Hydra - Spetses. The Greek Islands That Sailed to Freedom: Greece travel guide 2026 (Travel to culture and landscape)

Do you want to discover the hidden landscapes, rich maritime history, and authentic character of two of Greece’s most celebrated islands—from an expert? This is the book for you! (Don’t forget to discover the other books in the series for even more travel inspiration!) You’ll quickly see that this is not just another Greek islands travel guide. Through a rich collection of photographs accompanied by concise historical and architectural explanations, this book takes you beyond the famous waterfronts of Hydra and Spetses. These two islands share a remarkable maritime past and a decisive role in the Greek War of Independence, yet each has a character entirely its own. On Hydra, stone mansions rise above a magnificent harbour, car-free paths lead through rugged landscapes, and historic monasteries recall a quieter side of island life. On Spetses, elegant neighbourhoods, pine-covered shores, and the traditional shipyards of the Old Harbor reveal an island shaped by seafaring, revolution, and reinvention. Among many wonders, you will explore: Hydra’s harbour town and the mansions of its great maritime families, whose fortunes and influence helped shape modern Greece Spetses Town, from lively Dapia to the atmospheric Old Harbor, with its distinctive architecture and enduring tradition of wooden boatbuilding Monuments associated with the Greek War of Independence, including sites connected with Hydra’s naval leaders and Laskarina Bouboulina Historic churches, monasteries, museums, and cultural institutions that illuminate the heritage of both islands Coastal paths, secluded coves, and lesser-known neighbourhoods that reveal the islands beyond their celebrated waterfronts The author holds a PhD in Architectural History from the National Technical University of Athens and a Master’s in Heritage Preservation from the École de Chaillot in Paris. He has been a professor at the University of the Peloponnese, where he taught these subjects, and is a passionate cultural hiker. His travel books—primarily about Greece—are written for you, the curious and culturally minded traveller. Structured as guided tours, they feature not only essential information but also memorable encounters, insightful commentary, and personal travel experiences to help you plan a journey that goes beyond the tourist clichés. Pick up your copy today by clicking the BUY NOW button at the top of this page!