Οι καλύτερες διαδρομές και πεζοπορίες στα Σαρωνικά Νησιά

This monastery has a patron saint that is very unusual – at least in the Catholic and Protestant denominations. Almost always, the saints to whose protection a parish or monastic community is entrusted are biblical figures from the circle of Jesus or later generations. In Orthodox Christianity, however, we occasionally encounter as a patron saint – as is the case here – a prominent figure from the Old Testament, that is, the Hebrew Bible: the prophet Elijah. His position in the Jewish religion is so significant that he is also mentioned by the authors of the New Testament Gospels in their description of the Transfiguration of the Lord on Mount Tabor – together with Moses.

In addition to the island's main town, Hydra offers several scattered and remote monasteries, some of which are difficult to reach, and many bathing bays that can be reached either by public boat or taxi boat.

Real estate prices on Hydra are among the most expensive in the country. Cars are nonexistent here; everything is transported by donkeys and mules. Haydra Town is a protected monument, and the island itself is a nature reserve.

The island's main town stretches from the harbor pier up the mountain to a castle ruin. Tourism, along with fishing and arts and crafts, is now the main source of income for the population; agriculture plays a virtually non-existent role. During the summer months, the island can be very crowded, as many Athenians seek relaxation on the car-free island, especially on weekends.

Hydra is approximately 20.5 kilometers long and just under five kilometers wide. The very barren, infertile, and mountainous island reaches a height of 588 meters on Mount Eros. The north side of Hydra is built up and faces the Peloponnese. The east of the island is virtually uninhabited. Here, dense pine forest grows.

The island got its name when Hydra was still very water-rich and fertile. Today, the island depends on daily water ships.

Hydra is also a cultural treasure. The island has a long history and was an important port during the Greek Wars of Independence in the 19th century. Today, visitors can visit the island's Historical Archives, which houses many important documents and artifacts from that period. 09.11.2024

Stair trail