7 best spots for picnics in Athens

• August 9, 2019

Picnic is a fun and cost effective way to enjoy the city you want to discover. In fact it can help you identify the unique places you can meet and get to know the true life and faces of the city.

With the summer upon us and a lockdown behind us, there is only one thing in our minds: it’s time to go out and enjoy our city!

One of the best ways to spend the hot Athenian days and evenings is to organize a picnic with your friends and family. There is something about sharing a meal and drinks with your favourite people in nature, that beats every coffee date or restaurant dinner!

We’ve gathered the best spots in and near the city to make sure you have the best experience!

• Parko Eleftherias

Parko Eleftherias, situated exactly next to the Athens Concert Hall, is one of the most popular meetup places during the summer months. Despite its central location, it has a tranquil vibe deriving from the vibrant greenery and the beautiful architecture that surround it. A good choice for a quick break on your way to the city center!

• The National Garden

Just a few minutes away from the Syntagma metro station and next to the historic building that houses the national parliament you can find the National Garden of Athens, a small paradise in the heart of the city. The garden nests almost 7,000 kinds of trees, 40,000 types of bushes, and other 519 species of plants; the perfect backdrop for a picnic with your friends and family!

• Schinias Beach

You can’t get enough of the greek beaches? Then you will have a great time having a  picnic on the shore of the famous Schinias beach. Clear waters, pine trees, and golden sand are turning Schinias beach into a popular quick escape for Athenians and tourists. Set up your picnic in the area of Dikastika and have a feast under the relaxing shade of the trees! 

• Philopapou Hill

Philopappou Hill or “The Hill of the Muses”, is the perfect spot for a sunset picnic! This unique location offers a panoramic view of the Acropolis hill and the Aegean Sea that surrounds the city Athens. Combine it with a stroll in the heart of the city and a visit to the Acropolis museum! What else would you need for a majestic evening?

• Sounion National Park

The Cape of Sounio is one of the most popular day trip destinations for locals and tourists. The main attraction is no other than the temple of Poseidon, built at the southern tip of the cape: a sight worth seeing. The Sounion National Park is a great picnic option for families as it offers tables and recreational facilities! 

• Pedion Areos

Since its renovation in 2010, the “Pedion tou Areos” park gained its old reputation back and  is now one of the most favoured meeting spots for young visitors. Some of them choose the public garden to run, play sports, cycle, skate, or relax and read their books. Situated near lively youth hubs like Patisia and Kypseli, the park is full of positive and energetic vibes. The right choice for an urban picnic accompanied with drinks!

• Stavros Niarchos Cultural Centre

Filled with olive trees and native herbs, SNFCC, is considered one of the Athenian architectural jewels. You can easily spend the entire day doing sports, visiting the National Library and Opera House and watching movies in the open-air cinema. Between all of these activities you can chill at your preferred spot and enjoy the delicacies you bought from the food hall!