• by XpatAthens
  • Friday, 27 February 2015
Picnic In Athens

Athens is often described as not having 'green space', but believe it or not there are many beautiful green corners around the city. All of them are lovely for a spring walk and just perfect for a picnic! Parks, forests, as well as the Riviera, provide a quick city escape. Here are some of our favourite spots for nature walks and afternoon picnics in Athens.

 

Park at the Skopeftirio of Kaisariani

Paved ways into the grass, benches and fences, bicycle lanes and a playground for the kids alternate with a beautiful café should you lack or have forgotten something behind. The park is open on a 24-hour basis.

Environmental Park “Antonis Tritsis”

A huge park (1.200.000m²) encompassing ponds, canals, a rich flora and a refuge of hundreds of species of birds and mammals will surely provide for relaxing time, trekking, jogging, biking and even horseback riding. Cafés and snack bars are also available.

Lycabettus Hill

Walk to the top of the beautiful hill of downtown Athens, or take the funicular from Ploutarchou Street in the area of Kolonaki. See the city of Athens from above and enjoy a light bite on one of the wooden tables under the trees.

Philopappou Hill

It is the common name of the Hill of the Muses. Paved walks through the pine trees lead you all the way to the top of the hill where you will admire the monument to Gaius Julius (2nd century BC) and the breathtaking view to the city, as well as the Acropolis, almost at eye-level with the monument. Remember that the main entrance to the hill’s area starts right across the main entrance to the Acropolis.

Attica Park (Galatsi area)

Sports facilities, playgrounds, an outdoors cinema, many trees of all kinds, gazebos with tables in them, and even a cave make up an enjoyable scenery.

Syngrou Estate

Being the favourite oasis of the residents of the northern suburbs of the city, the green-clad and flower-scented estate “hides” treasures to be discovered: the unique in Greece neo-gothic Orthodox Church of St Andrew and the mansion of the Syngrou family, designed by Ernst Moritz Theodor Ziller.

A little further out…

Athens is blessed with beautiful green slopes. Mt Ymittos, Mt Parnitha and Mt Penteli welcome friends and families, photography aficionados, and relaxation seekers alike for picnics and nature activities.

If you prefer the seaside, head south to the gorgeous Athens Riviera. Walk barefoot in the sand, picnic on the beach and listen to the sea breeze.

 

Source: visitgreece.gr