8 Hiking Trails Around Athens – Hiking In Athens Greece

Welcome to our guide on outdoor activities in Athens, the Greek capital. Authored by nature-loving Athenians, this guide is your ticket to exploring my city’s favorite trails, olive groves, pine trees, and natural springs.

Athens offers miles of trails, both short and longer hikes, where you can hike amidst its historical sites while gazing at the Aegean Sea. Join us as we explore the best places for hiking in Athens, uncovering the beauty of this city’s landscapes.

Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a beginner, Athens has the best hiking trails. Let’s dive in and discover the enchanting treks that await in this vibrant Greek metropolis.

Are you planning a hike in Athens, Greece? This post on hiking Athens has everything you need to know.

Although Greece is synonymous with beaches and islands, 70 percent of Greece is actually covered with mountains. There are four mountains in the region of Attica (Parnitha, Pentelicus, Hymettus, and Aigaleo), meaning Athens is an excellent place for hiking and has an option for all skill levels as there is a wide variety of options.

So, whether you choose to go it alone or hire a guide, here is a starting point for the trails and hikes in Athens.

Top Trails For Hiking Mount Parnitha

Standing 1413m high, Mt Parnitha is Attica’s tallest mountain. There are many beautiful hiking routes for all abilities. There are even refuges where you can sleep the night, hire a guide, and enjoy delicious food. Although in 2021, many of the best hikes were closed due to large forest fires, the areas are now open but may show signs of fire damage.

Tatoi Royal Estate Level: Beginner Distance: 5km

The Tatoi Royal Estate is an abandoned estate sitting on the slopes of Mount Parnitha. Many well-maintained footpaths will guide you around some 10,000 acres of rolling hills and beautiful pine forest. Walking the grounds takes about 1 hour, but there are plenty of other nature trails to enjoy a longer hike.

1. Agios Georgios Keramidiou

Level: Beginner Distance: 10km

Beginning at the Agia Paraskevi Monastery, this lovely trail leads through the

Platanaki Gorge to the chapel of Agios Georgios. At only 5km each way, it is a relatively easy hike for all levels.

2. Mpafi and Flabouri Refuge

Difficulty Level: Intermediate Distance: Various

One of the busiest hiking routes on Mount Parnitha, this is a great day out for those

who enjoy the mountains. With two refuges, amenities here make it perfect for most nature lovers. Following numerous trails through a dense pine forest, hiking between these refuges boasts gorgeous views of the valley and city and a few ruins.

3. Pan’s Cave Level: Advanced Distance: 15km

This beautiful trail leads you through a stunning Goura valley of pines to the Cave of Pan. The cave was an ancient place of worship for the god of the wild. Given the challenge of this hike is not frequented by many visitors, and there are no amenities close by.

4. Agia Marina Church Level: Advanced Distance: 18km

Only for the seasoned hiker, this trail does not have a specific path, so you will need a map and navigation ability to find your way. However, if you are an advanced hiker, you will be treated to a stunning hike through a remote valley all the way to the small church of Agia Marina.

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Hiking Mount Hymettus (Ymittos)

Only a short drive from Athens city brings you to Mount Hymettus. The 1026m mountain offers numerous hiking trails for all abilities. It is also home to some of Athens’ most historic religious sites and ruins.

5. Kaisariani Monastery and Forest

Difficulty Level: Beginner Distance: Various

The Kaisariani Monastery and Forest is a great hiking area for all abilities, with hikes taking anywhere between 30 minutes to 2 hours. Many marked trails take you through the forest of one of Athens’ most historic monasteries, religious sites, and ruins. Behind Kaisiarani Monastery, you will find the Analipseos Church and a pond leading to the Botanical Walk. Also, nearby the Kaisariani Monastery is Taxiarches Hill; it is here that you will be rewarded with a beautiful view of Athens city as you reach the top of the hill.

6. Trypia Cave and Stavros Pass

Difficulty Level: Beginner Distance: 7km

This hike is an easy-to-reach trail close to the popular beachside suburb of Glyfada, which

is suitable for many abilities. The Stavros Pass boasts beautiful sea views and many interesting caves.

Hiking Mount Pentelicus Greece

One of the smallest mountains in the region, Mount Pentelicus, sits at 1109m in the Northeast of Athens. Historically, the mountain has been used to extract marble, which was used for the refurbishment of the Acropolis. Although it is covered in quarries and roads, there are a couple of lovely hikes for all abilities.

7. Ntrafi Waterfall

Difficulty Level: Beginner Distance: 3km

An easy but rewarding thirty-minute hike close to Athens city, this hike is perfect

for a short day out. Pack a picnic and swimsuit, and enjoy your time at some of these beautiful falls.

8. Mount Pentelicus (Penteli) Crossing

Difficulty Level: Intermediate Distance: 10km

This stunning hike brings you through lush pine forests and past three beautiful

hidden chapels. Although the hike is perfect for intermediate abilities, there are some high ascents to be aware of before embarking on your trip.

Hiking Lycabettus Hill

While not a mountain, Lycabettus Hill is the perfect place for a small hike if you are looking to stay in central Athens. As the highest point in the city center of Athens, the hill is prominent on the city’s skyline and a popular attraction for tourists and locals. Once you stroll to the peak, you will see the Lycabettus Theatre, the beautiful Agios Georgios church, and even have the chance to dine at a restaurant overlooking the entire city.

Frequently Asked Questions

What To Pack For Hiking In Athens

The most important things to pack for hiking in Athens are good walking shoes, a backpack, water, sunscreen, and a windbreaker jacket. It’s important to note that there are no shops or cafes serving many of the hiking trails in Athens; therefore, you should bring your own water and snacks. As always, when hiking, it is useful to ensure your devices are fully charged and that you have downloaded an offline map of the route. The mountains in the Attica region all have dedicated hiking maps, which can be downloaded or bought online.

If you are hiking in the winter, there may be snow on the higher mountains, so make sure you pack enough layers and proper winter hiking gear (boots, gaiters, and poles).

Importantly, you must take caution hiking in Athens during the summer months. Forest fires are common on certain days when temperatures are high and the wind is strong; therefore, the hiking trails may be closed by local authorities.

As we conclude your great trip exploring Athens, you’ll find that my city boasts easy hikes with scenic views, abundant lush vegetation, and natural beauty. Athens’ well-maintained walking paths offer a gateway to its beautiful beaches and a multitude of hiking options, all with a deep connection to Greek mythology.

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