show!
Choose other city guides
Parks & Gardens in Athens
What better way to recharge yourself for another round of sightseeing than to enjoy the peace and serenity of urban parklands? In spite of being often criticised for its appearance of a concrete jungle, Greece’s capital nevertheless does have quite a few parks and green spaces. The three largest and historically most significant parks include the National Gardens, Zappeion Garden and the Areos Garden. All three are very quiet and shady with trees and plants, offering visitors a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of the city life. Walking the area around the Acropolis and the large Philopapou Hill, located at a short distance away, will probably make you feel like being in a forest.
|
Philopappos Hill
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Located on southwest from the Acropolis, topping the legendary Hill of the Muses, one can find a scenic burial monument erected by the citizens of Athens to commemorate Gaius Julius Antiochus Philopappos. Philopappos was the grandson of the King of Commagene and a well-known donor of the city, having made a large number of significant bequests. Now, Philopappos Hill ranks among the greenest places in the congested metropolis, and offers several venues which are ideal for strolling and picture-taking. Meanwhile, the hills offers vistas of the Acropolis and the Mediterranean.
|
|
|
|
|
Zappeion Garden
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Once having treaded into the National Garden, keep to the right and you will enter the evocative Zappeion Garden, proudly adorned by the awe-inspiring Zappeion Hall. The Hall building itself was erected solely for the purpose to host the first modern Olympic Games in Athens. Currently a mere exhibition hall, the site is enclosed by a fairy-tale garden, open from sunrise to sunset.
|
|
more
|
|
|
Lycabettus Hill
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Among Athens' few absolute must-see spots, this site is a dramatic break from the otherwise rusing metropolis. The hill is an ideal starting point, especially for those on a rush visit to the city, as from here, one can immediately spot and photograph the more significant venues. Once having seen the stately Acropolis and the grandiose Olympic Stadium from above, one can immediately head towards the Mediterranean coast, as the hill is connected with a pedestrian path lined with century-old trees, leading directly to the shore. The Lycabettus, otherwise, is equipped with a scenic open air theatre that sits right at the top; and during the summer months one can often stop by and listen to a concert or view a performance.
|
|
more
|
|
|
The Areos Park
|
|
|
|
|
|
 see map
|
|
|
This park represents a large and peaceful option for a day out if one wishes to escape the overwhelming city with its ever-changing decor, large rushing crowds and roaring traffic. The vast area of lush greens and serene strolling paths is found a little off Leoforos Alexandras Avenue, in the immediate vicinity of the National Archaeological Museum. Thus, if feeling a little bit weary of historical artifacts, this park offers a pleasant way to unwind.
|
|
|
|
|
National Gardens
|
Phone: +30 210 999 20
|
|
|
|
see map
|
|
|
The brainchild of Queen Amalia, this park was desighed in accordance with the 19th-century fashion in garden landscaping. The National Gardens, however, still offer a scenic retreat in the core of the bustling city. Equipped with a multitude of strolling paths, trees casting mighty shadows and placid ponds, this stretch of land is the most popular outdoors venue for Athenians.
|
|
more
|
|
|
Village Entertainment Park
|
Phone: +30 210 425 60 87
e-mail: info@villagepark.gr
|
|
|
Website: http://www.villagepark.gr/en/events.php
|
|
|
The Village Entertainment Park, Rentis, is indeed the country's first facility of its kind. As a multi-purpose venue, it is designed in accordance with its urban environment, and is particularly geared towards all forms of recreation, be it shopping, dining, wellness or outdoor activities. The vast grounds of the park offer a laid-back amiable atmosphere, with picnic tables and lush Mediterranean vegetation. The park is also equipped with a spacious retail area, where one can catch up on fashion, news, pick up several books or spend hours in the music and electronics stores. The complex also comprises some 20 indoor cinemas, a multitude of cafes and restaurants, plus an outdoor playground for children, which annually hosts a number of children's events.
|
|
|
|
|
Pedion tou Areos
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
An incredibly large park for small-scale Athens, this site offers vast green meadows, serene ponds, scenic paths, as well as the occasional strolling peacocks. Topping it off, one can try out the local playground, a well-attended venue that is popular both with locals and visitors. Being open from sunrise to sunset, this park allows for hours of peaceful walking amongst lush greenery.
|
|
more
|
|
|
Kifissias Park
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
This park also ranks among Athens' larger recreation venues, although by the standards of other larger cities, it might be considered relatively small. Here, one can relish on the regular grassy areas, lush trees, abundant shadows and scenic walking paths. The occasional water fountains are also an invariable part of the landscape. Most importantly, one can witness the vivid and extremely colourful annual flower fest that takes place on the park's grounds in May.
|
|
|
|