Attica

Northeast Parnitha: Agios Merkourios, Paliomilesi, Xouliza, Vrokoli, Lakka Milias

Agios Merkourios Church, Northeast Parnitha, Greece

Mount Parnitha has been our source of convenient nature escapes for many years thanks to its proximity to Athens, and many times I thought this humble mountain couldn’t surprise us anymore. But then I came across a new trail leading us to yet another undiscovered corner of this beautiful mountain, and I realize there is […]

Northeast Parnitha: Agios Merkourios, Paliomilesi, Xouliza, Vrokoli, Lakka Milias Read More »

Tripia Spilia Cave & Tria Vrachia Hike (Mount Hymettus)

Tripia Spilia Hike, Athens, Greece

Tripia Spilia Cave, hidden on the southern slopes of Mount Hymettus above Terpsithea, is one of the best hiking destinations in Athens. Its sheer size and dramatic entrance make it well worth the effort, while its lovely mountainous surroundings guarantee a pleasant hiking experience What’s more, the beginning of the trail in Therpsithea is (somewhat)

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Northern Parnitha Hike: Limiko, Mavrorema, Agios Nikolaos

View from the tower of Limiko, Mount Parnitha

No matter how many times I have visited Mount Parnitha before or how much time I’ve already spent exploring this small Athenian mountain, it always manages to surprise me! This hike was no exception. We’ve hiked through northern Parnitha many times before, visiting the picturesque church of Agia Marina, the ancient tower of Limiko, or

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The pastures and meadows of Mount Parnitha: Mola, Limiko, Saloniki

The view from the tower of Limiko, Mount Parnitha

If you want to spend a quiet day at Mount Parnitha, far away from the crowds, this is the perfect hike for you. It passes through the unspoiled fir and pine forests of Northern Parnitha, its tranquil meadows, and the impressive stone-built tower of Limiko. We’ve already done this hike twice, in spring and autumn,

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Western Parnitha Hike: Fyli Spring, Bikeza, Goura Spring & Agia Paraskevi Church

Western Partnitha

For many years, Western Parnitha has been one of my favorite hiking destinations close to Athens for its beautiful nature and lack of crowds. Unfortunately, all changed in the summer of 2023 when Parntiha suffered from yet another monstrous wildfire. For three days, the fire raged uncontrollably through 60.500 acres of pristine forest, leaving nothing

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Dionysos Hike: Profitis Ilias, Agios Nikitas and Agios Loukas churches, Open-Air Marble Museum & Solinari Spring

A view of the Open Air Marble Museum at Mount Pentelicus, Greece

Mount Pentelicus is best known for its marble quarries, supplying the stone used to build many of the famous Athenian monuments since antiquity. But did you know it is an awesome place for hiking as well? The forested northern slopes of the mountain above Dionysos are the perfect destination for a quick afternoon trip from

Dionysos Hike: Profitis Ilias, Agios Nikitas and Agios Loukas churches, Open-Air Marble Museum & Solinari Spring Read More »

Exploring the archaeological site of Ancient Rhamnous in northeast Attica

The fortified city of ancient Rhamnous, Attica, Greece

Rhamnous was an ancient Greek city situated in northeast Attica, about 55 kilometers away from Athens. In antiquity, it was best known for the Sanctuary of Nemesis, the goddess of vengeance. Its strategic position on the east coast of Attica gave Ancient Rhamnous control over the ships passing through the Euboea Strait. Nowdays, the site

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Limiko Tower Hike: Paliochori, Diaselo Panos, Lakka Zireli, Limiko, Mavrorema, Drasiza

Limiko Tower, Parnitha, Greece

The area of Limiko at Western Parnitha is a popular destination for hikers, combining beautiful scenery with interesting historical sights. This time, we decided to hike to the tower of Limiko from Paliochori while exploring the wooded valleys around Lakka Zireli and Mavrorema and the old shepherds’ settlement at Drasiza. The trails we followed were

Limiko Tower Hike: Paliochori, Diaselo Panos, Lakka Zireli, Limiko, Mavrorema, Drasiza Read More »

Mount Kitheronas Hike: Vilia, Shelter of EOS Eleusina, Mikri Koryfi (1.358 meters)

View of Alkionides Gulf from Kitheronas in Greece

Mount Kitheronas in Western Attica has been on our radar for quite some time now but it took us a while to actually give it a try. Truth to be told, seeing the long silhouette of Kitherona and the neighbouring Pastra from a distance, tortured by rows of wind turbines and a maze of dirt

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Rainy hiking to the Stream of Goura at Western Parnitha

The stream of Goura, Parnitha

Update 8/2023: Another summer, another natural disaster. Another series of wildfires burning uncontrollably through the Greek countryside, destroying homes, forests and agricultural lands. Western Parnitha is only one of the many victims of this year’s devastating wildfires, but the loss of this green paradise on the outskirts of Athens hits harder. It is still impossible

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5 of the best parks, gardens & green spaces in the center of Athens

Acropolis of Athens at sunset, Greece

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

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Southern Hymettus Crossing: Kareas, Michailidis Memorial, Stavros Pass, Tripia Spilia Cave, Terpsithea

South Hymettus Crossing (2)

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 its visitors, from panoramic city views to impressive caves and gulches and ancient trails. Due to the lack of forests, the southern parts of Mount Hymettus

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Agios Georgios Keramidiou Hike at Mount Parnitha

Agios Georgios Church at Mount Parnitha

Update 8/2023: Another summer, another natural disaster. Another series of wildfires burning uncontrollably through the Greek countryside, destroying homes, forests, and agricultural lands. Western Parnitha is only one of the many victims of this year’s devastating wildfires but the loss of this green paradise on the outskirts of Athens hits harder. It is still impossible

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Fyli Fortress hike at Western Parnitha

Theodora Valley, Parnitha

Update 8/2023: Another summer, another natural disaster. Another series of wildfires burning uncontrollably through the Greek countryside, destroying homes, forests and agricultural lands. Western Parnitha is only one of the many victims of this year’s devastating wildfires but the loss of this green paradise on the outskirts of Athens hits harder. It is still impossible

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3 of the best beaches near Athens (by public transport)

The smaller of the two Kape Beaches

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

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Pan’s Cave Hike at Mount Parnitha

Pans Cave Hike, Mount Parnitha, Greece

Update 8/2023: Another summer, another natural disaster. Another series of wildfires burning uncontrollably through the Greek countryside, destroying homes, forests and agricultural lands. Western Parnitha is only one of the many victims of this year’s devastating wildfires, but the loss of this green paradise on the outskirts of Athens hits harder. It is still impossible

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