Evocative Hydra

The next day was blissfully unscheduled, so we leaned all the way into Hydra’s easy rhythm. We slept in, skipped the group walk, and wandered Hydra on our own, just the two of us. Scott and I meandered through narrow lanes, whitewashed buildings, and backroads, pausing often to admire the clever ramps built right into the stairs for donkey traffic. And for those unfamiliar, Hydra is pronounced “EE-thra”, not “HI-druh”. Here’s to learning as you go.

Just like Athens, kitties roamed the streets, weaving through our feet, while petals of blooming bougainvillea collected in the cobblestones like confetti.

There was a brief moment of friction in paradise when Scott realized that Google Maps doesn’t quite distinguish between roads, trails, and donkey thoroughfares the way it does back in the States. (Shocking, I know – on a Greek island, with no cars.)

Such is the reality of traveling for days on end with your partner. A little grouchiness can – and does – sneak in. Thankfully, it’s just as quick to dissolve when you’re surrounded by unparalleled beauty, irresistible charm, and promptly rewarded with excellent baked goods.

Vlychose Beach

Our target was Vlychos Beach, and upon arriving, as we crossed a little bridge – we ran straight into Camilla and Allan, coincidentally bound for the same spot! Clearly, good ideas travel fast.

Enalion’s was downright delicious. Crisp salads, a Greek-riffed hamburger, and perfectly tender grilled squid – exactly what the moment called for. We settled in for our seaside lunch with a view, a bit of shade, and warm, attentive service. Down on the beach, others from our group were happily sunning themselves on chaise loungers and swimming in the choppy sea. We let them bask while we lingered over lunch, breathing in the salty sea air and listening to the steady crash of waves in the background.

When finished, we claimed umbrella-shaded loungers and spent the afternoon swimming, napping, and doing absolutely nothing.

Eventually, we packed up and followed the coastline back together, happy, sun-soaked, and thoroughly content.

We regrouped at our pension for happy hour – offering us time to learn about everyone’s day. It was a fantastic island experience, despite the grumpy proprietor repeatedly shooing us out of the sidewalk in front of her home, convinced the donkeys were about to mow us down. Lost in translation? Probably. Entertaining? Definitely!

It was time for dinner, so we all drifted off to various dining establishments throughout the island.

We closed out our unforgettable day with dinner at Veranda, where the view was every bit as memorable as the meal. Kudos to the Rick Steve’s team for nailing the restaurant recommendations yet again!

We headed down the steep stairway back to our Pension – all smiles and laughter – well fed and fully adventured.

With the day happily behind us, we turned our thoughts to tomorrow: an early start, a ferry ride back to Athens, and one final epic day capped by our last dinner with Victor and new friends from the tour.