Parks, the few green spaces within the concrete jungle of Athens, provide shade and fresh air to those roasting under the Mediterranean sun. Dispersed throughout the city, parks large and small offer trails for runners, benches for picnics, and open spaces for dogs to romp around. In some, you might even find remnants of ancient ruins. By Isabelle Clayton Akademia Platonos
The National Garden The National Garden, once the Royal Garden, was created by Queen Amalia in the 19th century. Now, it stands as one of the largest gardens in Athens, with fish-filled ponds, networks of winding gravel paths, a Botanical Museum, a playground, and a zoo. Dispersed among its myriad flowers and shrubs, including the iconic acanthus, ancient ruins serve as places for people to sit and enjoy the shade.
Zappeion Garden For many Athenians, Zappeion Garden is a relic of their childhood. This green space surrounds the Zappeion Megaron, a remarkable piece of architecture used for large events, conferences, and exhibitions. On the weekends, children play among the garden’s 23 marble statues, and old friends catch up at the café or restaurant located within its wide, sand-colored paths. Diomidous Botanical Gardens
The Diomidous Botanical Gardens will be the plantlover’s paradise. As the largest garden in Athens, and the largest botanical garden in Greece, this expansive green space hosts over 2,500 species of native and global plants. The garden is organized by both plant type and region, with notable exhibitions of medicinal florae and trees from around the world. Classicists will enjoy the garden for its section of historically
Parko Eleftherias
significant plants, like the Laurus nobilis (Apollo’s laurel), and the Paliurus aculeatus (used to weave the thorn crown of Jesus).
Lycabettus Hill For an incredible birdseye view of the ancient city, Lycabettus Hill is a must see. The arduous climb to the top of the hill is offset by unbelievable views of the ancient Acropolis and the serene Saronic Gulf. For those hesitant to make the trek, the summit is also accessible by car or funicular railroad. At the top, visit the quaint church of Saint George or watch the sunset over the Aegean Sea. And, if your hike has stirred your appetite, multiple bars and restaurants are perched atop the hill, including the famed Orizontes. Pedion tou Areos: With a plethora of wildlife and monuments in tribute to the Greek heroes of the War of Independence, Pedion tou Areos is often referred to by locals as simply, the Park. Thanks to recent renovations, the park offers long, tree-lined stone pathways, perfect for both runs and long walks. However, due to its proximity to Omonia Square, it is recommended that you avoid this area in the evenings and early mornings. Philopappou Hill When key figures of Greek antiquity, including Aristides and Pericles, would address political matters to the public atop Philopappou Hill, it was known as the Hill of the
