Green Getaways: The Prettiest Walks & Hikes Near Athens

If, at some point during your stay in Athens, you feel the irresistible urge to swap ancient ruins for a splash of greenery, you’re in luck! : The Greek capital and its surroundings are dotted with walking trails that cater to every kind of wanderer, from gentle strollers to seasoned climbers. And the best part is that each path comes with its own little reward at the end. Think sweeping views over the city, a hidden waterfall perfect for cooling off during the summer heat, or a charming old chapel perched quietly on a hillside. So lace up your trainers, pack a bottle of water, motivate your friends and let the city surprise you with its greener, wilder side.

A perfect summer hike just two hours from Athens, the Manikiatis Waterfall trail is a little escape that feels wonderfully rewarding for very little effort. After a short walk along the Manikiatis River, the path opens onto a stunning 25‑metre waterfall cascading into a crystal‑clear natural pool. Surrounded by wildflowers and aromatic herbs, it’s an idyllic place for a picnic, a splash, or simply a moment of quiet in nature.

For the more adventurous, the area is also popular for canyoning, with the chance to abseil down the cliffs beside the falls. It’s a brilliant way to add a dash of adrenaline to an otherwise gentle outing.

Address: Epar.Od. Amarinthou – Monodriou, Kimi Aliveri 340 16, Greece

Distance & elevation: 4.5 km; 153.9 m elevation gain

Duration & difficulty: 1.5–2 hours round trip — easy

 
@giannistsou

Who would have guessed that such a vast stretch of forest sits right on the edge of Athens? Yet that’s exactly what you’ll find in Kaisariani, where Mount Hymettus unfolds into a maze of walking paths and forest roads, all just 15–20 minutes by car from the city centre. From a gentle 20‑minute botanical stroll to more ambitious trails leading all the way to the summit, there’s truly something for every kind of walker.

As you wander, keep your eyes peeled: the forest is sprinkled with monasteries, Christian sites and atmospheric ruins, each one tucked away like a little secret waiting to be discovered. The Kaisariani Monastery itself is a gem, but don’t miss the tiny Analipseos church or the many chapels hidden among the pines. Pro tip: For one of the most breathtaking views over the whole of Athens, make your way to Taxiarches Hill, just a short walk from the monastery. It’s the kind of panorama that makes you forget you’re still so close to the city.

Address: Kaisariani Monastery 

Distance & elevation: Varies depending on the trail

Duration & difficulty: Around 2 hours — easy to moderate


@lydiaingreece

Glyfada may be famous for its chic boutiques and beachside cocktails, but the southern slopes of Mount Hymettus hide a completely different kind of escape. This part of the city is home to some surprisingly lovely hiking trails, offering a refreshing break from the buzz of the coast. The walk up to Tripia Spilia Cave and further on to Stavros Pass or even Mavrovouni, treats you to peaceful, partly forested paths, dramatic rock formations and sweeping views that stretch all the way to the sea. It’s the kind of hike that feels wonderfully remote, yet still sits just above one of Athens’ liveliest neighbourhoods.

Address: Take bus no. 205 from Elliniko metro station to Terpsithea.

Distance & elevation: Around 7 km

Duration & difficulty: Easy to moderate


@nefelinineretreats

Just 20 minutes north of the city centre lies a wonderfully expansive green haven: the 230‑acre Alsos Syngrou. In Greek, alsos means “urban forest”, and this one certainly lives up to the name. The estate once belonged to Andreas Syngros, a wealthy 19th‑century banker and philanthropist, who eventually bequeathed the entire property to what is now the Institute of Agronomic Sciences. Today, it’s a lush, peaceful escape where Athenians come to breathe, wander and reconnect with nature.

Stroll through vineyards, pistachio and almond trees, pine groves and fragrant herbs, all while enjoying the gentle hum of a forest that feels miles away from the city. Along the way, you can even pause for a quick football or basketball match on the courts scattered beside the paths. And whatever you do, don’t miss the only Gothic‑style Orthodox church in Greece, designed by the renowned architect Ernst Ziller. 

Address: Take Line 1 of the Athens metro to KAT station.

