What to do · Hydra
Climb to the Prophet Elias monastery
Information
- Duration
- 3 h
- Season
- October – May; in summer only very early
- Who it's for
- Good fitness; lots of stairs
The most demanding route on the island: from the harbour you climb the town's stepped streets and continue on a cobbled and then earth path, in zigzags, to the Prophet Elias monastery, at the top of the ridge that overlooks the town. It is about 500 metres of ascent and around an hour and a half of climbing. At the top, the harbour looks like a model and, beyond, the gulf and the Peloponnese.
How to do it
Set out early, with plenty of water: there is no shade or reliable springs. It is an inhabited monastery: clothing that covers shoulders and knees, and respect the visiting hours. Go down carefully, as loose stones slip.
Tips
- Only in the cool In summer, at sunrise or not at all.
- Walking poles The descent is long and stony.
With teenagers
