{"id":1187,"date":"2012-02-19T18:51:21","date_gmt":"2012-02-19T17:51:21","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.islandwalking.com\/wordpress\/?page_id=1187"},"modified":"2026-02-19T15:44:59","modified_gmt":"2026-02-19T14:44:59","slug":"hydra","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.islandwalking.com\/wordpress\/greek-islands\/hydra\/","title":{"rendered":"Hydra"},"content":{"rendered":"

\u0384\u03a5\u03b4\u03c1\u03b1 – Argo-Saronic<\/h1>\n
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C<\/span>an you imagine what a Greek Island (or the world for that matter) would have been like without cars? Well, wonderful, if you ask me. And here is the proof, because cars are in fact banned from Hydra. No idiots on motorbikes either, because (you guessed it) there are no motorbikes! There are a couple of trucks (including a garbage truck) in town, but other than that land transport all over the island is done by donkeys etc. This also means that all the\u00a0old donkey trails that are so great for walking are also perfectly maintained, as they are in daily use. Perfect! This has given the island an exclusive and expensive reputation that at least in part is well deserved, but it is all well worth it.<\/p>\n

Selected walks:<\/b> For walks on Hydra take a look at HYDRA: DONKEY TRAILS, MONASTERIES, AND THE SEA THE SEA<\/a> (sic) by Janet McGiffin, referred to below as \/McGiffin\/. A good Anavasi (1:25000) hiking map exists (see above),\u00a0referred to below as \/Anavasi\/. Mine is a bit too old (2007 edition), beware that on\u00a0editions that old some of the route\u00a0tracing is slightly off at points, and even important links missing. An updated version (with more walks, now 5 “official” hiking routes that are also signposted in yellow) is posted in the harbour, where also the yellow walking signs start.<\/p>\n

\u20221\u00a0<\/span>HYDRA TOWN – EPISKOPI\u00a0(+ RETURN) (my total time 3h36; 589a 596d; net walking time 3h21, note that no\u00a0extra time for photography or longer rests is\u00a0included in the total time as it was rain\u00a0in the air): This is hike #3 in \/McGiffin\/, walk #2 in \/Anavasi\/.<\/p>\n

The walk is easy to find and follow, except that\u00a0more detail needed than is provided by \/McGiffin\/ at Kam\u00ednia. “Pick your way around the beached fishing boats…”. Walk down to the small harbour and ascend the concrete stairway at the other side. On top of the few stairs the path onwards begins.<\/p>\n

On your way back\u00a0you can use the “delightful return” in \/McGiffin\/ (see picture above) straight back to town (I think, keeping right) or down left to\u00a0Kam\u00ednia again (as I did).<\/p>\n

\"DSC01080\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\u20222\u00a0<\/span>MT. \u00c9RES\u00a0(my total time 3h26; 711a\u00a0707d; net walking time 2h48): This is walk #1 in \/Anavasi\/, a variation\u00a0of\u00a0hike #1 in \/McGiffin\/.<\/p>\n

An absolutely wonderful walk, with extensive views. And not too tough, especially if you follow the shortest, most direct route.<\/p>\n

Basically disregard all instructions given, they are not needed, or\u00a0even confusing. Just follow the official marking (also red or orange dots and arrows). The only place you need to be aware is where the stone trail\u00a0eventually forks into\u00a0Profitis Ilias (left) and St. Efpraxia +\u00a0Profitis Ilias (right). If you have no intention of spending time at the monastery go RIGHT here. At\u00a0St. Efpraxia go through a wide gate and in a few meters take the path out LEFT\u00a0(to\u00a0Profitis Ilias again), but almost immediately fork right on the signposted path to “Mt. Eros”.<\/p>\n

\"DSC01095\"<\/a><\/p>\n

\u20223\u00a0<\/span>HYDRA TOWN – STAVROS – MANDRAKI – HYDRA TOWN (my total time 2h38; 369a\u00a0364d; net walking time 1h49): This is walk #4 in \/Anavasi\/.<\/p>\n

An easy walk in all respects, use the good map and follow waymarking where needed. The Mandraki castle might look interesting from a distance, but is actually not much to look at in reality. I will not blame you if you turn around at the pretty\u00a0taverna instead.<\/p>\n

\u2022\u00a0Good starting points:\u00a0\u2022 Hydra town – most accommodation is here, walks can be done straight out of town<\/p>\n

\u2022\u00a0How to get there:\u00a0\u2022 Excellent ferry\/hydrofoil connections from Piraeus’ Great Harbour<\/p>\n

\u2022\u00a0More info:\u00a0\u2022\u00a0<\/span>HYDRA: DONKEY TRAILS, MONASTERIES, AND THE SEA THE SEA<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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T<\/span>his page was last modified at February 19, 2026.<\/p>\n

\u00a92007-2026