Athens is surrounded by Parnitha, Hymettus and Penteli, the athenian mountains, which offer some, easy to difficult level hiking routes, and some climbing routes too. But the city center itself offers some fantastic trail paths, even if you are not a big fan of hiking, and you just want to take some beautiful shots of the city from above or during sunset for example, that mix wonderful landscapes with rich historical settings.
You will need Wikiloc app to follow the links that are below and find out our suggested paths. You can use it to guide you even in its free version.
Lycabettus Hill (Lykavittos)
Location: Right in central Athens
This is a relatively short, steep hike but rewards you with panoramic views of the entire city, including the Acropolis, the Aegean Sea, and Piraeus port. The path is well-maintained, and there’s a small church, St. George, at the top, along with a café and an open-air theater where many concerts take place here every summer. Start the path from Evangelismos metro station and enjoy the best sunset of Athens from the top of the city! There is also a cable that can take you on the top of Lycabettus hill, but, hey, you are on a hiking page, you have to walk.
Philopappos Hill
Location: Near the Acropolis
Highlights: This historical hill offers lovely trails and sights, including the Philopappos Monument, Pnyx Hill (an ancient gathering spot), National Observatory of Athens, and Socrates’ Prison. The trail also provides great views of the Acropolis from a unique angle. Try this path, starting from Syggrou-Fix metro station, so that before or after the hike, you could have your breakfast/brunch/lunch/dinner at Koukaki area.
Difficulty: Easy
Duration: Around 1 hour
Attiko Alsos (Attica Grove) & Alsos Veikou (Veikou Grove)
Attiko Alsos and Alsos Veikou are two of the most popular urban green spaces in Athens, offering easily accessible trails for hiking, walking, and enjoying nature within the city. Both are located in Galatsi area, they have easy access by bus and well-maintained paths, easy to walk, even for families with kids.
Attiko Alsos has approximately 4 km of trails and it is known for its lovely panoramic views of Athens, with clear sights of Lycabettus Hill and the Acropolis from certain vantage points. You can enjoy sunrise or sunset views over the city. In the area, you will also find one of the first villages of Athens which is still like an an authentic mountainous village and it would remind you how Athens was before many years.
The park has pine trees, Mediterranean shrubs, and well-landscaped areas, creating a refreshing escape from the city noise. There are benches, picnic areas, playgrounds, and a small open-air theater and an open-air cinema too. Attiko Alsos also has sports courts, including basketball, tennis, and soccer, making it a favorite spot for families and people looking for an active day outdoors.
Alsos Veikou has approximately 3-5 km of trails which pass through shaded areas with pine trees and open green spaces. Some parts of the park offer views of Athens, with a backdrop of surrounding hills and the cityscape. Alsos Veikou is very family-friendly, featuring playgrounds, picnic spots, and outdoor gyms. It’s popular for recreational activities and has a relaxed, community-focused atmosphere. The park has extensive sports facilities, including soccer fields, tennis and basketball courts, a swimming pool, and an open-air cinema and theater for events. You can also find kiosks and a café in the park for refreshments.
Both Attiko Alsos and Alsos Veikou are ideal for those who want a quick, convenient escape to nature without venturing far from central Athens. They provide a peaceful ambiance with natural beauty and are especially popular for casual hikers, families, and anyone who wants to enjoy some greenery and exercise in a beautiful urban setting.
For this end, if you want a path which starts from Filothei hill, passing from Attiko Alsos, Veikou Grove, Pedion Areos, Strefi hill in Exarchia area and ends up in Lycabettus hill, this is trail! Enjoy an alternative route of Athens from above!
