Athens‘ Acropolis hill is well-known around the world as the home of the iconic Parthenon, a very unique architectural gem. However, sitting on the Acropolis has one small downside: you don’t get to see it whole. Enter, stage northeast, Lycabettus Hill. Located sort of north of Syntagama Square, its base is surrounded by a residential area that is quite nice. Lycabettus is offer the best views of Athens, the Acropolis, and the sea beyond!
Reaching the spot for the best views of Athens
Of course, first priority was seeing the Acropolis and the Parthenon up close and personal. And I did that. Next up was seeing it from a different vantage point (other than my hotel’s rooftop terrace!). That’s where Lycabettus Hill comes into the picture….
The hill can be ascended on foot or via funicular. One goes through a residential area with many low-rise buildings to get to the funicular, which was the option I took.
Seeing the Parthenon between the residential buildings as one goes up
Stairs going up Lycabettus Hill to the funicular base station
Leaving the funicular station at the base
Atop Lycabettus Hill
At the top of the hill, sits the Chapel of St. George. There is not much to do up there but nothing is needed with the views it offers!
Lycabettus Hill as seen from near Parliament – way high!
Chapel of St. George
And then the best views of Athens !
Being the highest hill in the city of Athens, Lycabettus Hill is an incredible vantage point to see the extent of the city all the way to the sea. Of course, the Acropolis with its main attraction, the Parthenon, is within the line of sight as is the sea behind it in Piraeus, and other important and less important structures in the city. For example, the former royal palace (now Parliament) and the 1896 Olympics Stadium are easily detected. It is cool to go up there after spending time exploring the city so you can recognize the places and areas visited. Though, it could be cool to see it from up high first and then explore? Well, don’t take my word, take a look and decide for yourself!
A sea of white as far as the eye can see in this direction!
Olympic Stadium (from the 1896 Games, first of the modern times)
The Acropolis and the sea beyond
Closing in on the top of the Acropolis, you can appreciate the Parthenon and other structures
Where my avatar photo comes from!
Pin this image for your travel plans!
Maravillosas vistas y espectacular Parthenon! .Yo senti mucha emocion cuando estuve alli en el 1998. Recorde cuando en la escuela nos daban las clases de Historia Sagrada y siempre sonaba con ir algun dia a pisar y ver en persona esos lugares de tanta historia antigua.
thats not the Olympic stadium, its the Panathenaic stadium
I understood it was used for the 1896 Games. I did not know it was named “Panathenaic.” Thanks for the contribution!
Without seeing the caption, I saw the last photo and said… oh I know that one! Athens seems like an amazing city, still on my list to visit from the first time!
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Yes, that’s the source of my avatar, thanks to a total stranger (I did pick him selectively as he had a fancier camera than me – how I always pick!)
Athens looks so crowded and busy, it surprised me to see the ruins right in the middle of it! What a fantastic view from Lycabettus Hill, with the city, and ruins and the ocean. And what a great place for a portrait too. 🙂
Heather recently posted..Can You Do It? Using Public Transportation in Lusaka Zambia
Thanks, Heather! I was surprised how treed Athens is. I thought it was too dry a climate.
WOW! Raul, this view is spectacular! I have to admit, I hate riding on funiculars, haha, after Cerro San Cristobal – just not for me! But, I would ride one for this view…wow.
Erin at The World Wanderer recently posted..#CTC13: Capture the Color with @travelsupermkt.
You can just hike all the way up, Erin!
Love that pic of you Raul!
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Thanks, Charu! 🙂
Raul – Did Athens sink? Looking at the ancient structures that are up high and the surrounding city that’s lower – was it that obvious in person? And is all of Greece that white architecture? Thanks for the visuals! JR
I guess the mountain of the Acropolis was closer to the skies and the gods! There are old ruins at the street level too!
i never realized your profile pic is from athens, and now i feel dumb for never having noticed the parthenon in the back before!!
athens gets a bad rap, and i can understand why in some cases, but i think it’s 100% worth a visit for the acropolis alone. i really wish i had know about lycabettus when we were there in 2008. a reason to return!
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Photos so beautiful only Jeff Spicoli from Fast Times at Ridgemont High could find the right words as they are gnarly and righteous.
Traveling Ted recently posted..Riding the Isle Royale Queen IV Ferry
That was really amazing pics.. Where can I be there?
I’ve still never made it to Greece, Raul. I love that I know know where your avatar was taken. It’s one of my favorite pictures of you.
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i miss Greece and am ready to get back. crossing my fingers…
lola recently posted..Highlights of Henley-on-Thames and the Royal Regatta
So THAT’s where your pic is from! 🙂 Love the views from above and can’t wait to visit Athens one day.
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