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On my last trip to Hydra I didn't have time to venture far from the port, but this time I've a few evenings to wander and explore. Last night I turned right at the harbour entrance and followed the coastal road for 30 minutes to Mandraki Bay. I really missed Jake as I feel a bit odd strolling on my own, aimlessly stopping to take a photo or two. I wonder if there are any dog owners in Hydra with pooches in need of exercise.
I arrived puffed as the road goes up and down, to find a very small public beach with a few beach umbrellas that had seen better days and a taverna that looked like a set for Shirley Valentine. It made me determined to find out where the "Boy on a Dolphin" with Sophia Loren was filmed. The majority of the bay is part of the Mira Mare Hotel, which is open to non-residents but was staging a kids swimming contest with belting disco music so I didn't bother to stop. A brisk walk back clocked up a 90 minute walk and gave me license to enjoy a beer on the front.
The cliffs are quite steep and swimming places few, so it was sad to see this little bay littered with rubbish and people swimming and relaxing next to it. Hydra needs a rubbish boat like Bodrum's that goes around the bays collecting litter from the seashore.
Here's a quick blast of Sophia She really was stunning.
