Hydra-Spetses: Greek Gov Clamps Down on Vehicles to Protect Character of Islands

In a bid to keep two of Greece’s most cherished islands free of traffic-clutter and exhaust fumes, senior officials convened at the Maximos Mansion last night and agreed on tighter controls for every wheel that rolls on Hydra and Spetses.

The meeting brought together Culture Minister Lina Mendoni, Attica Governor Nikos Hardalias, Minister of State Akis Skertsos and a clutch of police, coast-guard and municipal leaders, each determined to safeguard what makes the Saronic pair special.

Hydra, long celebrated for its stone mansions, donkey lanes and total absence of cars, will see its existing ban on wheeled vehicles policed far more aggressively. Although the legal framework is already watertight—every bicycle and delivery cart technically requires a licence from the Ministry of Culture—officials admitted enforcement has not always kept pace. From now on, a live, online register will display every permitted vehicle, giving residents and visitors a transparent snapshot of who is allowed to move what. A dedicated hotline at both the Hellenic Police and Coast Guard will let islanders report rogue vehicles in real time, prompting immediate spot checks.