The Best Parks in Athens

This is a far greener city than most imagine it to be. Discover the beauty and refreshing lushness of Athens' best parks in this map by Travel.gr. For detailed descriptions visit our page

Downtown

National Garden

Situated in the heart of Athens and measuring 154,000 square meters, the National Garden emerged as modern Greece’s first organized park. Ideal for a short or long break from the city’s frenetic pace, visitors can stroll along shady paths, marvel at hundreds of trees and plants, relax by the pond with ducks and swans, and visit the small zoo with ibex, peacocks, and rabbits.

Zappeion Hall

Built in 1888 and designed by Danish architect Theophilus Hansen, Zappeion Hall was the first building constructed specifically for the revival of the Olympic Games in the modern world. The semi-circular neoclassical building with a Corinthian facade has played a versatile role, hosting Olympic fencing in 1896 and serving as an important venue for political and cultural events throughout Greek history.

Lycabettus Hill

Known and loved for its fabulous panoramic views of the capital, the Acropolis, and the sea, Lycabettus is ideal for activities such as jogging, yoga, dog walking, family strolls, and romantic outings. Crowned by the 18th-century whitewashed St George’s Church and the nearby Sky Bar, visitors can enjoy a meal or a drink at the Prasini Tenda cafe-restaurant with sweeping views.

Filopappou Hill

Located near the Acropolis, Filopappou Hill is a wonderful place to enjoy panoramic views of the city and get a singular view of the Acropolis and Lycabettus Hill almost side by side. A popular destination for walks and hikes, it offers a unique perspective of the city.

Pnyx

An open-air meeting place in ancient Athens where prominent orators delivered speeches, fostering democratic thinking.

Byzantine Museum Garden

A one-hectare park rich in fruit trees and herbs, offering an enchanting natural landscape and open-air exhibitions.

Alsos Ilisiou (Ilisia Park)

A scenic park covering approximately 60 hectares, ideal for a walk among pine and cypress trees.

Rizari Park

A park rich with Mediterranean flora, honoring Georgios Rizaris and featuring floor tiles with words from Samuel Beckett's poem 'Cascando'.

Eleftherias Park

A popular green space overlooking Vas. Sophias Avenue, offering a verdant escape and ideal for relaxation.

Ardittos Hill

A hill named after the ancient hero Ardittis, with rich biodiversity, historical monuments, and scenic beauty.

Strefi Hill

A small hill with stone paths, an open-air theatre, a playground, and a snack bar, suitable for various activities.

Aristotle’s Lyceum

The archaeological site of Aristotle’s Lyceum, offering visitors a chance to explore archaeological remains and Mediterranean flora.

Moni Petraki

The official seat of the Holy Synod of the Orthodox Church of Greece, with an immaculate garden displaying a variety of Attica's flora.

Pedion Areos

A tranquil park commemorating the heroes of the 1821 revolution, ideal for walking and jogging with a rich variety of trees and plants.

Plato’s Academy (Akadimia Platonos)

The archaeological site of Plato’s Academy, offering visitors the unique experience of walking in the footsteps of the father of Western philosophy.

West

Tritsis Park & Queen Amalia’s Tower

The largest metropolitan park in Athens, covering 120 hectares with six artificial lakes and rich flora and fauna. Former summer residence of Queen Amalia of Greece.

Diomedes Botanical Garden

A remarkable natural retreat on the outskirts of Haidari, boasting 4,000 species of plants and a network of lakes. Group tours available.

Nea Philadelphia Park

A popular park with cycle paths, skate paths, and a designated dog park. Ideal for families and groups.

North

Kifissia Park

Charming park with picturesque ponds and annual flower show. A delightful stop for locals and visitors.

Syngrou Park

Large green space close to Athens center, offering activities for the whole family. Features a small ancient theatre and a Beekeeping Museum.

Veikou Park (Alsos Veikou)

A 104-hectare park perfect for sports enthusiasts, featuring facilities like a soccer field, basketball and tennis courts, and a running track

East

Papagou Park

Popular park with a dog park, playground, pond, fountain, and statues of Greek revolutionaries. Features an amphitheatre for performances.

South

Stavros Niarchos Cultural Centre Park

Modern park offering a range of daily activities, lush greenery, playgrounds, sports field, jogging track, and a giant chessboard.

The Ellinikon

Europe’s largest coastal park with fountains, lush landscape, playground inspired by civil aviation, and space for running, cycling, and outdoor yoga.

Nea Smyrni Park

Green oasis in the heart of the city, one of the largest parks in Attica region. Ideal for jogging, with well-maintained paths and a large area dedicated to pigeons.

New section

Mt Parnitha

Sprawling nature reserve popular among fitness enthusiasts and nature lovers. Home to a wide variety of wildlife and offers various outdoor activities.

Lake Beletsi

Located on the eastern slope of mount Parnitha, Lake Beletsi, also known as Lake Kithara, is a beautiful, secret place ideal for a lovely stroll in nature. The lake offers moments of pure calm and peace, with opportunities for birdwatching, cycling, and picnicking.

Mt Ymmitos

Mt Ymmitos, located a 20-minute drive from central Athens, offers nature lovers a peaceful retreat with over 100 species of birds. The mountain is ideal for running, hiking, and mountain biking, with scenic views of the city from the Church of the Ascension.

Tatoi Royal Estate

Tatoi Estate, located on the south-eastern slope of Mount Parnitha, is a stunning natural destination just 27 kilometers from the center of Athens. Once a royal retreat, the estate is now a great place for hiking, cycling, jogging, and picnicking in a lush forest setting.

Schinias National Park

Schinias National Park, about 40 km from Athens, is the most important coastal ecosystem in Attica. The park offers opportunities for birdwatching, rare wildlife sightings, and relaxing in nature, with a large wetland attracting thousands of visitors each year.

Marathon Lake

Marathon Lake, historically known for the Battle of Marathon, is part of the Natura 2000 network. The area hosts diverse habitats, bird species, and endangered aquatic wildlife, making it a valuable educational experience for visitors of all ages.