Local guide
Lycabettus Hill Athens The Ultimate Guide
Everything you need to know about Athens' tallest peak, from a guide who's climbed it thousands of times over 16 years.
277m
Elevation
Free
Entry
360°
Views
24/7
Access
What is Lycabettus Hill?
Lycabettus Hill (also written as Lykavittos) is the tallest point in central Athens, rising 277 metres above sea level. It's a limestone hill that dominates the city skyline and offers the most complete 360-degree panoramic views available anywhere in Athens.
From the summit, you can see the Acropolis, the Parthenon, the Aegean Sea, the port of Piraeus, and on clear days, the mountains of the Peloponnese. It's the single best vantage point in the entire city for the best views of the Acropolis from above.
According to Greek mythology, Lycabettus was created when Athena dropped a mountain she was carrying to fortify the Acropolis after being startled by a crow bearing bad news. The reality is equally dramatic. It's a towering chunk of Cretaceous limestone that has witnessed the entire history of Athens from above. (For more stories like this, see our fun facts about Athens.)
How to Get to Lycabettus Hill
On Foot (Recommended)
Multiple hiking trails lead to the summit from the Kolonaki neighbourhood. The most popular route starts near Aristippou Street, but the best routes, the hidden, rugged trails with dramatic views, require local knowledge. That's exactly what George's guided experiences provide.
Lycabettus Funicular
The funicular departs from Aristippou Street in Kolonaki and reaches the summit in minutes. While convenient, it bypasses all the hidden gems on the hillside: Split Rock, the scenic trails, and the lookout points that make the climb so rewarding.
Nearest Metro
Evangelismos Station (Line 3, Blue Line) is the closest metro stop to the hill's base. From there, it's a 15-20 minute walk to the start of the main hiking trails.
What to See on Lycabettus Hill
The Summit & Chapel of St. George
At the very top sits the whitewashed Chapel of Agios Georgios (St. George), dating back to the 19th century. The summit platform offers unobstructed 360-degree views: the Acropolis to the southwest, the Aegean Sea to the south, and Mount Parnitha to the north. While Lycabettus gives you the aerial perspective, Philopappos Hill offers different but equally stunning views — a face-to-face encounter with the Acropolis at eye level.
Split Rock
One of Athens' true hidden gems, Split Rock is a dramatic rock formation on the hillside where local climbers come to practise. Most visitors walk right past it without knowing it's there. It's one of the highlights of George's guided experiences.
The Hidden Balcony
On the descent from the summit, there's a hidden lookout point that offers what many consider the most unique view of the Acropolis in all of Athens. It's not marked, not signposted, and virtually unknown to tourists. George includes this stop on his Conquer Lycabettus tour.
Best Times to Visit
Sunrise
The most magical time to be on the summit. Watch Athens wake up as the sun rises over the Aegean. Summer sunrise: ~6:00 AM. Winter sunrise: ~7:30 AM. George runs dedicated sunrise hikes year-round.
Sunset / Golden Hour
Golden light transforms the Acropolis and city below. Summer sunset: ~8:30 PM. Winter sunset: ~5:30 PM. The afterglow is often as spectacular as the sunset itself.
Early Morning
Before 9 AM in any season, you'll have the trails largely to yourself. The air is cooler, the light is softer, and the city hasn't woken up yet. Ideal for photography.
Avoid: Midday Summer
Temperatures can exceed 40°C with very little shade on the exposed trails. If you must go, bring plenty of water, a hat, and sunscreen. Morning or evening is far more enjoyable. Read our guide to drinking water and hydration in Athens.
Lycabettus Hill FAQ
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Is there a funicular to the top?
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Is Lycabettus Hill free to visit?
Explore Lycabettus Hill with a Local Guide
Discover the hidden trails, secret viewpoints, and stories that no guidebook covers. George has been hiking Lycabettus for 16 years.