1: Hymettus (Ymitos)

The mountain Hymettus in Athen’s eastern parts measures 1,026 meters above sea level (the highest peak is called Euzonas) and is suprisingly close to those most central and vibrant parts of Athens. All of a sudden you will find yourself driving on a road lined with forest even if you just recently were driving through the well trafficked area of Kaisariani. Quite early on this road you will reach the Kaisariani monastery which dates back to 12th century. The monastery is surrounded by mountain forest and it is very green and lush. It´s simply a nice place!

Furthermore, a small distance up the road there is a picnic area with tables and benches set in the woodland but also an outdoor area that belongs to a smaller cafeteria where you can buy coffe, water or something to eat. In the midst of the picnic area there is also a pond with turles. Apart from a couple of monastic ruins the road ahead now consists only of many beautiful views all the way to the top. Along the winding road up the mountain there are places to stop at to look out over the whole city and beyond. You will think that the view can not get any better than this but after the next curve you will realize that you were wrong. So take your time because it is mighty. Very mighty.

However, the road doesnt go up on one side and down on an other. There is a turnback at the top so you have to turn your car and drive down the same way. But that is not an issue because now you can watch the views on the way down as well. Something to consider is that it isforbidden to take pictures at the top as the top area belongs to the military. There is a sign just outside the area that tells when the ban starts.

On Hymettus there are also very many different animals such as foxes, bats, snakes and actually over 112 kinds of birds wich is ¼ of all bird-species existing in Greece.

2: Lycabettus

Athens highest point and the most famous viewpoint in the city. This limestone cliff rises about 300 meter above the city and from the top and the small chapel Agios Georgios chapell you have a stunning view in all directions. And it is this 360 degree view that characterizes Lycabettus as well as the fact that it is centrally located and easy to get to.
You get up and down from the cliff in two ways: Either you walk up the cliff through street Aristippou in the central area of Kolonaki (which is not at all hard) or you go with the funicular railway which obviously costs a small fee. On the top, there are a couple of restaurants if you feel hungry. There are also vendors that are strategically placed just were you come up if you have been walking all the way up. Water, beer, juice etc can be purchased to a not so overpaid price.

On the Lycabettus cliff but a bit below the top there is also a large open amphitheater which during the summer is a popular venue for different kinds of concerts and perfromances.

3: Dilaveri-kullen

In Metamorfosi in Athen’s northen parts you can find the Dilaveri Hill. From the top of the hill -which at first glance does not seem particularly high- you will see the whole city stretching down to the sea far away.There is also a restaurant here called Thea Dilaveri which has large windows and an outdoor terrace towards the view. It is not tough to get up here. If you are driving just get to the neighborhood of Metamorfosi and then find the street Litous & Kimis which takes you all the way up to the restaurant. If you are walking there you just have to manage an easier walk that is not a struggle at all.

Just next to the restaurant, a little bit down the hill, there is also an open swimming pool with heated water where many athenians come and swim all year round. Many water polo teams are training here as well.

4: Acropolis

Acropolis which is 156 meter high, of course has a given spot on a list like this. This is whitout a doubt the most popular destination in Athens and the mix of history, impressive temples and magnificent view makes it easy to understand why. Here you get a lot at the same time and many who visit Parthenon are admiring the view as much as they are admiring the temples.

The reason why Acropolis does not get a higher rank on this list is that there is a fee you have to pay to enter the area. During high season (spring and summer) they charge 20 euro and during low season they charge adults 12 euro. Also, you rarely have this place to yourself (which is understandable) and it can be a little to crowded and stressful for some people. Although, there are also other hills nearby which you can go up on for free but it is from the Acropolis cliff you will get the best view.

5: Zafiros i Galatsi

In Galatsi in Athen’s northeastern parts we find the restaurant/cafe Zafiros on the top of the Attiko Alsos Hill and the area Tourkovounia. From here you get a panoramic view over the entire city: From the sea to the far northern suburbs. Opposite Zafiros large terrace, on the other side of the city, rises Mount Parnitha, which happens to be the next viewpoint on our list.

Zafiros serves both food and drinks but the prices are slightly more expensive than usual, especially the coffee can cost one or two euro more. It is probably the view that you pay a little extra for because the coffee is not that outstanding. Up here, there are also turtles prowling on the mountain sides. Some are so brave that they dare to go for a walk on the outdoor terrace.

For those who do not just want to grab a cup of coffe and watch the view, there is also, near Zafrios, a park where you can walk or bike in. It includes four tennis courts and one football field. During the summer evenings there are also theater-and music perfromances at the small theater in the park.

To get to this part of town you take the bus 601 from downtown (Kanigos square) or bus 622. You will then get off at the end station. You can of course also take a taxi, which is the easiest way, but then you have to pay some more.

6: Parnitha

The mountain Parnitha is one of the major mountains that rise around Athens. Parnitha has 16 peaks that are higher than 1000 meters and its highest peak is Karampola at 1.413 meters. The entire mountain is covered by pine trees on the lower elevations and pine forest the further up you go. Parnitha is in the outskirts of the northern parts of Athens and at the top of the peak Mavrovouni there is actually a casino called Mont Parnes.

The road winds up the mountain as a mountainroad should do and offers many opportunities to grasp Athens from high above.
Parnitha is a popular place to hike and there are many different hiking trails to follow. There is also two popular hostels that serve food at the locations Bafi and Flampouri. They are very nice and have good food. Their outdoor terraces are facing the hills and the valleys of Parnitha.

The chance to encounter deer is very good up here as they now have started getting further and further down the mountain. The reason is that the wolfs have begun to come back to this area, which in turn makes the deer come down the mountain. The special thing with these deers is that they are very friendly and you can come very close to them.