Explore the wonders of Mount Lycabettus

Lycabettus Hill has a rich and fascinating history that blurs the line between truth and myth. The hill almost certainly got its name from the wolves that used to inhabit it in Antiquity. Seeing as lykos (λύκος) means wolf in Greek, this explanation makes sense etymologically. Due to its rather steep geography, not much human activity has been found on the hill until the 18th century. Some antiquities have been found, but none to rival those dug up at other sites throughout the city. During the 15th or 16th centuries AD, the church of Agion Isidoron was built on the western side of the Mount, while a chapel to St George was built in the 19th century at the top of the hill. Visitors will also find an open-air amphitheatre which hosted many iconic concerts in its heyday, but has been closed for safety reasons since 2008. The hill also has a mythologised past. It is said that the hill appeared after the goddess Athena, the patron goddess of Athens, dropped a rock from Mount Peletis she had been carrying to build the Acropolis. After a raven found her and bought her some bad news, she accidentally dropped the rock and it became the Mount we know today.

The main thing to do at Mount Lycabettus is to obviously climb up to the top. But beyond that, we loved visiting both Churches. St George’s Church dates back to 1870 and is a fine example of Greek Orthodox traditions of the 19th century. Look out for the stunning painted frescoes on the church walls. The church was also built on the site where the Temple of Zeus Extreme once stood, and it’s a slightly overwhelming feeling to think people have prayed in the same place for thousands of years, looking out onto the same view, probably with many of the same hopes and prayers. Through the trees, you’ll also be able to see the Church of Agion Isidoron, a stupendous rocky church with impeccable views of the city. Pro tip: the earlier you go, the better, as less crowds will be around.

The most obvious way to reach the top of Lycabettus Hill is, of course, to walk. Be prepared for a steep and rather long climb full of zigzaggy stairs, rocky paths and a lot of trees. The path is clear all the way to the top and you can’t really get lost. Take your time to make your way up and you’ll see the views are well worth it in the end. Another way to reach the top is by cable car. The entrance to the cable car is on the corner of Aristippou and Ploutarchou streets, but be aware that this is already a bit of a way up. The funicular costs 7,5 EUR per way. You can also drive up, on the Lycabettus ring road, where you’ll find a carpark at the end of the road. Taking a taxi up the road is another option for reaching the summit.

• The hill is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike and can therefore get rather busy during the peak summer season. If you want a quiet walk up the hill, you might want to favour an early morning ascent on a weekday. Cable cars run from about 9am until midnight.
• Please keep in mind that as the mount is very rugged and hilly, it is not accessible to persons with mobility issues, unless you travel up via car.

Our favourite hotel near Lycabettus Hill: