Hydra is built on the side of an amphitheatre and most of the roads are steep and stepped. So the ambulance is limited to the level streets in and around Hydra Town so it may be necessary for an injured person to be carried down to the ambulance on a stretcher. And the ambulance looks more like a golf cart rather than the large van with flashing lights that is normally ancticpated.

GavalasThere are two pharmacists on Hydra, both speak English fluently and are able to help you with advice for non-emergency treatment if you don't need to visit the hospital or doctor. They stock a wide range of medicines and medical supplies and are happy to translate instructions. It is possible to buy antibiotics from the pharmacies in Greece without prescription and if you know what you normally have in your home country, they are normally able to find the alternative brand name in Greek.

There is only one dental practice on Hydra. Our dentist is Mr Panayiotis Zervos. He is an excellent dentist who takes a lot of care and is very gentle. He hums snatches of classical music while he works! Mrs Zervos speaks English and can translate if necessary, surgery hours 9am – 1pm and 5pm – 8pm.  Approx. €45 Euros to make or replace a filling and the same to repair a broken tooth.

The doctor's surgery and first aid station is where you will find the general practitioners and paediatrician. Residents and visitors to the island will be treated. Some of the doctor's speak English and other languages fluently and there is normally someone to translate if necessary. This is a state run surgery so you will not be charged for visiting the doctor. However if you need treatment, stitches, drugs, or need specialist treatment, you will have to pay for such things unless you have insurance. Anti-biotics can be purchased from the chemists without perscription if you know what you need. If necessary you may be referred to the hospital for x-ray which you will have to pay for (costs about 20 euros) but whatever treatment, the consultation with the doctor is free of charge.

Fire is a major hazard on Hydra and there is no fire station on the island. Please dial 199 if it is not possible for you to deal with the fire yourself. There is a small fire truck but it's range is limited to the level roads along the coast either side of Hydra town and a few of the level streets to the back of the town. Any fires are tackled by locals, so if you discover a fire and it is small enough to safely tackle yourself, you should do so.

This is where you should go to report a stolen passport, or any other crime while you are on the island. Unfortunately very few of the police speak languages other than Greek although most have a few pleasantries in their vocabulary, so it is much better to find a Greek speaking person to call on your behalf. Better still visit the police station in person with your translator. There is a tendency for the phone to be put down on you if they don't understand what you are saying. Try to speak slowly and very clearly if you have to make a report.