Miaoulia 2026: the harbour burned bright again

For three days at the end of June, Hydra did what it does like nowhere else in Greece: it remembered. The Miaoulia — the island's annual celebration of Admiral Andreas Miaoulis, the Hydriot who commanded the Greek fleet in the War of Independence — filled the town with exhibitions, concerts and events from 26 to 28 June.

And then came the night everyone waits for: the re-enactment of the burning of the Ottoman flagship at the mouth of the harbour, fireworks pouring over the masts while thousands watched from the quays, the bastions and the rooftops. If you have seen it, you know. If you haven't — mark the last weekend of June 2027 now.

While you wait, walk the Kanonia bastions where the cannons still face the sea, or visit the Historical Archive Museum where the island's naval story lives year-round.