Rematia Chalandriou (Polydroso)
Not far from the two groves above, you will find Rematia Chalandriou (Polydroso). It is another lovely spot for hiking and nature walks in Athens for all ages and fitness levels. Located in the northern suburb of Chalandri, this green corridor follows the stream of Rematia and offers an oasis of nature within the city. The trail runs along the Rematia stream, shaded by tall plane trees, eucalyptus, and other Mediterranean flora. It’s a refreshing and peaceful environment, making it ideal for a relaxing walk or light hike. The paths are relatively easy, with a mix of paved and dirt trails that stretch over several kilometers. Since Rematia Chalandriou connects multiple neighborhoods, you can enter from different points, making it flexible for both short and longer walks. This area is rich in wildlife, and you may spot small birds, turtles, and various plant species along the path. It’s a great spot for nature lovers, as the lush greenery and the sound of the running stream create a natural retreat. Families, runners, and dog-walkers love this place giving it a lively yet peaceful vibe. The park also has benches and rest areas for picnics. The area around Rematia has some small chapels and cultural landmarks, such as the open-air theater “Theatro Rematias,” which hosts various cultural events, especially in summer. It’s an excellent choice for a leisurely walk, a light hike, or even a short trail run. Have in mind that the place is seriously affected from the big fire of summer 2024 and maybe it didn’t fully recovered yet, but still it is a green oasis inside Athens.
Sounion National Park (Cape Sounion)
Location: About 70 km southeast of Athens
Highlights: Although farther from Athens, Cape Sounion is worth the trip, especially for a day hike. It’s best known for the Temple of Poseidon, perched dramatically above the sea, and offers trails along the coast and through ancient ruins. The sunset here is one of the best in Greece. In the area, there are also ancient mines where you can reach them hiking on a beautiful route at the heart of National park. After the hike, swimming in the sea with a view on the Temple probably is a must experience in Athens. There is not an easy access via public transport, so it’s better to book a taxi and plan your day in the area. Let us help you with that and make your day really worth.
Marathon Lake to the Dam Trail
It is located in Marathon area, northeastern Attica, the place that the authentic marathon starts. There are plenty of paths to follow, easy to moderate level, for hiking or biking.
Our suggested trail runs alongside the Marathon Lake, a beautiful artificial reservoir surrounded by green hills. You’ll pass through pine and cypress forests with views of the lake, eventually reaching the historic Marathon Dam, built in the early 20th century. This path is ideal for an easy day hike and offers many spots for picnics along the lake. Another beautiful path is the path from Marathon Dam to Enoe medieval Tower across a small river -usually it hasn’t much water and it’s easy walkable.
Varnavas (Rema Varnava, Rathes Kapandriti)
Another beautiful trail in east Attica is the path which starts from Varnavas canyon (Rema Varnava) to Rathes Kapandritiou, very close to Marathon lake. You can even connect this path with the previous one and make the expereience even better. During summer you can even dive into the cayon depths in the end, but the whole path is beautiful, below plane trees and you don’t even feel the hot temperature of Athens if it’s summer. The area is also affected seriously from the fire of summer 2024, but it recovers quickly and it is still one of the most beautiful in Attica. In your starting point you will find a kiosk (Kioski Varnava) to buy a coffee, beer, water or a quick snack for your hike.
Schinias National Park and Wetland Trail
Very close to Marathon is located Schinias National Park. Another place that you could combine an easy hike and a swim in the sea in the end. The trail is approximately 6 km and it is a beautiful, flat trail through Schinias National Park, a protected wetland and pine forest ecosystem. The park is home to various bird species and lush greenery. The trail circles the wetland and leads to Schinias Beach, where you can relax and swim after the hike. It’s particularly pleasant during spring and early summer when wildflowers bloom.
Vravrona Wetlands and the Temple of Artemis Trail
We are still on the easy coast of Attica in Vravrona area. This 5km loop trail combines history and nature, leading you through the Vravrona Wetlands, a protected area with rich biodiversity, including migratory birds. The trail ends at the archaeological site of the Temple of Artemis, an important sanctuary in ancient Greece. It’s a peaceful, family-friendly walk with scenic wetland views and lots of bird-watching opportunities.
Porto Rafti Coastline and Hills Trail
In southeastern Attica, Porto Rafti area, apart from its beaches, it has also some beautiful trails to discover. Around 7km, the coastal trail offers a mix of sea views and hilltop landscapes. Starting near the coastline of Porto Rafti, the path takes you along beaches, coves, and hills with panoramic views of the Aegean Sea. The area is less crowded, providing a more peaceful hiking experience. You can also explore small hidden beaches along the way. We suggest the Pirates Path and a swim into Avlaki Beach afterwards.
