Flambouri Refuge at Mount Parnitha is one of my favorite destinations for a quick nature escape from Athens. Even a brief trip by car for a plate of φασολαδα (bean soup) in this cozy mountain hut always feels like an adventure to me. But to really appreciate the warm, homey atmosphere of the refuge surrounded …
The 1.119 meters high Xerovouni summit is located at the eastern side of Mount Parnitha right above Tatoi forest. It is much more remote and peaceful than Tatoi yet equally beautiful and offers widespread views towards Athens, Penteli, Lake Marathon, and even the Euboean Gulf. Getting there, signposting, maps & difficulty To get to the …
The forest around Kaisariani Monastery on the western slopes of Mount Hymettus is one of the best places for an easy nature escape from Athens. Lying only about 30 minutes bus ride from Syntagma Square it is close enough to the city center but once you walk on its pretty forest trails you’ll feel miles …
3 of the best hikes around Kaisariani Monastery (Mount Hymettus) Read More »
Panaitoliko is one of the lesser-known Greek mountains tucked away on the border of Aetolia-Acarnania and Evrytania in Western Greece. It is equally beautiful as its more famous northern neighbors, Kaliakouda, Chelidona, or Velouchy, but even more remote and peaceful. We joined a local mountaineering club for our adventure at Panaitoliko and even though I …
Autumn hiking at Panaitoliko: Peristeri – Koka – Katelanos – Kato Lampiri Read More »
At 2.407 meters, Mount Taygetost is the highest mountain in Peloponnese and a personal favorite of mine. Named after the nymph Taygete and devoted to the god of Sun, Helios, Taygetos is destined to provide a mystical experience. But it is the peace and quiet of the mountain, disturbed only by an occasional distant sound …
Mount Geraneia is a 30 kilometers long mountain range covering eastern Corinthia and part of Western Attica. With its highest peak, Makryplagi, reaching an altitude of only 1.351 meters, it doesn’t seem particularly impressive from distance. But step on one of its lovely mountain trails and you’ll be taken to an unexpected paradise of shady …
Hiking on Mount Geraneia: From Pisia to Pintiza Peak and Petra Perachoras Read More »
Apart from the well-known ancient sights and museums, Athens may seem like a concert jungle overflowed by traffic jams and shabby apartment buildings. But when you look closer, you’ll discover many beautiful parks and gardens in the center of the city offering an easy escape from the urban hustle. But don’t expect to see anything …
5 of the best parks, gardens & green spaces in the center of Athens Read More »
From a distance, the bare southern slopes of Mount Hymettus may not look like the most interesting place for hiking. But up close, southern Hymettus has plenty to offer to its visitors from panoramic city views, impressive caves and gulches, and ancient trails. Due to the lack of forests, the southern parts of Mount Hymettus …
Hiking is probably not the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about Athens or Greece as a whole. Thanks to its beautiful coastline, charming islands, never-ending sunshine and delicious cuisine Greece become the synonym of relaxed summer holidays. But with around 70 percent of its surface covered with mountains and hundreds of kilometres …
10 of the best hikes near Athens (by public transport) Read More »
The ascent from Amygdaleza to Agios Georgios Keramidiou was one of the prettiest hikes I’ve done on Mount Parnitha and one I would happily repeat in the future. It is not particularly challenging or long but offers beautiful scenery, plenty of shade and two refreshing springs along the way. It was especially beautiful during the …
Agios Georgios Keramidiou Hike at Mount Parnitha Read More »
Greece is well established as the land of thousand islands, uncountable beaches and never-ending sunshine. But did you know it is a paradise for waterfall chasers as well!? The mountainous Greek mainland is riddled by hundreds of gorges with bubbling streams running through its bottom creating a myriad of pools, cascades, and waterfalls. Some of …
The Messinia region in southern Peloponnese is an ideal holiday destination for anyone looking for more than just a lovely beach. Don’t get me wrong, the coast of Messinia is stunning and its long sandy beaches are among the best in Greece but there is so much more! From impressive medieval castles and charming towns …
