Trekking in Hydra

Trekking in Hydra: Hydra is an amazing place to get in touch with nature. The ideal combination of flora, fauna, and rocky landscapes makes trekking in Hydra an enjoyable activity. The weather, which remains mild almost all over the year, is an advantage for trekkers. Trails on Hydra vary in difficulty, but they are well-marked with wooden signs. Carrying a map with you is always helpful.

As you walk along the paths, you will encounter a variety of trees, plants, and some flowers. You will see a lot of olive trees, thyme, pine trees, cypress trees, and many wildflowers. Apart from the flora, you will also come across a number of animals, such as donkeys, used by the locals for transportation, and goats and sheep, used for more domestic purposes. Birds, such as quails and partridges as well as other migratory birds, can also be found on the island.

The signposted routes hikers can follow are mentioned below. All trails start from the port of Hydra, at the point where the statue of Pavlos Koundouriotis stands. A map of the paths and an information board are situated there for the convenience of trekkers.

• Trail 1 - Prophet Elias Trail: Hydra Town - Monastery of Prophet Elias - Mount Eros

This trail leads visitors to the highest point of the island. After passing through Hydra Town, the route starts ascending. The Church of Agios Konstantinos stands at the highest point of Hydra Town and, after it, hikers will follow the cobbled street to the Monastery of Prophet Elias. Ascending even more will lead you to the peak of Eros (at 588 meters) and allow you to gaze at the most marvelous views of Hydra and the Myrtoan Sea.
Length: 4.5 km
Duration (without stops): 2 hours and 15 minutes

• Trail 2 - Agios Georgios Bisti Trail: Hydra Town - Kaminia - Vlichos - Episkopi - Church of Agios Georgios

This is one of the longest trails and crosses the island. The route again starts from Hydra Town and follows the northern coast of the island, getting walkers to quaint settlements (Kaminia, Vlichos, Plakes) and Palamida Bay. Then, the route heads south, to the village of Episkopi. The area between Episkopi and Bisti has lush vegetation and offers lovely views of the island's coastline. The trail ends at Bisti, a picturesque cove on the western side of Hydra, where the small church of Agios Georgios is built. From Bisti, visitors can take a water taxi to return to Hydra Town.
Length: 12.5 km
Duration (without stops): 4 hours and 40 minutes

• Trail 3 - Zourvas Trail: Hydra Town - Monastery of Zourvas - Lighthouse of Zourvas

This trail is equally long as Trail 2 but crosses the eastern part of Hydra. After getting out of the island's capital, the path starts ascending. Hikers will reach the Monastery of Agios Nikolaos at some point, yet, while walking, they will also be able to see the Monastery of Agia Triada and the Monastery of Agia Matrona first. The next stop is the Monastery of Zourvas and, until getting there, individuals will observe some sections full of oak trees and cedars. The last stop of the trail is the stone lighthouse of Zourvas, which sits amidst a bare setting above the sea.
Length: 12.5 km
Duration (without stops): 4 hours and 40 minutes

• Trail 4 - Mandraki Trail: Hydra Town - Mandraki - Church of Stavros

The fourth trail is the shortest one can follow. Starting from Hydra Town, hikers have to follow the coastal road to Mandraki until they find some stone steps leading to the small church of Stavros. From the chapel, a descending path offering lovely views of the port and the settlement gets walkers back to the town.
Length: 7 km
Duration (without stops): 2.5 hours