Parks of Athens
Parks of Athens
Emma Eichhorn
Need a break from the hustle and bustle of touring Athens?
This city is full of green spaces perfect for a relaxing picnic, a walk with your dog, or an open space to let your kids get out their energy!
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Within the City Center
Here are some park options within walking distance or a short ride from the heart of Athens
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Athens National Garden
@emmaeichhorn
This is a very beloved and highly visited park in Athens! It is perfectly located in the center of the city and is full of gorgeous vegetation, water features, and shady spots to take a break.
While this place is certainly worth your time, be sure to give yourself ample time when you visit. The winding footpaths can easily make you lose you sense of direction. I, myself, have gotten turned around while strolling this park multiple times!
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Philopappos Hill
@emmaeichhorn
I consider this place a must when visiting Athens! For it's stunning view of the Acropolis as well as the central role it has played in Greek history.
The hill itself is full of historical significance, with the Prison of Socrates, the Philopappos Monument, and about a dozen pockets a ancient ruins marked all over the grounds. Additionally, this hill is alive with current cultural significance, being the home of the Holy Church of Saint Demetrios Loumbardiaris, the most popular spot for kite flying every year on Καθαρά Δευτέρα (Clean Monday), and my personal favorite spot to watch the Easter fireworks!
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Near the City Center
These parks give you a break from the downtown crowds but are still easily accessible by public transportation or a short drive
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Pedion tou Areos
@emmaeichhorn
This park is perfect if you're wanting to get out of the city-center without traveling too far.
The park is quite large with two playgrounds, two small Greek Orthodox churches, a cafe, bathrooms, open spaces and paved walkways for bikes, roller-skates, etc., open grassy areas to spread out a blanket or let your dog run, multiple water faucets, and plenty of benches!
There is also a lovely walkway lined with marble busts of Greek historic figures if you'd like to learn a bit of contemporary history while you're there!
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Σκοπευτήριο Καισαριανής
@emmaeichhorn
This is an excellent family park with well maintained grounds, paved walkways, and a welcoming local feel.
The park includes a children's playground, an enclosed dog park, a cafe, restrooms, and features a beautiful yet sobering WWII memorial.
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Βοτανικός Κήπος Αττικού Άλσους
@emmaeichhorn
This beautiful little botanical garden is actually park of a much lager park. The whole area is shady and quite, with meandering paved footpaths. There is a children's playground where your kids can make some local friends, and if you're in the mood for a hike, the top of the hill features a wonderful view of the city and a great spot to watch the sunset!
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Outside the City Center
Farther from the center means more space and less people! If you don't mind a little extra travel time, here are some parks that provide a nice outdoor space you can enjoy with just locals
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Veikou Grove
@emmaeichhorn
If you want to get out of the city and spend some time with the locals, this is your place!
This park has EVERYTHING! Great playgrounds, an enclosed dog park, boules pitches, a skate park, expansive grassy areas, a cafe, restrooms, water faucets, paved walking paths, and hiking trails that ascend to excellent views of the city!
There is also a sports complex and swimming pool located on the grounds, but they have their own entrances.
You could certainly spend the whole day here and then head up the hill for the sunset!
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Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center
@emmaeichhorn
This place is so unique and an excellent non-touristy option to add to your itinerary!
The park itself has so many cool features and the SNF is always changing up the attractions offered to those visiting the grounds. The outdoor space consists of all native plant species, giving it an authentic look, different from other parks in Athens. The cultural center included on the grounds offers a variety of activities and houses the National Library and National Opera House.
After you've had a nice walk, you can pop in to the cafe for a drink and enjoy it beside the canal or walk up the green roof for views of the city and the port!
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Nea Filadelfeia Forest
@emmaeichhorn
This park is perfect if you're looking to be in nature but still want paved walkways. There is so much space to roam here, and the park is near is near many cafes and restaurants where you could grab some food for a picnic.
The grounds also include an enclosed dog park, an outdoor gym, and plenty of water faucets, but the crowning jewel is the picturesque pond and windmill at the center!
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The Ellinikon Experience Park
@emmaeichhorn
If you're searching for a park specifically for your kids, this is definitely where you need to be heading!
This park is the newest on the list and is still being continuously added to, but it is already a great place to spend the afternoon!
Parking and entry are free. There are bathrooms, drinking fountains, and cafe's available. The children's playground is an artful masterpiece, and the splash pad is perfect for the hot Greek sun!
There are also walking paths, picnic spots, paved areas for skating or biking, and outdoor gym equipment.
Be sure to stay for the sunset, then enjoy park lights after dark!
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Antonis Tritsis Metropolitan Park
@emmaeichhorn
If you want peace and quite and a place for your dog (or child) to splash around with the ducks, here you go!
This park is perfect if you're looking to stretch your legs, grab a coffee, and just enjoy the slow life in Athens along with the locals!
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Δάσος Συγγρού
@emmaeichhorn
Ok, I know that this one is pretty far out, but there is a metro stop very conveniently located near by, and it is by far my favorite Athens escape that doesn't require a car!
The park is expansive, quite, and clean. There are open grassy areas to spread out a blanket and let your kids or dogs run, and there a densely forested areas that block out the view and sounds of the city.
You can enjoy an entire day out there walking, daydreaming in the grass, or lounging in a hammock. When you're fully refreshed, you can grab something to eat in Maroussi and then hop on the metro back to Athens!
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Emma Eichhorn
Expat living in Greece and loving every minute of it!
I visited Greece for the first time in 2012 and immediately fell in love! I spent the following years dreaming and scheming; then made the move in 2019. Now, my dog and I wake up everyday thanking our lucky stars that we get to spend our days exploring this beautiful country!
Happy to welcome you to this space where I can share the things I've learned and the places I've discovered!
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