A weekend hiking getaway, whether one or two days, starting from Athens, will offer you the ideal break from everyday stress.
For those seeking a quick escape from the city, a nearby excursion for hiking is the best way to enjoy nature and fill your lungs with pure oxygen. There are several destinations near Athens that are ideal for day trips or multi-day getaways, perfect for getting to know Greece’s natural environment better.
Escape the city’s fast pace and stress by driving just a few hours. From Attica to Corinthia and Fokida, these five destinations will offer you authentic hiking experiences amid lush natural landscapes with views that take your breath away.
Kithaironas
Kithaironas, the mountain of antiquity that took its name from the mythical king of Plataea and was linked to the Dionysian Mysteries, is one of the closest choices to Athens for hiking. It is located at the borders of Attica, Boeotia and Corinthia, about 1.5 hours from the capital. Thanks to its proximity, it is ideal even for a day escape. The mountain rises to 1,409 meters and many call it «the balcony of the Corinthian Gulf» due to its unobstructed view toward the Corinthian Gulf.
At the Petalo location at an elevation of about 1,090 m near Vilia, you will find the EOS Elefsina refuge «Vangelis Tsakos». From there you can start the route to the mountain’s summit, the Prophet Elias or Elatia. The route is of moderate difficulty with several steep ascents and suits all seasons except the hot summer months. One option is to reach the Small Summit and the other is to set off from there for Prophet Elias, where you will enjoy wonderful views toward the sea. There are plenty of marked trails, and along the routes you will encounter rich vegetation, firs, pines and wildflowers. After the hike, the village of Vilia or Erythres are ideal stops for food.
Vouraikos Gorge
One of the most impressive gorges in Greece, the Vouraikos Gorge near Kalavryta is an experience hiking lovers should not miss. In about 2 to 2.5 hours you will find yourself in Diakopto, which is a good starting point to begin your walk. The special feature of this route is that you will move alongside the tracks of the Odontotos, the legendary Kalavryta train, on the waymarked European Path E4. Following the railway lines, the route from Diakopto to Kalavryta is about 20 kilometers.
Many choose the opposite direction for their route from Kalavryta to Diakopto, as it is more downhill. Another option is to start from the village of Zachlorou, which is in the middle of the route, and follow whichever direction you wish. The Vouraikos River springs between the eastern extensions of Erymanthos and the western ones of Helmos, creating a natural landscape that takes your breath away, with sheer rocks, lush vegetation, impressive caves along the way, waterfalls and wooden footbridges. Also, hiking can be combined with boarding- alighting from the Odontotos train, doing one direction of the route on foot and the return by train, or the opposite. Do not forget to sit for food and coffee in historic Kalavryta.
Ziria
Mount Kyllini or Ziria in Mountainous Corinthia is one of the most popular destinations for nature lovers. Ziria is the second-highest mountain in the Peloponnese at 2,374 meters, and this name seems to have come from a Slavic root meaning acorn. The mountain has two peaks, Great and Small Ziria, with trails leading into forests full of firs and meadows with an alpine feel. You can follow the route from the Ziria Ski Center near Trikala, Corinthia, which is quite steep and demanding, and reach the summit; however, during winter the route has extra difficulty due to snow. A popular route, as well, is the Flampouritsa Gorge combined with the ascent to the summit of Small Ziria, a difficult route due to the rocks that rewards the hiker with the impressive landscape.
A relatively easier route on this mountain is the ascent to Lake Dasiou, a hidden paradise of Corinthia. It is a shallow lake that fills during winter and, due to low temperatures, freezes and creates a unique spectacle. It is located at an elevation of about 1,480 m and is surrounded by a fir forest. An excursion to Ziria pairs ideally with staying and dining in Trikala, Corinthia. The hiking routes you can follow are many, starting from the villages of the area, and on the mountain you will find two refuges.
Vardousia Mountains
Mountainous Fokida lies a little farther from Athens, as it takes about 3 hours by car to reach the Vardousia Mountains. Vardousia, which stand on the borders of Fokida and Fthiotida, are the second-highest mountain of Roumeli after Giona. The highest summit is Korakas, at 2,495 meters, and the area is ideal for mountaineering and hiking, as there are many trails and two mountain refuges. Vardousia is a more demanding option for hiking for those with greater experience. Nevertheless, the route will reward you with alpine and impressive scenery. The area is full of firs, oaks and cedars, and hosts rare bird species.
The most popular route starts from the village of Athanasios Diakos, which is connected to the mountain via the European E4 path and lies at an elevation of about 1,000 m. An ideal place to rest along the way is the Vardousia Mountain Refuge at Pitimaliko, at 2,000 m. The excursion is combined with food and a stroll in the village of Athanasios Diakos -once called Ano Mousounitsa- which lies within an amazing natural landscape with forests. In addition, about 40 minutes by car away is the artificial Lake Mornos with its tributaries ideal spots for walking and easy routes in nature.
Geraneia Mountains
Between the Saronic and Corinthian Gulfs rise the Geraneia Mountains, with views toward both seascapes. Just about one hour from Athens, they are the ideal destination for a day trip to breathe clean oxygen. The highest peak of the Geraneia is Makryplagi and offers panoramic views at 1,370 m, while other important peaks are Pindiza, the small and the big Douskia. Most of the trail routes start from Loutraki, Perachora and Pisia and there are many options for all levels of hikers, easy and moderately difficult.
On the waymarked trails from the Mountaineering Club of Loutraki you will find other routes too, such as from Perachora to Lake Vouliagmeni and from Hosios Patapios to the small mountain village Pisia with views of the Corinthian Gulf. A trip to the Geraneia can combine mountain with sea, as the best choice is to make a stop in Loutraki for seafood and meze by the waves.
Tips for hiking
Especially if you are not an experienced mountain hiker, it is good to have a few useful tips in mind if you want to start your getaways.
Start with easy routes lasting one to two hours at low elevation so you can adapt gradually.
Check the weather in advance and any difficulties you may encounter at the destination.
Make sure you have enough water with you (one liter or more) and a light snack such as cereal bars, nuts and fruit for energy.
Wear lightweight clothes in layers so you can take them off or add them depending on the weather and have a windproof jacket with you.
Wear good shoes. If possible, choose a good pair of mountaineering or hiking shoes with a non-slip sole.
Always put on sunscreen to avoid sunburn in all seasons, as even in the mountains, the sun burns.
If you lack experience, prefer to go with an experienced hiker or a hiking group.
If you are a beginner always follow the marked trails. Be sure to download an app with hiking routes or maps on your phone.