Archaeological Site of Ramnountas
The archaeological site of Rhamnous is situated in northeastern Attica, about 55 km from Athens, on a hill overlooking the Euboean Gulf and is the best-preserved ancient fortress in Attica. The hike around the ruins takes you through well-preserved structures, including the Temple of Nemesis, ancient walls, tombs, and parts of the acropolis. Paths within the site are easy to walk, and the setting is very peaceful, as it’s less crowded than other popular sites in Attica. To explore the archaeological site can take about 1–2 hours, depending on your pace and interest in the ruins. There is a small entrance fee for the archaeological site, and it’s advisable to check opening hours, as they may vary by season. After your your visit to the archaeological site, you could follow the path that leads down to the beach. It’s a dirt trail that winds through a natural landscape of pine trees and rocky terrain and takes around 20–30 minutes to reach the sea. It’s a moderate, with some uneven terrain, but short enough for most hikers. The beach is small, secluded, and offers a tranquil spot to swim. It’s a natural, pebbly beach with clear, refreshing water and fewer crowds than most beaches around Athens, as it is not accessible by car. There are no facilities on the beach, so make sure to bring water, snacks, and any other essentials.
This hike and swim combo at Rhamnous offers a unique experience where you can immerse yourself in ancient history and then cool off in the beautiful, secluded waters of the Aegean. It’s a hidden gem for a peaceful day trip from Athens.
At this point, urban paths finish and we start explore the real mountains of Athens. All are accessible by public transport but we highly recommend to rent your own car or book a transport and plan a full day hiking in Athens to live this experience at its most. Don’t hesitate to contact us to help you from booking your transport to discovering the most suitable path for you and suggesting the best restaurant to enjoy your diner after your hike.
Parnitha National Park (1.413m.)
Mount Parnitha, located 30 km north of Athens, is the highest mountain in the Attica region and offers the most diverse hiking experience near Athens. With multiple trails, two refuges, a casino, and a wide variety of flora and fauna, as it is a preserved National Park, is ideal for longer, more challenging hikes. You might even spot some red deer even in lower, residential areas. Follow the link to find out our suggested route that will give you a very good taste of Parnitha mountain, starting from the cable, having a break at Bafi refuge for your lunch, continue to some great view points, walk inside beautiful Skipiza forest and return to cable. Yes, of course you can take the cable to reach the refuges, and it is another great experience to live in Athens – maybe you can go up with cable and follow the rest path from there. Another interesting path you could follow is the one passing from Panas’ cave and Kleston Monastery and it’s this one, But even if you want something more relaxing or your kids are not big fans of hiking, the solution of the cable and walking until Bafi or Flabouri refuge to have your coffee/snack/lunch is perfect for you too.
Penteli Mountain (1.109m.)
Penteli Mountain is famous for its marble quarries, which supplied the marble for the Parthenon. Trails here lead through forests, caves, and some of the finest scenic overlooks near Athens. The Davelis Cave is a unique feature worth exploring – ask a local to tell you the stories for the cave and the path that leads you to the unique waterfall (Rapentosa) near Athens where during spring you can even dive into.
Mount Hymettus (Ymittos) (1.026m.)
Known for its beautiful natural surroundings and extensive trails, Hymettus is popular with both hikers and cyclists. You can visit the Kaisariani Monastery, explore the trails nearby, and enjoy the wild herbs and pine-scented air. For longer hikes, head to the summit for impressive views. You can have your break at Kalopoula canteen to enjoy a refreshment, a snack or even a fasolada (traditional bean soup) to refill your energy. This is our suggested route which include the top of the mountain too, and a short break to Kalopoula.
Athens Sunset Hike
Each of these locations has a unique vibe, from urban trails to mountain excursions, so you can explore the diverse landscapes of Athens!
Follow our travel blog for some interesting daily tips about Athens and if there is some hiking team that you can join during your trip to discover a hiking path, you will directly learn it!