Is the Lycabettus Hill walk difficult?

Yes, it is considered challenging due to the steep incline and numerous stone stairs. It requires a moderate level of fitness, but there are plenty of spots to stop and rest with a view.

When is the best time to visit Mount Lycabettus?

Sunset is the most iconic time to be at the peak to watch the city lights come on. However, early morning is best if you want to avoid the crowds and the heat of the day.

Is there a way to reach the top without walking?

Yes, a funicular (cable car) departs from the corner of Aristippou and Ploutarchou streets in Kolonaki. It runs inside a tunnel, so there are no views during the ride, but it reaches the top in about 3 minutes.

Can I see the Acropolis from Mount Lycabettus?

Absolutely. Mount Lycabettus offers one of the best bird's-eye views of the Acropolis in the city, especially striking when the Parthenon is illuminated at night.

Are there restaurants at the top of Lycabettus?

Yes, there is a high-end restaurant called Orizontes and a more casual cafe located at the summit near the church. They offer some of the most scenic dining experiences in Athens.

Is it safe to walk Mount Lycabettus at night?

The main paved paths are generally safe and frequently used by locals, but the dirt trails can be dark and uneven. If you stay for sunset, it is recommended to walk back down the main road or take the funicular.

Is the Holy Church of Saint George open to the public?

Yes, the small chapel is usually open during the day for visitors to enter quietly, light a candle, and observe the religious icons.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Rising 277 meters above the Saronic Gulf, Mount Lycabettus is the highest point in Athens, offering a panoramic spectacle that few other urban viewpoints can match. This self-guided walk invites you to conquer the peak, beginning in the sophisticated neighborhood of Kolonaki and winding upward through pine-scented paths to the summit. While many visitors opt for the funicular, the true Lycabettus experience is found on foot, where the transition from Neoclassical urban elegance to rugged limestone slopes reveals the diverse character of the Greek capital. This neighborhood stroll captures the essence of Athens' verticality, rewarding your effort with a 360-degree view that stretches from the mountains of Parnitha to the shimmering Aegean Sea. As you navigate this walking route, you will encounter the historic Dexameni square, a place steeped in literary history where the city's intellectual elite once gathered over coffee. The ascent continues through the winding streets of Aristippou, where the city noise begins to fade, replaced by the rustle of Mediterranean flora. Reaching the top, the whitewashed Holy Church of Saint George stands as a silent sentinel over the sprawling metropolis below. This is not just a physical challenge; it is a journey through the layers of Athenian history, from Roman engineering at the ancient aqueduct to the modernist architecture of the Lycabettus Theatre. Whether you are a photography enthusiast looking for the ultimate sunset shot of the Acropolis or a nature lover seeking a brief escape from the concrete jungle, this self-guided adventure provides the perfect balance of exercise and exploration. Unlike a typical walking tour Athens visitors might find in the crowded Plaka, this route offers a sense of accomplishment and a unique perspective on the city's layout. It is a challenging yet exhilarating way to experience the grandeur of the 'Cradle of Western Civilization' from its most commanding height.

Highlights

360-degree panoramic views of Athens and the Aegean Sea

The charming literary history of Dexameni Square

The iconic whitewashed chapel of Saint George

A challenging climb through fragrant pine forests

Architectural insights into the Lycabettus Open Air Theatre

The upscale Neoclassical atmosphere of the Kolonaki district

Tour Stops (6)

Benaki Museum

Our self-guided walk begins at the Benaki Museum of Greek Culture, housed in a magnificent Neoclassical mansion. This building was the family home of Antonis Benakis, who gifted the mansion and his massive collection to the Greek state in 1930. The architecture here serves as a perfect introduction to the Kolonaki district, an area that became the heart of the Athenian elite in the late 19th century. As you stand outside, notice the clean lines and marble details that define the 'Athenian Classicism' style. This museum acts as a bridge between the ancient city center and the rising slopes we are about to climb, housing artifacts that span the entirety of Greek history.

Dexameni

Walking up into the heart of Kolonaki, we reach Dexameni Square. The name 'Dexameni' translates to 'cistern' or 'reservoir,' referring to the Roman-era aqueduct built by Emperor Hadrian that terminates here. For centuries, this was the primary water source for Athens. By the early 20th century, this square became a legendary bohemian hub. Famous Greek writers like Alexandros Papadiamantis and Nikos Kazantzakis would sit at the local cafes, debating philosophy and literature. It remains a cherished local favorite, offering a shaded, peaceful atmosphere that feels worlds away from the busy avenues of Syntagma nearby.

Aristippou

As we turn onto Aristippou Street, the real challenge begins. This street marks the boundary between the urban grid and the natural park of Lycabettus. The slope increases significantly here, and you will notice the pavement giving way to stone stairs and narrow paths. This area is a prime example of how Athens has expanded vertically, with apartments clinging to the hillside to maximize their view of the city. Take your time with the ascent; the surrounding pine trees provide some shade, and the air begins to feel noticeably cooler and fresher as you leave the traffic of the lower streets behind.

Mount Lycabettus

You have reached the summit! At 277 meters, you are standing at the highest point in Athens. According to Greek mythology, the goddess Athena was carrying this giant limestone rock to the Acropolis to serve as a fortification. However, she received bad news from a crow and dropped the rock in a fit of surprise, creating the hill where you now stand. From this vantage point, you can see the entire Attic basin. Look toward the sea to spot the Acropolis and the Parthenon, which appear surprisingly small from this height. On a clear day, you can even see the mountains of the Peloponnese in the far distance.

Holy Church of Saint George of Lycabettus

Perched at the very top of the hill is the charming, whitewashed chapel of Saint George. This Byzantine-style church was built in the 19th century on the foundations of an older, medieval church. Before that, the site likely held a temple dedicated to Zeus. The bright white exterior reflects the intense Greek sun, making it a visible landmark from almost anywhere in the city. The terrace surrounding the church is the most popular spot in Athens for watching the sunset. It is a place of quiet reflection amidst the grand scale of the city below, and its simple beauty contrasts sharply with the rugged rock it sits upon.

Lycabettus theatre

Descending slightly toward the eastern side of the hill, we find the Lycabettus Theatre. This open-air venue was designed by the visionary Greek architect Takis Zenetos in 1965, built inside an old quarry. Its industrial, minimalist design was intended to look like a 'shell' resting in the rock. For decades, it has been one of the most prestigious concert venues in Greece, hosting legendary international acts from Leonard Cohen to Radiohead. The acoustics provided by the natural stone walls are exceptional. As you explore the area around the theatre, you can see the more rugged, less-visited side of the hill, completing your circuit of the peak.

Frequently Asked Questions

The walk from the base in Kolonaki to the summit typically takes 30 to 45 minutes of active walking. This route, which includes historical stops like Dexameni and the Benaki Museum, spans approximately 90-120 minutes total.