We got to Hydra from Port Rafini after 2 1/2 hour Ferry ride.  Hydra is unique because it's a small island away from the other islands and cars, except municipal vehicles, are banned on the island.  There are only a couple ways to get around the island; walk, water taxis, and donkeys (some horses as well).  There are only about 2500 year round residents and they mainly live off of tourism.  Though all the islands we went to on this trip were amazing Hydra was the best.  The laid back feeling, walking everywhere, hitting multiple beaches  each day, made this awesome.  Not to even mention the food which was incredible.  Our first night in Hydra we walked around the main square of the town and settled on Ostria Cafe.  The server, one of the owners, along with her husband the chef, sat us right by the main door and gave us xeroxed hand written menus.  When we asked about the fish of the day she brought us into the kitchen for the chef to show off what he caught for the day.  Everything about the meal was amazing, from the dekos salad (a greek salad with barley bread that soaks up the flavor), to the 1/2 portion of cuttlefish (all they had left on the day) we were impressed across the board.  The snapper was perfectly cooked and the marinated octopus was exceptional.  For lunch the next day we went to Yamas, a local gyro restaurant that was recommended to my sister in law by one of her co-workers, which was great.  The gyros were flavorful and it was a perfect light bite. Later on in the day we were walking from one the beaches on the far side of the island (only about a 20 minute walk from coast to coast) and we stopped by Taverna Marina.  A gem of a restaurant, had we more time we would have gone back for a more traditional meal, and had a couple of light but tasty appetizers.  For dinner that night we went to Kodylenia, a restaurant owned by our air b&b providers, and had yet another amazing meal.  The fisherman's salad was different as it was loaded with poached seafood, lettuce, and capers.  The pasticcio and the calamari were also incredible, but what stood out was the shrimp saganaki.  The head on shrimp braised in tomatoes and feta was superb.  They sent us complimentary tiramisu at the end of the meal and we left happy and full.  Before boarding the ferry the next day we waited at Pirate Bar and had some fresh melon and coffees.  I strongly recommend taking the time to visit Hydra if you have the chance.

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