Zappeion Park is a recreation area in the heart of Athens, Greece. It is squeezed between the southern side of the National Garden of Athens and the northern side of the ancient Temple of Olympian Zeus. Its southeast end faces the Panathenaic Stadium and the Hill of Ardittos. It encompasses the Zappeion Megaron (palace), an impressive and picturesque edifice after which the … [Read more...]
National Garden, Athens: the city’s neatest park
In a city that has a serious lack of green space, the National Garden of Athens may be regarded as a much-coveted haven for the bustle-afflicted residents of the Greek capital city. In contrast with most of Athens' parkland, which is hilly and in a wild natural state, the National Garden is one of the city's few flat and planned parks of significant size. Its easy accessibility … [Read more...]
Ardittos Hill in Athens: Forest Strolls & Best View of Panathenaic Stadium
Ardittos Hill (also Ardittou) is a small forested hill that borders the western side of the Panathenaic Stadium in the center of Athens, Greece. It reaches a maximum elevation of 235 meters and features multiple paved paths and dirt trails one can use to have a pleasant stroll in the relieving shade of the pine trees that cover its slopes. Unlike other hills of central Athens, … [Read more...]
Free and Real, North Evia Island: Day Trip from Athens
One day in September 2019, I was asked by my Dutch friend Mark to plan for another day trip out of Athens. Mark being interested in sustainable lifestyle, I suggested we head for the Free and Real permaculture community on the north of Evia Island. The Free and Real organization was founded in 2009 and has ever since achieved a high degree of international attention and fame … [Read more...]
Pedion Areos Park in Athens, Greece
Pedion Areos (or Pedion tou Areos) is one of the largest public parks within the municipality of Athens, Greece. Established in 1934, it is one of the oldest planned recreation areas in the city. During the past couple of decades, it was left largely neglected. Starting with the 2004 Olympics, the authorities forcibly relocated drug addicts to the park from more central parts … [Read more...]
A Day Trip from Athens to Aegina Island and Agia Marina Beach
During the concluding days of a Greek summer, my friend Nikolas from Corfu I and decided to leave Athens on a day trip and make for a nice beach. We took the train down to Piraeus and proceeded to the ticket booth. The first ferry was bound for Aegina Island, so for there were we bound, too. Aegina is the largest of the Saronic Islands, situated 27 km away from Athens. Due to … [Read more...]
Schinias Beach, Nea Makri, St Ephraim Monastery – Day Trip from Athens
The other day, I was tasked by my Dutch friend Mark with organizing a day trip for him in the vicinity of Athens. It was the last weekend of September; it would probably be one of this year’s last hot days. A good beach was an absolute must to be included in the itinerary. Other than that, some beautiful sceneries, interesting historical sights, and a nice seafood tavern would … [Read more...]
Strefi Hill: a little-known haven in the heart of Athens, Greece
As Strefi Hill is known a hill located in the heart of the city of Athens, in Exarcheia neighborhood. The hill is 155 meters high and is designated a municipal park. This Hill is by far less known and frequented, by locals and tourists alike, than the adjacent to it Lycabettus Hill or Philopappos Hill. However, its trails are as pretty and the views from its top as spectacular, … [Read more...]
Stemnitsa, Vytina – Mount Mainalo, Day Trip from Athens
The other day I was contacted by my new friend Rishabh from India and was asked to organize a day trip outside of Athens for him. Going over the many possibilities the gorgeous Greek countryside has to offer, we eventually decided to head for Mount Mainalo, home to outstanding natural sceneries and renowned, charming villages such as Stemnitsa and Vytina.Mount Mainalo, reaching … [Read more...]
Philopappos Hill: A good hike in the heart of Athens
Philopappos Hill is a park located right southwest of the Acropolis in the very heart of Athens, Greece. The park covers an area of 700 square km and the highest point of the hill reaches an elevation of 147 meters AMSL. The hill takes its name from the prominent monument that stands on its top: the mausoleum of a mogul and benefactor of Athens who lived in the 1st and 2nd … [Read more...]
