Boy on a Dolphin Statue | Hydra | The Enchanting Must-See Monument
Updated: Sep 15
Authors
George Papadellis | SG Head
with some good tips from AI
Hydra became a well-known island due to the 1960s film “Boy on a Dolphin” with Sofia Loren in the starring role. The residents of Hydra, in order to remember the movie, ordered and placed the statue near the port, just a short walk after the canons, at the west side. Other films shot on the island are “Girl with Black” (starring Ellie Lampeti) and “Phaedra” (starring Melina Merkouri, Anthony Perkins). This was followed by a wave of celebrities to the island like John Lennon, Leonard Cohen, Aristotelis Onassis, Maria Callas, Henry Miller.
Photo by: Vaggelis Vlahos, Boy on dolphin, CC BY-SA 3.0 GR
The Boy on a Dolphin statue is a mesmerizing piece of art. This stunning bronze sculpture has captured the hearts of countless tourists who have visited Hydra, and it remains a must-see destination for anyone traveling to Greece.
Boy on a Dolphin History
The statue was created by the famous Greek sculptor, Pikionis, in 1936.
Photo by: Iulco, Hydra3, CC BY-SA 4.0
It stands tall at the entrance of the harbor of Hydra Island, gazing out towards the sea, as if to symbolize the island's strong connection with the sea.
The Significance in Mythology
The statue of the Boy on a Dolphin is steeped in Greek mythology. In ancient Greek mythology, dolphins were revered as sacred creatures that were closely associated with the god of the sea, Poseidon.
The story goes that when the god Apollo fell in love with a mortal woman named Coronis, he sent a dolphin to deliver his messages to her. The dolphin succeeded in bringing the two together, and they had a son named Asclepius, who was known for his ability to heal the sick.
Visiting the Statue
Visiting the Boy on a Dolphin statue is a must-do activity for anyone traveling to Hydra Island. The statue is located at the entrance of the harbor, and it is easily accessible on foot from the town center.
Photo by: Kaethe17, Hydra-boy-and-the-dolphin-statue-2022, CC BY-SA 4.0
The best time to visit the statue is at sunset, when the sky is painted with beautiful hues of pink, orange, and gold. Visitors can take in the stunning views of the harbor and the sea, while basking in the warm glow of the setting sun.
Captivated by Charm
The Boy on a Dolphin statue is a beautiful representation of the strong connection between Hydra Island and the sea. Its enchanting presence has captivated the hearts of countless visitors, and it remains a must-see destination in Greece. The island's unique charm, combined with the statue's rich history and significance in Greek mythology, makes it a truly unforgettable experience for anyone fortunate enough to visit.