Best of Messinia: Beaches, castles, waterfalls and the best olive oil in the world Read More »
Ever since the first time I set eye on the stunning landscape of Meteora during a road trip through Northern Greece I knew I had to come back for a thorough exploration. The time come a couple of years later when my sister, avid hiker and rock climber, come to visit with a wish list …
What is it like to visit Greece in the winter? Does it snow in Greece? Are there any ski resorts in Greece? Have you ever asked your self any of these questions? Or did you live in the blissful ignorance of thinking that Greece only consists of sea, beaches and neverending sunshine? I know I …
19 snowy photos that will inspire you to visit Greece in winter Read More »
The trail through the Vouraikos Gorge in Northern Peloponnese was without exaggeration one of the best hikes I have done here in Greece. Not only it passes through some truly stunning landscape but the only way through the gorge leads on the rails of a functioning rack railway of the Odontotos train. It connects Diakopto …
Hiking through the Vouraikos Gorge: Odontotos Rack Railway Read More »
Climbing Mount Olympus is a must for any self-respected mountain lover visiting Greece. Being the mythological seat of the Olympian Gods makes it one of the most iconic mountains in the world but that’s not all. With its 2.918 meters, it is the highest mountain in Greece and the second-highest on the Balkans. It become …
Climbing Mount Olympus: Enipeas Gorge, Spilios Agapitos Refuge and the summits Read More »
Agistri is the perfect destination for an easy day trip from Athens. Thanks to its clean sea, beautiful beaches and lush pine forests it is an awesome place for relaxing island break. But Agistri has plenty to offer to the adventurous folk as well, from kayak tours to motorboat or bike rentals and horse riding. …
Thanks to its close proximity to Athens and abundance of stunning beaches South Evia is the perfect destination for easy, laid back summer getaway. But in reality, it is mostly overlooked by foreign visitors choosing the picturesque yet painfully overcrowded Cycladic islands instead. To be completely honest, the southernmost part of Greece’s second-largest island didn’t …
One of the best hiking trails at Mount Parnitha hides at the western side of the mountain far away from Parnitha’s infamous casino, gondola, and masses of visitors. It starts at the small suburban town called Fyli and climbs through the lush green valley of Theodora to the Fortress of Fyli, one of the most …
Lying only an hour away from Athens, Agistri is a perfect destination for a quick island getaway. But it’s not just the close proximity to the Greek capital that makes Agistri worth a visit. With a coast filled with beautiful beaches, crystal clear sea and sweet-scented pine forest covering most of the island, Agistri can …
Weekend in Agistri: beaches, hiking & sightseeing Read More »
If you are looking for an easy day trip from Athens or even just an afternoon away from the city Vravrona is an ideal choice. Its main attraction, the Temple of Artemis of Brauron, is on its own worth the trip but there is more to see around. Vravrona lies in a lush green valley …
Day trip to Vravrona from Athens: archaeological site and wetlands Read More »
Ever since I started planning our winter trip to Santorini I knew I want to hike the Caldera Trail from Fira to Oia. It seemed like the perfect way to explore the most remarkable villages of the island while enjoying the striking scenery of Santorini’s caldera, all in one day. And it was even better …
Hiking the Caldera Trail from Fira to Oia in Santorini Read More »
Snow-capped mountains are probably not the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about the Greek capital, Athens. But it does snow around here almost every winter and when the time comes, a short trip to one of the mountains surrounding the city can be a magical experience and true winter wonderland. Mount Parnitha …
Tatoi Royal Estate is the perfect place for a quick and easy afternoon trip from Athens. It lies in a beautiful forested area at the foothills of Mount Parnitha at the northern edge of the Greek capital. Even in a less than ideal weather conditions, when the top of the mountain hides in thick clouds, …
Hiking at the Tatoi Royal Estate (Mount Parnitha) Read More »
