Hiking – Athens

Hills in the middle of Athens offer short walks with panoramic views. Beyond the city, Mounts Hymettus, Penteli and Parnitha provide longer routes.

Map

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Places

  1. Lycabettus Hill

    Athens’ highest hill, with a summit chapel overlooking the city and the Acropolis.

    Category
    Viewpoint
    Duration
    1.5 h
    Price
    Free
    Best time
    At sunset
    Distance
    2.5 km
    Difficulty
    Easy
    Time
    1.2 h
    Starting point
    Start: Kolonaki, Aristippou Street
    Elevation gain
    180 m

    Tip: Go up for sunset and take the funicular back down.

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  2. Cape Sounion

    Outside the city – about 1.5 hours

    A rocky coastal walk around the Temple of Poseidon with Aegean views.

    Category
    Coast
    Duration
    2.5 h
    Price
    $$
    Best time
    At sunset
    Distance
    3 km
    Difficulty
    Easy
    Time
    1.5 h
    Starting point
    Start: Temple of Poseidon entrance, Sounion
    Elevation gain
    60 m

    Tip: Sunset is very busy, so arrive early to get in.

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  3. Filopappou Hill

    Wooded paths lead to one of the best photo points of the Acropolis.

    Category
    Trail
    Duration
    1.5 h
    Price
    Free
    Best time
    At sunset
    Distance
    3 km
    Difficulty
    Easy
    Time
    1.5 h
    Starting point
    Start: Dionysiou Areopagitou Promenade
    Elevation gain
    100 m

    Tip: Bring water, as there is little shade on top.

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  4. Dionysiou Areopagitou Promenade

    A broad tree-lined walkway along the southern slope of the Acropolis.

    Category
    Trail
    Duration
    1 h
    Price
    Free
    Best time
    Evening
    Distance
    1.5 km
    Difficulty
    Easy
    Time
    0.6 h
    Starting point
    Start: Acropolis metro station
    Elevation gain
    20 m

    Tip: In the evening you get street musicians and lit-up ruins.

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  5. Parnitha National Park

    Outside the city – about 0.8 hours

    The highest mountain near Athens, with fir forests, caves and refuges.

    Category
    Mountain
    Duration
    5 h
    Price
    Free
    Best time
    Spring and autumn
    Distance
    10 km
    Difficulty
    Hard
    Time
    5 h
    Starting point
    Start: Bafi Refuge road, Parnitha
    Elevation gain
    800 m

    Tip: Taking the cable car first shortens the climb to the summit.

    ⚠️ Hard route: sturdy footwear, enough water, proper equipment and hiking experience are required. Check the weather first.

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  6. Areopagus Hill

    The rocky hill below the Acropolis where Athens’ ancient court met.

    Category
    Viewpoint
    Duration
    30 min
    Price
    Free
    Best time
    At sunset
    Distance
    1 km
    Difficulty
    Easy
    Time
    0.5 h
    Starting point
    Start: Near the Acropolis entrance path
    Elevation gain
    40 m

    Tip: The marble steps are slippery, so climb carefully.

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  7. Mount Hymettus (Kaisariani)

    A trail from Kaisariani Monastery rising through pine forest with views of Athens.

    Category
    Mountain
    Duration
    3.5 h
    Price
    Free
    Best time
    Spring and autumn
    Distance
    6 km
    Difficulty
    Moderate
    Time
    3 h
    Starting point
    Start: Kaisariani Monastery
    Elevation gain
    400 m

    Tip: Reach it by metro and bus, and start early in summer.

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  8. Strefi Hill

    A calm hill above Exarchia where locals picnic and watch the city.

    Category
    Viewpoint
    Duration
    1 h
    Price
    Free
    Best time
    At sunset
    Distance
    1.5 km
    Difficulty
    Easy
    Time
    0.7 h
    Starting point
    Start: Exarchia, Strefi Street
    Elevation gain
    60 m

    Tip: It is far less crowded than Lycabettus.

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  9. Mount Penteli

    The mountain that gave marble for the Parthenon, with a monastery and old quarry paths.

    Category
    Mountain
    Duration
    4 h
    Price
    Free
    Best time
    Spring and autumn
    Distance
    8 km
    Difficulty
    Moderate
    Time
    3.5 h
    Starting point
    Start: Penteli Monastery
    Elevation gain
    450 m

    Tip: The quarry area has loose rock, so wear boots.

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Last updated:

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