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Seeking Authenticity: A Journey to Hydra
When Nadia Romon from France selected Hydra for her getaway in Greece, her main goal was to experience genuine charm, far removed from the bustling summer crowds and the throngs of tourists.
This decision led her to forgo popular hotspots like Mykonos and Santorini.
“We wouldn’t find pleasure there! The sheer number of visitors and the accompanying stress would be overwhelming,” shared the 55-year-old traveler.
The Challenge of Finding Peace in Greece
As Greece re-emerges as a favored vacation destination, thanks to its stunning clear waters and a recovery from a decade-long financial crisis combined with the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, discovering a tranquil escape has become increasingly difficult.
Last year, despite facing severe wildfires and an extended heatwave, Greece welcomed a record-breaking 32.7 million international travelers—an unprecedented figure.
In a recent discussion with Agence France-Presse (AFP), Greece’s Tourism Minister, Olga Kefalogianni, mentioned that the year 2024 is already witnessing a notable rise in visitor numbers, indicating it could become another record-breaking year.
Striking a Balance
“We must strike a balance,” she emphasized, highlighting the necessity of weighing economic benefits against the environmental impact and the stress placed on local communities by the influx of tourists.
While observing beachgoers enjoying the turquoise waters of the Aegean Sea, Matei Paun, a 52-year-old Romanian traveler, remarked, “It’s quite a challenge to escape the crowds with so many visitors around.”
A Solution for Tranquility
A devoted admirer of Greece, Paun suggested a practical approach: choose islands that lack airports, such as Hydra, which is accessible via a 90-minute boat ride from Piraeus, the main port near Athens.
Concerns Over Overcrowding
Many shopkeepers on the island share the sentiments of their visitors, pointing to Mykonos and Santorini as prime examples of overcrowded destinations to avoid.
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Preserving the Charm of Hydra
“We need to uphold the sophistication of Hydra,” remarked Nikos Daglis, the 52-year-old proprietor of a local restaurant.
This car-free island is renowned for its elegance, a reputation enhanced by the many artists who have been enchanted by its beauty, including the iconic Canadian poet and musician, Leonard Cohen.
The Challenge of Overcrowding
However, with this allure comes increased prices and larger crowds. Hilda Eksian, the manager of the Phaedra Hotel, expressed her concern, stating that the current situation is “somewhat out of hand.”
At 68, she was shocked to discover room rates soaring to 1,600 euros (approximately $1,747) per night. She lamented the difficulty of finding a sunbed on the beach or a vacant table at restaurants during the previous summer.
Eksian emphasized that Hydra “cannot accommodate any more visitors,” urging the media to refrain from promoting the island, arguing it is “already more famous than necessary.”
Tourism Surge Post-Pandemic
Since the lifting of travel restrictions related to the pandemic, Hydra has experienced a significant influx of tourists, according to Harriet Jarman, a British resident who organizes horseback riding tours.
Having lived on the island for a decade, Jarman acknowledges that there seems to be little alternative to welcoming more visitors. “Tourism is our primary industry. Without it, what would we do?” she questioned.
Other Challenges Facing Greek Islands
Many Greek islands, after years of tourism, are grappling with additional challenges. These include issues such as water scarcity, pollution, waste management, and instances of poorly behaved tourists.
In June, a fire in one of the island’s limited forested zones was ignited by fireworks reportedly launched from a tourist boat, leading to widespread outrage both in Greece and internationally.
Diversifying Tourism Efforts
The Greek government is now working towards diversifying tourism beyond the traditional “sun and sea” offerings by promoting activities like diving and hiking.
Kefalogianni stated, “We are also focusing on highlighting less internationally recognized destinations,” particularly in mainland Greece.
Encouraging Off-Season Tourism
Another strategy involves enhancing tourism during the off-peak seasons, a more viable option now due to milder winters attributed to climate change.
By distributing tourist traffic more evenly throughout the year, the island hopes to maintain its unique charm while managing the challenges that come with increased popularity.
Enhancing Tourism in Greece Through Extended Seasons
Recent findings from the renowned Greek tourism organization SETE highlight that extending the tourism season could compensate for the decline in visitors during the summer months, particularly due to extreme heat and wildfires.
Hydra’s New Walking Trails
In a significant development, the island of Hydra has successfully established a network of hiking paths, created in partnership with the hiking co-operative Paths of Greece. This initiative aims to promote outdoor activities and attract nature enthusiasts.
Promoting Greece’s Scenic Beauty
According to Fivos Tsaravopoulos, the director of the hiking co-operative, these trails provide an excellent opportunity for Greece to exhibit its stunning natural landscapes and rich cultural heritage to travelers who value such experiences. Hiking not only fosters appreciation for the environment but also encourages sustainable tourism practices.
