The island was a favourite retreat for celebreties (Image: Getty)
is a one of the most popular destinations for tourists travelling to Europe, attracting a record 36 million last year.
The country’s idyllic islands are a huge draw to visitors from all around the world, with and Mykonos some of the best known.
Another jewel in the crown is the quaint island of Hydra, a favourite haunt of some of the world’s most famous celebrities.
Located in the Saronic Gulf and not far from , Hydra was a retreat for the singers Leonard Cohen and Maria Callas, as well as for Pablo Picasso and the Italian actress Sophia Loren.
Donkeys are the main form of transport on the island (Image: Getty)
The island is full of elegant mansions, many of which were the homes to local fighters in the War for Independence in 1821.
Narrow alleyways criss-cross the island, which also boasts around 300 churches and six monasteries.
The town is built in a semicircular pattern around the harbour, where small fishing and tourist boats, as well as cruise ships dock.
Imposing stone-built residences rise like fortresses against the rocky landscape, adding to the town’s grandeur.
A great place to get a panoramic view of the island and Gulf is from the 600-metre high Mount Eros.
A aerial view of the Greek island of Hydra (Image: Getty)
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The path to the summit leads past the beautiful church of Agios Konstantinos Ydraios and the monastery of Prophet Elias.
Hydra has often featured in many films, including Tony Richardson’s The Sailor From Gibraltar, shot on location in Piraeus.
Perhaps the most unusual feature of the island is its lack of vehicles and even bicycles.
Thanks to a 1950s presidential decree intended to preserve the island’s architecture and character, no wheeled vehicles are allowed.
Transport is provided by donkeys that can often be seen laden with goods, making their way up the steep steps and narrow alleyways.
However like many , Hydra is also beginning to suffer from overtourism, despite the high prices that could be found in certain areas.
Hilda Eksian, a manager of the Phaedra Hotel, told the that the situation was getting “a little out of control”.
She said room prices were going for €1,600 (£1,320) a night and that it was becoming almost impossible to find a deckchair on the beach or a free table at a restaurant.