Guided Urban Hiking Tour Athens: Pnyx, Nymphs & Philopappos Hills

You do not have to leave the city to go hiking. Right opposite the Acropolis rise three green hills, linked by stone paved paths and pine woods, that most visitors never climb. This guided urban hike follows a 5 km loop from Thisio over the Pnyx, the Hill of the Nymphs and the Hill of the Muses, better known as Philopappos Hill. It takes about 3 hours, climbs about 95 metres in total, and gives you some of the best views of the Parthenon in Athens.

What is an urban hike?

An urban hike is a real walk on trails, with a mountain leader, that happens to be in the middle of a city. The ground is rocky paths, ancient stone paved trails and forest soil rather than pavement, so it feels like a walk in nature, yet you are never more than a few minutes from a café. It is an easy way to add some exercise and a lot of history to a day in Athens.

What will you see on the route?

• The Pnyx: the meeting place of the ancient Athenian assembly and the birthplace of democracy. You stand by the Vema, the stone platform cut into the hill where Pericles and Demosthenes spoke, and see the square sockets that held the wooden railings.
• The Hill of the Nymphs: home to the neoclassical National Observatory, designed by Theophil Hansen. The path runs through the observatory’s garden of stars, away from the main roads.
• Philopappos Hill: the highest point of the loop, crowned by the Roman era Philopappos Monument, with a 360 degree view over the Saronic Gulf, the modern city and the ancient ruins.
• The way down: you pass the rock cut rooms said to be the prison of Socrates and finish at the 16th century church of Agios Dimitrios Loumbardiaris, on the stone paths designed by the architect Dimitris Pikionis in the 1950s.

Why walk these hills?

The three hills form the Philopappos archaeological park, one of the largest green spaces in the centre of Athens. In the time of Pericles this was a busy part of the city, full of houses, roads and shrines. Today it is quiet, shaded by pines and almond trees, and loved by local walkers. Walking here helps you understand how ancient Athens was laid out around the Acropolis, and you see the Parthenon from angles that the crowds on the Acropolis itself never get.

How hard is it?

The route is easy to moderate. The total climb is only about 95 metres, spread over 5 km, but the ground is uneven and some old stone steps are polished and slippery. You need shoes with good grip and the ability to walk for about 3 hours with stops. No hiking experience is needed.

Who leads the hike?

Your guide is a certified mountain leader trained in first aid, who carries a group first aid kit. Civil and legal liability cover is included. Along the way the guide tells the story of each hill, points out details you would easily miss and takes photos of the group, which you receive after the hike.

When is the best time to go?

The hike runs all year. Late afternoon is the favourite slot, when the low sun lights the Parthenon and the city turns gold. In summer we avoid the midday heat. In winter the air is often clearer and the views reach the islands of the Saronic Gulf.

What should you bring?

• Trainers or walking shoes with good grip
• Water, at least 1 litre
• Hat and sun cream
• A light jacket in the cooler months
• A camera for the Acropolis views

How to get there

The hike starts in Thisio, a short walk from the Acropolis. The easiest way is the metro: Thissio station on line 1 is a few minutes from the start, and Acropoli station on line 2 is also close. Parking in the centre is difficult, so we suggest you leave the car behind. We send the exact meeting point and your guide’s phone number once your date is confirmed.

Good to know

• The minimum group is 4 people. If you are fewer, contact us and we will try to match you with others or suggest an option.
• Photos of the hike and VAT are included in the price.
• Entrance to the Acropolis itself is not part of this tour.
• The loop ends close to where it started, so it is easy to continue to dinner in Thisio or Plaka.
• The balance is paid to the guide on the day.