Greece Review: Hydra and Nafplio

Aaya Anan

Hydra is one of the Saronic Islands south of Athens and can only be reached by boat. Cars and other motor vehicles are banned on the island, so the most popular ways to get around are by donkey or foot. To me, the fact that the entire island is walkable was a plus.

The first thing I did after arriving in Hydra was get something to eat. I went to Omilos Restaurant, and it was probably one of the best restaurants I have ever been to. The first thing you see when you walk in are sleek white tables and chairs, and the view... wow, the view. You can see the most amazing views of the Mediterranean; the sparkling blue sea, the Hydra architecture. Amazing.

The food is a whole different story as well. I ordered the Greek salad and lamb fillet, which were top-tier amazing. Every bite just kept me craving more. The Greek salad had the perfect ratio between feta cheese, tomatoes, and cucumbers. The lamb fillet was very juicy, and the sauce contributed a great flavor. My rating for Omilos Restaurant is 5/5: it is rare to find a restaurant with both the perfect vibe and fantastic food, and this restaurant did it for me.

After the amazing meal, I explored the island on foot. My favorite thing about Greece is how unique the architecture is, so lots of my day was spent admiring that. There are shops lined up throughout the whole island of Hydra in which I bought white pants that I ended up wearing in Nafplio a couple of days later.

Nafplio is a small historic town and definitely worth the visit. It has a backdrop of a beautiful castle and is the prettiest place to go during sunset.

A popular thing to do in Nafplio is to climb the Fortress of Palamidi (Palamidi Castle) but make sure you plan to do it between the hours of operation, 8am-8pm. I got there right after 8pm, and it was so devastating, so don't make the same mistake! From the top of the castle (999 steps up), you will see the most breathtaking panoramic view of the island.

Greece's stunning architecture, fascinating history, and rich culture make it so worth visiting!