Dokós

From Hydra it’s an hour by caique to Dokós, an islet named after the family of Hydriot captains who once owned it. It has been inhabited off and on since the late Neolithic period, and two families live on the island today; there’s a beach and excellent snorkelling in a pretty bay, often used by passing yachties.

In 1975, a shipwreck dated to 2700—2200 BC (Early Helladic II) – the oldest ever found, anywhere – was discovered by Peter Throckmorton of the Institute of Marine Archaeological Research, with its cargo of ceramics, including ‘sauce boats’ and amphora made just before the introduction of the potter’s wheel, and two stone anchors. Finds were taken to the museum in Spétses, where they were being restored.

Inland are ruins of the walls and towers of the Kástro, built in the 7th century and last used by Morosini. Quarries yield marmarópita, a hard grey and red marble, often used in building.