Dazzlingly whitewashed villas and houses with bright blue shutters and fiery red window box geraniums climb the hillsides sloping up from Hydra’s horseshoe-shaped harbour We’re stuck in a donkey jam.

Cars are banned on the Aegean island of Hydra, adding to a laid-back vibe that once attracted Sophia Loren and Leonard Cohen and continues to pull in creatives today.

How Collector Dakis Joannou Helped Turn Hydra into an Art World Destination Joannou tells Observer how he helped make the Greek island a post-Basel must-visit port of call for art world insiders.

Jarman’s connection with Hydra began 24 years ago when her mother brought her to the island on vacation, leading to a life-changing decision to make Hydra their permanent home.