Don't step over the edge: By DanThe island of Hydra is situated approximately 44 nautical miles from the port of Piraeus in the south-west of the Gulf of Saronikos. The hills of the Peloponnese can be clearly seen across the Saronic Gulf to the north of the island. Hydra is about 23km long and at its widest point almost 5.5km. The total area is approximately 48km2.

The landscape is rocky with many hills, the highest being Eros at about 500m. In ancient times the island was well covered by pine-forest and had plenty of water, hence the name Hydra or Hydrea.

Hut: By DanUnfortunately during the period of Turkish occupation, thousands of trees were cut down for use in the construction of the Hydrain fleet. Thousands more were used as fuel. In the last 20 years, what little forest that was left, was destroyed by fire. Most of the fresh water wells have dried up. So the Hydra of today presents a very arid, rocky and barren vista.

All water consumed on the island today is ferried from the mainland by tanker.

Coast from the top: By Dan	Distant Peaks: By Dan