Hydra has 6 Monasteries and about 300 churches and chapels. Many of them are found in secluded and unspoiled landscapes and can be accessed only through idyllic footpaths. The most interesting monasteries and churches of Hydra are:

OUTSIDE HYDRA'S TOWN

- Agia Efpraxia (Dokou) & Prophitis Elias Moansteries: Prophitis Elias is the most famous monastery of Hydra. It was built in 1813 on the site of an older abandoned monastery. It is located at an altitude of 500 metres, on the slope of Mount Eros (Klimaki) and offers magnificent panoramic views of Hydra Town, Peloponese and the sea.

Agia Efpraxia was built in 1825. It lies close to Prophtis Elias and also offers nice views. The nine nuns that live there run a small embroidery workshop.

Both monasteries used to be jails during the Greek Revolution against the Ottomans. In these jails some of the Greek heores of the Revolution were inprisoned, amongst them Kolokotronis. The monasteries can be reached only through a path (apx 2hrs walk).

Directions: On the eastern side of Kimisi Church on the harbour, you will find a street that leads you to Lazaros Kountouriotis Mansion (18th century) and Ipapanti Church. The central road leads to "Kala Pigadia" area (Old Wells). Continuing uphill you will reach the old castle town (Kiafa). On the hill you will see the two churches of Agios Konstantinos of Hydra and Agios Ioannis Nisteftis. Further uphill you will reach the Monasteries of Prophitis Elias and Agia Efpraxia. 

- Agia Triada (Holy Trinity) Monastery was built in 1704 and has a simple and austere architecture. Today it has a few monks and the entrance is forbidden for women.

- Agia Matrona Monastery. On your road to Agia Triada you will see two paths. One leads to Agia Triada and the other to Agia Matrona.

- Agios Nikolaos (Saint Nicolas) Monastery. It is a Byzantine style monastery founded in 1724. It operates until today by a few nuns. It is found above Mandraki bay. 

- Virgin Mary of Zouvra Monastery: Zouvra Monastery is located on the north-east end of Hydra and is reached through a beautiful path (apx 2hrs walk). It was built in 1814 and offers stunning panoramic sea and land views. On the road to Zouvra monastery you will meet Agia Paraskevi, Prophitis Elias, Agios Georgios and other churches.

- Agios Mamas Curch: It is located on mountain Eros and can be reached only through a difficult walking path starting from Hydra's Town (1hr). However, it is one of the most thrilling routes on the island. Agios Mamas celebrates on the 2nd of September and the priest blesses the animals along with the people!

IN & AROUND HYDRA'S TOWN

- Church of Dormition (Assumption) - Kimisi Theotokou and the Byzantine and Ecclesiastic Museum are found on Hydra's port. For more details see separate listing.

- Ipapanti Church: It is a beautiful church with marble arches supporting its dome and notable wall paintings (19th century).

Directions: Starting from the eastern side of Kimisi Church you will find a street that will lead you to Lazaros Kountouriotis Mansion & Museum. Ipapanti lies next to the mansion.

- Agios Ioannis o Nisteftis (Saint John the Abstient) Church: It is one of the oldest churches in Hydra, dating from the 18th century. It lies on the top of the hill at the outskirts of Hydra's town, close to Agios Konstantinos and has a beautiful dome and wonderful wallpaintings.

Directions: From Ipapanti chrurch, you will see a central road that leads you to 'Kala Pigadia" area (Old Wells). Continuing uphill you will see the old castle town (Kiafa). On the hill you will see the churches of Agios Ioannis Nisteftis and Agios Konstantinos. Further uphill you will find the Monasteries of Prophotis Elias and Agia Efpraxia.