Seven destinations in Attica for a short escape into nature on Clean Monday.
Looking for an easy outing on Clean Monday? For those of you who will stay in the city and prefer last-minute escapes, we have a few suggestions for day trips in Attica. Parks, lakes and seaside destinations offer the ideal setting for kite flying, picnics and relaxation with family or friends, just a breath from the center of Athens.
Parks
Tritsis Park, Ilion
The largest metropolitan park of the Athens basin, with a total area of approximately 1,200 stremmas, lies within the boundaries of the Municipality of Ilion and borders the Municipality of Agioi Anargyroi-Kamatero. The Park of Environmental and Educational Activities and Social Economy Development "Antonis Tritsis" offers moments of tranquility and carefreeness among its 6 artificial lakes and paths, where all around you encounter 389 plant species. In addition, the Hellenic Ornithological Society has recorded 175 bird species within its grounds. You can go for a family bike ride, as it has cycle paths, take a break and picnic at the tables, sit for coffee and play with your children.
Stavros Niarchos Park, Kallithea
A few kilometers from the center of Athens, you’ll find one of the country’s most modern parks. The Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center is a green space with a wide variety of plants such as olive trees, laurels, cypresses, and a very large variety of Greek native aromatic herbs. The work of architect Renzo Piano welcomes thousands of visitors daily from all parts of Athens. The 360° view from the emblematic Lighthouse toward the sea and all of Athens, the Canal, the Great Lawn and the National Library are some of the places families love for their strolls.
Veikou Park, Galatsi
One of the most important green lungs in Athens, Veikou Park stretches across the northwestern foothills of the Tourkovounia and took its name from the Greek War of Independence fighter Lambros Veikos. The lush 256-stremma park in Galatsi is one of the city’s most reliable spots for kite flying. It features kiosks and rest areas, walking paths, playgrounds, outdoor gym equipment and sports facilities. Visitors can work out, relax at the café, walk up to the theater and enjoy strolls in nature.
Lakes
Marathon
About 35 km from the center of Athens, the artificial Lake Marathon is an ideal choice for mini escapes away from the city routine. It spreads over an area of 2,450 stremmas and is counted among the most important wetlands of Attica. For the record, the lake was formed by the construction of the Marathon Dam at the confluence of the Charadros and Varnavas streams and was the main water reserve for Athens from 1931 to 1959. The extensive network of paths and dirt roads around the lake is ideal for bike rides and walks that will make you feel you are far away from Athens.
Parnitha-Lake Beletsi
A walk on Parnitha is always revitalizing and awakens the explorer’s spirit in those who love mountains and adore nature. Parnitha has a rich network of trails, offers many opportunities for activities and hides quite a few surprises. On its eastern slopes, at an altitude of 600 meters, lies a true oasis: Lake Beletsi. This is a small artificial lake in a serene, verdant landscape. The lake was created in the period 1972-1975, while around it stretches the Ippokrateios Politeia of Afidnes. Ducks, swans, turtles and little frogs find refuge here. You can picnic on one of the rises around the lake, go for bike rides or hike the surrounding trails. To reach Lake Beletsi we suggest the wonderful, green route via Tatoi and Katsimidi. Do not miss visiting the small chapel of Agia Triada located just a few meters from the lake, while at the same time enjoying the beautiful, panoramic view of the Attica basin.
By the sea
Sounio-Lavrio
At the southernmost tip of Attica, about 70 km from Athens, Sounio is always a good idea for an outing. The Temple of Poseidon, perched on the steep cliffs of the cape looking out over the Aegean Sea, and the superb natural setting hold a captivating allure for every visitor. From here, the view of the coastline and the neighboring islands is magical. For a different experience you can visit "Chaos", an impressive chasm 55 m. deep and 120 m. in diameter, located in the National Park of Sounio (to get there follow from Lavrio the signs for the village of Agios Konstantinos and then those toward Chaos and Agia Triada). A day escape to Sounio can be combined with a stroll in Lavrio. After walking among neoclassical buildings and restored historic industrial structures, you can unwind at the harbor for coffee, food and drinks with views of the sailboats.
Elefsina
Just 20 km from Athens, Elefsina is a city with noteworthy monuments and a long history. Accessible yet at the same time unexplored. Its impressive archaeological site - one of the most important in Greece - is on its own reason enough for a day trip. The sanctuary of Elefsina was one of the foremost worship centers of the ancient world. It is worth, however, discovering the contemporary side of this city too, which was named European Capital of Culture for 2023. On Nikolaidou pedestrian street and the surrounding roads, you will find lovely haunts for food and to sip your ouzo.
