Green Oases in a Mediterranean Metropolis

By PiA BhATiA

For locals, green spaces in Athens serve as havens from the densely populated urban environment. These peaceful places, scattered throughout the city, hold both remnants of ancient ruins and cherished childhood memories. Whether large or small, parks in Athens provide ample space for a variety of recreational activities. From leisurely strolls along lengthy jogging trails to finding the perfect spot for a picnic, these green oases offer respite from the scorching Mediterranean sun and the fast pace of the capital city.

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Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center (SNFCC)

The SNFCC contrasts the general feel of much of Athens’ classical architecture. Strikingly modern and well-organized, the Stavros Niarchos Garden is especially lovely for visitors with little ones. Complete with a sound garden, many carefully crafted playgrounds and water jets to play in, this park is perfect for families. It is also an ideal place for runners and has ample sporting facilities as well. In addition, the SNFCC park boasts proximity to the attractions of the center itself, including the “lighthouse” with its panoramic views of the city and the dancing fountains at the canal.

A visit at the Presidential Mansion

The official residence of the President of the Hellenic Republic is surrounded by stunning gardens worth seeing. The extremely polite staff welcomes you and gently takes you through the control process. Nothing will interrupt your relaxation in the former vegetable garden of the Royal Palace that Ernst Ziller transformed into a decorative gardenin 1897 when Herod Atticus Street was also constructed. In this garden that forms an oasis of peace and silence, you will find symmetrical grass lawns, islets with seasonal plants and an impressive marble staircase. Among the trees, there are works of art,an unexpected outdoor sculpture gallery, featuring works by Natalia Mela, Giorgos Zongolopoulos, Kostas Varotsos, Theodoros Papagiannis and Yannis Pappas. Silence and beauty will accompany your every step of the wayas, no matter how many are the visitors, everyone speaks in a low voice and moves discreetly, as if the space itself imposes another culture, a bygone nobility. The garden of the Presidential Mansion is open to the public every Sunday, from 10.00 to 16.00

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The National Garden The National Garden, originally known as the Royal Garden, was established in the 19th century by Queen Amalia, making it a historically significant green space in Athens. Today, it stands as one of the largest and most renowned gardens in the city, boasting a multitude of features and attractions. Within its grounds, visitors can find lovely fishponds, intricate networks of winding gravel paths, a Botanical Museum showcasing a diverse range of plant species, a playground for children, and even a small zoo. The gardens are a great place for a late afternoon stroll, or, if you are pressed for time during your visit, they are a popular shortcut from the Panathenaic Stadium to Syntagma Square.

Zappeion Garden Zappeion Garden is a nostalgic place for many Athenians, imbued with childhood memories. This green space surrounds the Zappeion Megaron, a grand hall built for the first modern Olympic games, which has now become a center 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 and restaurant located within its wide, sand-colored paths.

Akademia Platonos Plato founded the Academy in 387 B.C. Two millennia later, Akedemia Platonos stands as a testament to this great philosophical center, adorned with archaeological remains and winding paths. While it is now a popular spot for picnics and leisurely walks, Plato’s rich academic legacy lives on through occasional art exhibitions, philosophical workshops, and a Digital Museum at the park's core. The Garden of the Athens Concert Hall (Megaron) offers not only a cool retreat from the Athens heat but also an immersive cultural and musical experience. Visitors can explore outdoor art exhibitions, relax on well-manicured lawns while enjoying poetry or jazz performances. It has become a beloved summer destination for locals and tourists alike, especially due to its proximity to the Dexameni outdoor cinema.

Pedion tou Areos Often referred to by locals as “the Park”, Pedion tou Areos hosts a plethora of wildlife and monuments in tribute to the Greek heroes of the War of Independence. The park offers long, tree-lined stone pathways that are perfect for both runs and long walks. However, due to its proximity to Omonia Square, which can be unsafe at night, it is recommended that you avoid this area after dark.

Parko Eleftherias Known as Freedom Park, Parko Eleftherias is a tranquil green space with a rich political and military history. This park pays homage to the brave individuals who served and sacrificed their lives during the Balkan Wars and the Greek military dictatorship. Monuments, an Arts Center, and museums within the park stand as poignant reminders of these conflicts. It is also home to a beloved eatery that serves as a delightful café during the day and transforms into a lively bar as the night unfolds. Visitors can enjoy the serene surroundings during the day and experience the vibrant atmosphere of the park's bar at night, creating a dynamic and engaging experience for all who visit.

Philopappou Hill Philopappou Hill, the tallest of the three hills to the west of the Acropolis, has some of the best views of the city. Once known as the Hill of the Muses, it was said to inspire creativity in the arts. Key figures of Greek antiquity, including Aristides and Pericles, used to address the public from the summit. In 116 AD during Roman times, however, a monument was erected in memory of Prince Gaius Julius Antichus Philopappos, a Roman exile and major benefactor of the ancient city. Today, Philopappou Hill can be accessed by the Acropolis or Thissio metro stops, making it extremely central and an incredible vantage point for glimpses of the Parthenon and the Mediterranean coast. Other than the Philopappos Monument, the hill boasts incredible sites, including the prison of Socrates, the Dora Stratou Theater, the National Observatory, and the church of Agia Marina.

Lycabettus Hill For an awe-inspiring panoramic view of the ancient city, a visit to Lycabettus Hill is an absolute must. While the climb to the hilltop may be demanding, the breathtaking vistas of the iconic Acropolis and the tranquil Saronic Gulf make it all worthwhile. However, for those who prefer an alternative to the hike, the summit is accessible by car or the Lycabettus Hill Funicular railway. Once you’re there, take the opportunity to explore the charming church of Saint George, a quaint architectural gem that adds to the hill's allure. Witness the unforgettable sunset over the shimmering Aegean Sea and quench your thirst in the bars and restaurants on the hill, including the renowned Orizontes.

Diomidous Botanical Gardens

The Diomidous Botanical Gardens, the largest botanical garden in Greece and the Eastern Mediterranean, is home to over 2,500 species of native and global plants. The park is cherished by a variety of visitors – it is a plant lover's paradise known for its educational programs and conservation efforts as much as it is a classicist’s haven for its historically significant plants like the evergreen Laurus nobilis (Apollo’s laurel) and the Paliurus aculeatus (used to weave the thorn crown of Jesus before his crucifixion).