Distance & elevation: Varies depending on your chosen route

Duration & difficulty: 1 to 2 hours — easy


@varasovas

Northeast of Athens, tucked into the foothills of Mount Parnitha, you’ll find the former Royal Palace of Tatoi, the summer retreat where Greece’s royal family once escaped the city heat. The palace itself has been closed for years and the buildings are in a rather neglected state (though some temporary preservation work has begun, with hopes of transforming the estate into a museum one day). But the real charm lies in wandering through the surrounding parkland and along the wooded trails that spread across the wider area.

It’s a peaceful, slightly nostalgic place, where crumbling royal outbuildings peek through the trees and the forest feels wonderfully untouched. And here’s a little insider tip: the region around Tatoi is known for its rustic countryside tavernas, so it’s well worth fuelling up with a hearty meal before setting off on your walk.

Address: Tatoi Royal Estate - The estate isn’t served by public transport

Distance & elevation: Around 1 hour of walking

Duration & difficulty: 1 hour — easy


@andreas_magos

Mount Parnitha is the highest peak in Attica, rising proudly to 1,413 metres, and it certainly feels like a world away from the bustle of Athens. After a series of winding turns, you’ll reach the Bafi Refuge at 1,160 metres, the perfect starting point for a whole network of trails. Whether you’re after a gentle wander or a more demanding adventure, there’s a path here for every mood and every level. The area is wonderfully well‑equipped too, with guided hikes available and even a cosy restaurant where you can reward yourself with something delicious after your efforts.

Pro tip: Visit in winter if you can. As the tallest mountain in Attica, Parnitha often gets a dusting of snow, transforming the landscape into something truly magical. And if you’re lucky, you might spot some of the local wildlife: birds of prey, foxes, even deer roaming quietly through the trees.

Address: Acharnes 136 79, Axarnes - Besides the road leading up to the Bafi Refuge (about an hour’s drive from Syntagma), there’s also a free cable car operated by the Regency Casino Mont Parnes. You can reach the lower parking area by car, taxi or public bus. From the casino, it’s roughly a 45‑minute walk to the refuge.

Distance & elevation: Summit at 1,413 m

Duration & difficulty: Explore to your heart’s content! Minimum half a day recommended


@athinaklimi_

If you’re the kind of walker who loves to be surprised along the way (taking little detours, following your curiosity and seeing where the path leads) the trail to Agios Georgios Keramidiou is a perfect match. It begins at the Agia Paraskevi Monastery in Amygdaleza and winds its way up to the charming little chapel of Agios Georgios, passing through the pine‑clad Platanaki Gorge. The route is wonderfully flexible too: you can easily combine it with other circular trails in the area, creating your own adventure as you go.

Keep an eye out for the tiny chapels hidden among the pine forests ; they appear like little secrets tucked into the landscape, adding a touch of magic to the walk.

Address: Mount Parnitha - Take the Green metro line to Nea Ionia, then bus no. 724 to Mesoniki or bus no. 727 to Agia Paraskevi in Amygdaleza

Distance & elevation: 10–14 km

Duration & difficulty: Easy to moderate


@procter_

Fancy a good climb without ever leaving the city? Athens makes it surprisingly easy. Set off on a hunt for the prettiest viewpoints by hopping from hill to hill, discovering just how many green peaks surround the capital. From the historic Pnyx to the ever‑stylish Lycabettus, this urban hike lets you wander through some of the city’s most iconic landmarks along the way : the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the National Garden, the contrasting neighbourhoods of Kolonaki and Exarchia, …

In total, you’ll cover around 12 km, conquer three hills, and enjoy an endless variety of perspectives over the city. It’s the perfect blend of sightseeing and light adventure, all without straying far from your morning coffee spot.

Distance & elevation: 11.2 km — 575 m elevation gain

Duration & difficulty: Around 4 hours — easy

Just 30 minutes from the city centre, Ntrafi offers a peaceful slice of nature that feels wonderfully far from urban life. The trail can be as short or as long as you like, depending on where you choose to start and how much walking you’re in the mood for. No matter the route, you’ll eventually arrive at a charming little water spot, the perfect place for a picnic and a refreshing dip, surrounded by wildflowers and fragrant herbs. It’s a simple walk with a lovely reward at the end.

Address: Pikermi 190 09, Attica, Greece - The 301B bus stops right outside Ntrafi Waterfall

Distance & elevation: Varies depending on your starting point

Duration & difficulty: Around 1 hour — easy


@clickbyherc