Athens: secret spots by @lounagia

Author:

Naya Lou lives in Athens: @lounagia and Naya Lou on YouTube.

My 5 hidden gems in Athens:

1. The Summer Palace:

Once the summer residence of the Greek Royal Family, the Summer Palace and the surrounding estate make a great day trip among pine, fir, hollies, oaks, strawberry trees and cedar forests. The gently decaying buildings and the overall air of historic significance make the place a unique experience that every nuanced traveller to the city will enjoy! As it’s 45-minute drive from central Athens, it’s best to rent a car for the trip so you don’t have to pay a hefty taxi fair, plus it will be challenging to actually get a taxi to come up there for the return ride.

2. Valanari Waterfall:

Vlanari Waterfall is undoubtedly the best kept local secret lies at the foothills of Penteli Mountain. Valanari is a small waterfall that creates a shallow little pool surrounded by beautiful mediterranean vegetation (and … local teens that will probably be listening to rap a bit too loud, so if you aren’t crazy about the idea, go on a week day!). Depending on the time of year you may find 2 waterfalls instead of one – so you don’t have to fight with the Athenian influencer that will be endlessly posing there…( that was me ..I was the only person posing truth be told!!!). Take the blue metro line to Nomismatokopio and grab a taxi from there it will only be about 15 minutes depending on traffic.

3. Shinias Beach:

Shinias Beach is amongst the most popular beaches for locals, yet very few foreigners ever make it to this side of the city, so here we are!

Beautifully sandy, with crystal clear waters and on the furthest left side, pine trees come all the way down to the beach. This place is my personal favourite place in my city. Whether you are into booze, water sports or Greek food; whether you are a family with small kids, a group of friends, or a couple, this vibrant stretch of coastal beauty has a beach bar for you! There are a ton of buses that can get you here from the city centre, it’s only 50 km after all. So, just google which one is closest to you.

4. Vravrona:

Vravrona archaeological site is one of the most important, but widely overlooked archaeological sites in Athens. It is located in a small bay in the east of Attica in the green valley of Erasinos River. It’s an area full of fig trees and vineyards and most famous for the temple of Artemis the goddess of wilderness fertility and childbirth.

5. Imittos Mountain:

Last but not least a place close to my heart … and my house. Immitos Mountain has a bunch of hiking trails that lead to archaeological sites, cool monasteries, abandoned military buildings, scary tunnels and intriguing caves.

The easy and fairly accessible trails are lined with cypresses, firs, poplars, plane and olive trees as well as oaks and, for those of you that are into herbs, thyme, oregano and rosemary are abundant here. Follow any of the clearly marked trails and pathways and be amazed by all the beauty in walking distance from the city. There are so many ways to get to one of the starting points for these hikes, but the easiest one is to take the blue metro line and get off at Evangelismos Station. From Evangelismos, take bus 224 to the last stop before the woods.

Naya:

Loves travel and has travelled widely. She describes herself as an:

Earth obsessed Greek witch
Granddaughter of philosophers and oracles
Occasionally serious always hungry

Check out her fantastic, funny and informative feeds on: @lounagia and subscribe to Naya Lou on YouTube for regular updates.

TOSH

March 17, 2021 at 23:23

Athens sounds incredible with so much to do and see! Great article Naya!!

the GapBeetle team
March 17, 2021 at 23:41

Thanks for your comments – Naya has made us want to return as soon as possible.

Naya Lou
March 18, 2021 at 16:12

Thanks for reading Tosh !

the GapBeetle team

March 17, 2021 at 18:08

Thanks for commenting. Same as us. We would love to return soon.