Mount Kyllini or Ziria is the perfect destination for a day trip from Athens full of hiking, nature and stunning mountain views. The drive from Athens took us only little over two hours but hiking through the tranquil countryside of Mount Kyllini we felt worlds apart from the busy and loud Greek capital. Mount Kyllini …
Even with only a couple of hours to spare in the area of Gialova, the hike to the Old Navarino Castle is a must. This easy 2-hour hike will take you through some truly stunning scenery including two of the most beautiful beaches of the area, Voidokoilia and Chrisi Akti, the lagoon of Gialova bursting …
How to hike to the Old Navarino Castle near Gialova (Messinia) Read More »
Tzoumerka was love at a first sight for me! Even though our first two encounters were brief, driving through the mountains on our way elsewhere, I always knew I have to come back one day to climb one of its majestic peaks. Thanks to its remoteness and almost non-existing infrastructure it took me longer then …
Tzoumerka: Stroggoula (2.112 m) ascent, canyoning at Syrrako and more Read More »
Mount Pelion is not the tallest of the Greek mountains nor the most remote but it’s definitely one of the prettiest. Lying on a small hook-like peninsula between the Pagasetic Gulf and the Aegean Sea it offers both amazing sea views and a cost full of beautiful beaches and coves. But it is the mountain …
Adventure weekend in Pelion: Hiking, Via Ferrata, Canyoning Read More »
I’ll be honest, the Athenian beaches are not my favorite. After living in Greece for nine years I’ve been to some truly spectacular places with crystal clear, turquoise sea and fine, white sand (my beloved combination) so the “Athens Riviera” just doesn’t cut it for me anymore. It is too busy, not particularly clean and full …
3 of the best beaches near Athens (by public transport) Read More »
Are you looking for a great hike close to Athens? Would you like to spend a day wandering through a peaceful countryside of rolling hills and meadows in full bloom discovering charming little churches along the way? Do you feel like you have exhausted the hiking options of Parnitha National Park walking on the southern slopes …
Corinth is one of the best destinations for a day trip from Athens. Lying only about an hour away from Athens it is very easy to reach but that’s definitely not the only reason why you should visit. From the impressive fortress of Acrocorinth to the Ancient Corinth and the world-famous Corinth Canal there is …
Day trip from Athens: Ancient Corinth, Acrocorinth and the Corinth Canal Read More »
Vasilitsa is a mountain range in Northern Pindos, around 45 km far away from Grevena and 80 km from Konitsa. Valia Kalda National Park, one of my absolute favorite places in Greece, lies just a stone throw away to the south and the charming Zagorochoria and Mount Tymfi to the west. It is a region of …
Yes, you CAN ski in Greece and it’s awesome! Even though Greece is better known as a summer destination it is actually mostly mountainous country and gets a lot of snow during the winter. There are more than 20 ski resorts scattered across the country and literary endless opportunities for those who don’t need lifts …
Parnassos Ski Center: The best skiing near Athens Read More »
Santorini is one of the best known Greek islands and a popular holiday destination. It belongs to the Cyclades archipelago and if it wasn’t for the volcano it would have the classic Cycladic look of barren, oregano-clad hills and picturesque whitewashed villages. But an ancient volcanic eruption transformed it into something completely different. The center …
How to spend an awesome weekend in Santorini in winter Read More »
For a long time, Elefsina has been just a highway sign for me and there is a good reason for it. Elefsina and her surroundings are high on my list of the ugliest places in Greece (Ptolemaida still keeping the win). Between the dirty seaside full of abandoned buildings and decaying ships, the shabby town …
The Schinias Bay on the eastern coast of Attica is well known among the Athenians. Its beautiful long sandy beach is probably the best in such close proximity to the Greek capital and is a popular day-trip destination during the long Mediterranean summer. However, Schinias is so much more than just a pretty seaside. The …
Over the last couple of years, the region of Loutraki Perachora has become one of my favorite day trip destinations from Athens. For its tiny size, it has a lot to offer and it takes just around one hour by car to reach its capital, Loutraki. Loutraki Perachora Peninsula Loutraki Perachora peninsula is an obvious …
