Everybody who lives or has visited Athens recognizes that the metropolitan basin has very clear geographical boundaries, with the Saronic gulf defining the southern ‘edge,’ and an almost continuous string of mountains of various sizes, shapes and heights denoting the remaining sides.

Many are also aware that one of those mountains – Parnitha, is a national park. The mountain is a popular destination for Athenians – especially when winter blankets its sides with fresh snow – who walk run and cycle through its (remaining) pine and fir forests.

Today increasingly growing number of visitors are aware that fantastic hikes are only a 30-40 drive from the center of town. From my experience however, very few have hiked the route I am about to describe in some detail…

To be more specific, I am referring to an extensive hike of the north-eastern part of Parnitha, arguably the least known part of the mountain. What makes this route particularly pleasant is that it takes the visitor through a variety of landscapes, all of which are imbued with an uncanny sense of detachment despite their proximity tο the sprawling Athenian metropolis, which is just on the other side of the mountain.