03 12:00
29/03 11:51
28/03 18:41
Attica Region to channel 640 bln euros to services of vulnerable and disadvantaged groups
28/03 17:32
Greece to auction three-month T-bills on April 3, 2024 in a book entry form
28/03 15:46
Greece's Meteora Pyli Geopark added to UNESCO Global Geoparks network
28/03 14:44
IPTO announces framework agreement tender for undersea power cables in Greece
28/03 11:49
IOBE: Construction sector in Greece records robust growth and good prospects
26/03 23:51
St. Thomas Hellenic School honors 1821 and the Feast of the Annunciation in NJ
26/03 21:59
PM at Economic Club of Canada: Greece is an attractive investment destination
26/03 17:56
Greek State budget primary balance reaches a surplus of 3,378 million euros
26/03 11:45
Ancient Messene to get upgraded visitors' facilities after approval by Council
23/03 17:43
New requirements for 'Golden Visa' program to kick in on March 31
23/03 16:49
Athenians continue to head out of the Greek Capital for March 25 long weekend
23/03 16:47
Greek Parliament lights to be turned off for Earth Hour 8:30-9:30 pm
22/03 21:54
US President on Greek Independence Day: Alliance with Greece stronger than ever
22/03 19:51
High diplomacy and geopolitics at Delphi Economic Forum IX in Greece
22/03 19:32
Tax authorities enable payments with foreign bank cards in Greece
Visa entry express now available on five more Greek islands for Turkish citizens
May Day strikes in Greece: Public transportation disruptions and Syntagma Metro station closure
Greece opens another five Aegean Islands to Turkish visitors fast-track visas
Minister launches dynamic plan to boost Greece's relations with other countries
Athens transportation schedules over 2024 Greek Easter holidays announced
Aegean and Olympic Air to fly 'Holy Light' from Athens to the rest of Greece
Aegean Airlines to distribute dividend for the first time after four years
Hellenic Police launches 10201, a 24-hour hotline for protection of minors in Greece
Euro 2004 Legends play FootGolf at Porto Carras Pro-Am Aegean Mini Tour
Annual Summit of Women Political Leaders (WPL) to be held in Athens in April
Minister of National Economy: The environment in Greece is friendly for investments
Greek capital of Athens among top-10 most beautiful cities for the second time
Greek supermarkets record rise in value and decline in volume of FMCG sales
Greek Deputy Transport Minister flies in first test seaplane flight from Lavrio port
President of Hellenic Republic visits La Chascona Museum in visit to Chile
French defense company signs deals in Athens with Greek electronics and drones firms
Sophia, most famous humanoid AI robot, tours Greek capital of Athens
Tourism Minister stresses importance of strong relationship of Greece with Serbia
Sector chiefs report: Good news for Greek tourism in 2024 at ITB Berlin
Deadline for submiting your film and your project to the Los Angeles Greek Film Festival
Deadline to file taxes is extended in Greece to July 31 by Finance Ministry
Flights to and from Heraklion airport in Crete resume on Saturday
PM at Axia discussion: Greece offering great investment opportunities in 2023