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, […]
The pastures and meadows of Mount Parnitha: Mola, Limiko, Saloniki Read More »
The volcanic peninsula of Methana has been on my bucket list for quite some time now because of its unusual mountainous landscape, wide network of hiking trails, and relative lack of tourism. When we finally managed to visit Methana this spring, I wasn’t disappointed – quite the opposite, actually. We spent three days exploring the
Hiking in Methana: 3 days at the volcanic peninsula Read More »
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
Western Parnitha Hike: Fyli Spring, Bikeza, Goura Spring & Agia Paraskevi Church Read More »
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
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
Exploring the archaeological site of Ancient Rhamnous in northeast Attica 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 Mount Parnitha walking on the southern slopes
Avlona to Agia Marina Hike at Mount Parnitha Read More »
If you are looking for an easy hike at Mount Parnitha with plenty of interesting sights along the way this trail is for you! It starts at the cozy mountain refuge Mpafi and circulates two of Parnitha’s highest summits, Karavola (1.413 meters) and Ornio (1.350 meters). The trail runs through a beautiful unspoiled forest and
Mount Parnitha Loop: Mpafi Shelter, Mola & Skipiza Read More »
Discover some of Athens’ best hiking trails! Mountains, forests and sea vistas just a stone’s throw from the city.
10 of the best hikes near Athens (by public transport) Read More »
The area of Limiko at Western Parnitha is a popular destination to multiple hiking trails, 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
Limiko Tower Hike: Paliochori, Diaselo Panos, Lakka Zireli, Limiko, Mavrorema, Drasiza Read More »
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 neighboring Pastra from distance, tortured by rows of wind turbines and a maze of dirt tracks,
Mount Kitheronas Hike: Vilia, Shelter of EOS Eleusina, Mikri Koryfi (1.358 meters) Read More »
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
Rainy hiking to the Stream of Goura at Western Parnitha Read More »
Update: As of the begining of August 2021, the forest of Tatoi and a large section of eastern Parnitha has been destroyed by a monstrous wildfire, burning through the area for five consecutive days. With the attempts to extinguish the remaining clusters of fire still being carried out as I type, it is hard to
Hiking to Flambouri Refuge at Mount Parnitha Read More »
Update: As of the beginning of August 2021, the forest of Tatoi and a large section of eastern Parnitha has been destroyed by a monstrous wildfire, burning through the area for five consecutive days. With the attempts to extinguish the remaining clusters of fire still being carried out as I type, it is hard to
Katsimidi & Xerovouni Hike at Mount Parnitha Read More »
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 »
Mount Pentelicus may be the second highest of the Athenian mountains but it 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
Mount Pentelicus Crossing 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 to impressive caves and gulches, and ancient trails. Due to the lack of forests, the southern parts of Mount
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
Agios Georgios Keramidiou Hike at Mount Parnitha Read More »
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
Fyli Fortress hike at Western Parnitha 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 »
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
Winter hiking at Mount Parnitha in pictures Read More »
Update: As of the begining of August 2021, the forest of Tatoi and a large section of eastern Parnitha has been destroyed by a monstrous wildfire, burning through the area for five consecutive days. With the attempts to extinguish the remaining clusters of fire still being carried out as I type, it is hard to
Hiking at the Tatoi Royal Estate (Mount Parnitha) 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 »
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
Uncovering the mysteries of Elefsina Read More »
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 making it a popular day-trip destination during the long Mediterranean summer. However, Schinias is so much more than just a pretty seaside. The
Cycling through the schinias National Park 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
Mpafi Refuge Hike at Mount Parnitha Read More »
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
Trypia Cave Hike at Mount Hymettus Read More »
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
Hiking through the Sounio National Park Read More »
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
Liondari Cave Hike at Mount Hymettus Read More »
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
Diomedes Botanic Gardens Read More »
Marathon is a sleepy agricultural town in northeast 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
Oinoi Gorge Hike at Lake Marathon Read More »
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
Pan’s Cave Hike at Mount Parnitha Read More »
