Hydra Town is the charming capital of Hydra, a picturesque island in the Saronic Gulf. Hydra is famous for its rich history, its artistic community, and its car-free lifestyle. But it is also a great destination for shopping lovers, as it offers a variety of shops selling souvenirs, local products, jewellery, clothing, art, and more.
In this blog post, we will explore some of the best souvenirs and local products to buy in Hydra Town, and where to find them. Whether you are looking for something traditional, modern, or unique, you will surely find something that suits your taste and budget.
Souvenirs
If you want to bring home a piece of Hydra’s culture and history, you can choose from a range of souvenirs that reflect the island’s identity and heritage. Some of the most popular souvenirs are:
- Pottery: Hydra has a long tradition of pottery making, dating back to ancient times. You can find beautiful pottery items such as vases, plates, bowls, cups, and figurines in various shapes, colours, and designs. Some of the best places to buy pottery are Svoura (a shop that sells carefully curated ceramics from all over Greece) , The Hydra Trading Company (a shop that sells handmade pottery by local artists) , and The Pottery Workshop (a studio where you can watch the potters at work and buy their creations) .
- Embroideries: Hydra is also known for its exquisite embroideries, which are made by local women using traditional techniques and patterns. You can find embroideries on tablecloths, napkins, pillowcases, curtains, bags, and clothing. Some of the best places to buy embroideries are The Embroidery Shop (a shop that sells authentic Hydra embroideries made by the owner’s family) , The Lace Shop (a shop that sells lace and embroideries from Hydra and other parts of Greece) , and The Needlework Shop (a shop that sells embroideries and other needlework items) .
- Jewellery: Hydra has a reputation for its fine jewellery, which is inspired by ancient and filigree designs. You can find jewellery made of gold, silver, bronze, copper, or semiprecious stones in various styles and prices. Some of the best places to buy jewellery are Elena Votsi (a shop that sells original and bold jewellery designs by Hydra native Votsi, who is renowned for her work in New York and London) , Koulis (a shop that sells handmade jewellery by local artist Koulis) , and The Silver Shop (a shop that sells silver jewellery and accessories) .
Local products
If you want to taste some of Hydra’s delicious local products, you can choose from a range of food and drink items that are produced on the island or nearby. Some of the most popular local products are:
- Honey: Hydra is famous for its honey, which is produced by bees that feed on the aromatic herbs and flowers that grow on the island. The honey has a distinctive flavour and aroma, and it is used for cooking, baking, or as a natural remedy. You can find honey in various types and qualities in most grocery stores and markets in Hydra Town.
- Olive oil: Olive oil is another staple product of Hydra, as well as of Greece in general. The olive oil from Hydra is made from olives that are grown on the island or nearby areas, and it has a rich taste and colour. You can use olive oil for cooking, dressing salads, or dipping bread. You can find olive oil in bottles or cans in most grocery stores and markets in Hydra Town.
- Cheese: Cheese is another product that Hydra is proud of, as it has a long tradition of cheese making. The most famous cheese from Hydra is ladotyri (literally meaning “oil cheese”), which is a hard cheese that is preserved in olive oil. Ladotyri has a strong flavour and smell, and it is usually eaten with bread or crackers. You can also find other types of cheese from Hydra or nearby islands, such as feta, kefalotyri, manouri, or graviera. You can find cheese in most grocery stores and markets in Hydra Town.
- Wine: Wine is another product that Hydra is known for, as it has a history of wine making that dates back to ancient times. The wine from Hydra is made from grapes that are grown on the island or nearby areas, and it has a fruity and dry taste. You can find wine in various types and qualities, such as red, white, rose, or sparkling. You can also find other alcoholic beverages from Hydra or nearby islands, such as ouzo, tsipouro, or rakomelo. You can find wine and other drinks in most grocery stores, markets, and liquor stores in Hydra Town.
Conclusion
Hydra Town is a paradise for shopping lovers, as it offers a variety of shops selling souvenirs, local products, and more. You can find something for everyone and every occasion, whether you are looking for something traditional, modern, or unique. You can also enjoy the beautiful scenery and atmosphere of Hydra Town, as you stroll along the narrow streets and alleys, admiring the traditional houses and the boat-filled harbour. Hydra Town is a place that will enchant you with its charm and character, and make you want to come back again and again.
References:
- Hydra Shopping: Discover the Best shops | Greeka
- Shopping Hydra Town, Hydra – Lonely Planet
- Hydra Town travel – Lonely Planet | Greece, Europe
- The Hydra Trading Company (Hydra Town) – Tripadvisor
- The Pottery Workshop – HydraDirect
- The Embroidery Shop – HydraDirect
- The Lace Shop – HydraDirect
- The Needlework Shop – HydraDirect
- Koulis Jewellery – HydraDirect
- The Silver Shop – HydraDirect
