WHAT TO SEE IN HYDRA

The characteristic corners of Hydra, with their beautiful cobblestone streets and flower-adorned houses, complete the beauty and magic of the island, giving it its unique identity.

It is important to visit the island's Mansions—buildings over 200 years old. Notable among them are the mansions of Pavlos and Lazaros Kountouriotis, Tombazis, Tsamados, Kriezis, Voulgaris, and Boundouris.

You should also see the Bastions with their cannons, located to the right and left of the harbor, which once protected the settlement of Hydra.

Definitely visit the Historical Archive-Museum of Hydra, which operates daily and displays important museum relics, archival material, and a library with valuable editions.

Visit the Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary (17th century) and its Ecclesiastical and Byzantine Museum. Located right in the center of the harbor, it is the Cathedral of Hydra and is distinguished by the large clock on its tall bell tower, which announces major religious events.

Finally, you must visit the historic house of Lazaros Kountouriotis, which operates as a branch of the National Historical Museum; the house of Georgios Kountouriotis, which houses the Museum of Post-Byzantine Art and History of Hydra; the house of Iakovos Tombazis, which serves as a branch of the School of Fine Arts; and the "Melina Mercouri" Art and Concert Hall, which hosts works by famous artists throughout the year.

It is worth gazing at the harbor from the hill, admiring the sunset from the Periptero and Spilia, and visiting the 6 Monasteries and 300 Churches of the island.

Specifically, at an altitude of 500 meters in the Eros area, visit the twin Monasteries of Agia Eupraxia and Prophet Elias, where Kolokotronis and other freedom fighters were imprisoned in 1825. Also visit the Monasteries of Agia Triada, Agia Matrona, Agios Nikolaos, and the Monastery of Theotokos of Zourva on the easternmost part of the island.

Also, explore the Churches of Ypapanti and Ai-Giannis the Faster, featuring wonderful 18th-century frescoes and beautiful domes supported by marble arches.

Lastly, visit the Church of Agios Konstantinos of Hydra at the top of Kiafa hill, featuring wood carvings and a gilded iconostasis, built on the site of the Saint’s former home.