7 beautiful places to see on your Loutraki Perachora road trip Read More »
Mount Pentelicus is the smallest of the Athenian mountains and one that never really piqued my interest. I’ve visited its most famous site, the impressive Daveli cave, during a road trip many years ago but that was it. Seeing the bare slopes of the mountain every day from our beautifully green Mount Hymettus didn’t help …
Aegina may not be one of the most exciting Greek islands. Its close proximity to the Greek capital and the lack of stunning beaches or charming whitewashed villages make it seem ordinary and even boring. However, there is plenty to see across the inland of this pine-clad island and with a little bit of effort …
Hiking from Paleochora to the Temple of Aphaea in Aegina Read More »
Astypalea is one of the lesser-known Greek islands or at least it was for me. Up until recently, the only image I had in my mind of Astypalea was a photograph of the main village or Chora, cluster of whitewashed houses spreading over a hilltop by the sea and crowned by an impressive castle. I …
Having a house near Pylos and coming every summer for the past 8 years means that up until now we have pretty much exhausted all the main tourist attractions of Messinia. But the best thing about this beautiful region in southern Peloponnese is that there are always new places to discover even after so many …
The waterfalls of Nemouta are a fairy-tale beautiful place. Our visit was cut short by a massive thunderstorm soaking the forest and enraging the rivers and streams. But I was so impressed with the little I’ve seen that I decided to write this post anyway. The waterfalls of Nemouta are not very well known and …
Messinia is a land of hidden waterfalls. Even though nothing indicates their presence from a distance in this region of olive orchards and melon fields they are there and they are beautiful. The most famous is probably the stunning waterfalls of Neda while my all-time favorite is the lush green Polilimnio. However, there are others, lesser-known, …
I heard a lot about the Karpenisi area and had high hopes for this mountainous region but it still managed to surpass all my expectations. The beautiful mountains, lucid rivers and streams and charming villages clinging to the hillsides stole my heart from the first moment. Even just one short weekend is enough to get …
Exploring Karpenisi: Proussos Monastery, Mavri Spilia and Mount Kaliakouda Read More »
Mount Parnitha is my go-to destination for an easy escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. It lies close enough to Athens to be reached by public transport but there are corners of the mountain that feel very far away. Many hiking trails crisscross the slopes of the mountain and there are two …
Mount Parnassos is one of the few Greek mountains that doesn’t need much introduction. It is a well-known winter destination thanks to its modern ski-resort and the close-by trendy town of Arachova. But there are other corners of Mount Parnassos where nature still has the upper hand. The Velitsa Gorge (or Kachala) just outside of …
Easter is undoubtedly one of the most important celebrations for almost every Greek. It is no surprise in a country where around 95 % of people avow to Greek Orthodoxy. But Easter is not just a major Christian holiday for the locals. It’s a welcome opportunity to return to the hometown for a couple of …
The ancient city of Delphi is without a doubt one of the most famous archeologic sites in Greece. Everyone I know living in Greece has visited Delphi at one point or another. Equally, anyone planning holidays in Greece has stumbled upon at least one photo of the characteristic columns of the Tholos of Delphi. But …
Ancient paths of Delphi: Hiking to the Corycian Cave Read More »
Ano Doliana is a small, quiet village lying on the northern foothills of Mt.Parnonas in Arcadia. It lies in a region full of rounded hills, bubbling streams, orchards, and fields. It’s not the kind of place which I would usually make the final destination of my trip. Nor would I give it a second glance …
This little hike to the Trypia Cave at southern Hymettus was a pleasant surprise for me. I’ve been eyeing the hills above the southern suburbs of Athens for a while now but I didn’t expect much more than some pretty sea vistas. However, a few hundred meters above the last houses of Terpsithea neighborhood of …
The Cape of Sounio is one of the most popular spots for a day trip from Athens. It’s often visited by both the Athenians and the foreign tourists, especially in the summer. There are some nice beaches around the cape but the main attraction is the ancient Temple of Poseidon. The ancient temple built at …
Whenever I feel like hiking but don’t want to travel too far away I head to Mt. Hymettus. Living in the Kaisariani neighborhood of Athens at the foothills of western Hymettus this means a 5-minute drive or 30-minute walk to get to the entrance of the forest park. The area around Kaisariani monastery is definitely the …
When driving from Kalamata to the Mani peninsula the road climbs high up on the western slopes of the Mt.Taygetos before dropping down to Kardamili Town. If you ever find yourself in this part of the road and have some time to spare make a detour and visit the amazing Ridomo Gorge. The Ridomo gorge …
One of my favorite things to do when visiting the coast of Messinia is renting a boat from the port of Pylos port and spending a day exploring Navarino Bay. Navarino Bay is a special place both historically and naturally. It’s sheltered from the Ionian Sea by the long Sfaktiria island and looks like one …
Day tour around the Navarino Bay (by rental boat) Read More »
Every year as the temperatures start rising and the heat in Athens slowly becomes unbearable I start dreaming about the shady forested valleys of Northern Greece. This year the lot fell on the Zagori region north of Ioannina best known for its traditional stone villages (Zagorochoria) and the stunning Vikos Gorge. With 46 villages, 45 …
Mount Tymfi & Zagorochoria: 5-day hiking trip from Athens Read More »
A few years ago we were given an opportunity to run a bar on a small Cycladic island called Folegandros for the summer season. We’ve never been to Folegandros before so we went to check it out in the middle of February to see what we are signing up for and we fell in love. …
I have been living in Greece for almost seven years but until now I never even heard about the Diomedes Botanic Gardens. The gardens lie in the Chaidari neighborhood in the western part of Athens and are easily accessible by public transport. To get there take the blue line of the metro to Agia Marina …
Vytina is a small town on the slopes of the Menalo mountain range around 40 kilometers from Tripoli. At the altitude of around 1000 meters, it is one of the highest placed villages in Greece. It’s slightly shabby stone houses, the mountain view and a good food make Vytina interesting enough on its own but …
Marathon is a sleepy agricultural town in the north-east Attica that comes alive once a year for the classic Marathon race. It’s also a good starting point for exploring the Schinias National Park and the hills around Marathon through one of the newly marked trails. We choose the 8 km long trail no.4 passing through …
The hike to Pan’s Cave is one of my favorite walks at Mt.Parnitha. Even when the rest of the mountain teems with day-trippers from Athens the area around Fili stays quiet and peaceful. Except for few climbers trying to vanquish the high cliffs at Alogopetra outside of Fyli we met almost no one. The Pan’s …
Last year I finally managed to talk my boyfriend into taking the road trip around the south of Peloponnese. This was my dream for ages but it needs time and at least some money and we never had both at the same time. In the end, we drove around 1400 km and it took us …
Last May, my friend Lucka was taking her friend to her summer-house in the North Evia. She didn’t want to drive back alone so she asked me to come with her to keep her company. I’m always happy to go on a road trip so I took a couple of days off and we left. …
Hydra is the perfect island for a weekend getaway from Athens. The speedboat ride from Athens to this small Saronic island takes just around 2 hours. What’s more, it is one of the most picturesque islands I got to visit here in Greece. It’s exactly the way you imagine a Greek island! The narrow cobbled …
The Valia Kalda National Park is one of the most beautiful, remote and unspoiled places I have seen here in Greece. After climbing Mount Olympus I just wanted to lie in a hammock for a week and relax and there is no better place to do so. Valia Kalda is located in the northern part …
