Athens Outdoors in Winter: Top 5 hiking trails in & around Athens with kids

Getting out in nature is one of the finest bonding experiences a family can have. The locations surrounding Athens boast some of the most stunning vistas and trails in the country, making hiking for families and nature enthusiasts a stimulating activity while in the capital.

Being not merely an “urban” city, Athens is encompassed by a breathtaking coastline that features much more than child-friendly beaches and gorgeous mountains with a great variety of flora and fauna. Waste no time, gather the kids and venture out together for a nice trek or walk in nature. Here are some of the top hiking trails and outdoor routes for families in Athens.

Wander in Parnitha and Bafi Refuge

Best for dedicated hikers and families seeking to introduce their kids to nature, a true alpine setting with such a variety of vegetation and species awaits to be discovered. Parnitha, Attica’s tallest mountain with an altitude of 1413 metres, can be found only a few minutes’ drive away from the city centre. The route climbs sharply from the city before levelling off, where several bends lead you to the 1,160 metres high Bafi Refuge. Bafi refuge provides guided child-friendly walks and a café with a cloud-top vista. After all, Parnitha’s snowy winters simply make for enjoyment.

Hop on a forest hike to Mount Ymittos & Kaisariani Monastery

Longtime Athenians are often astonished to find this verdant woodland on their doorstep. This network of pedestrian trails and forest roads rises from Kaisariani to the steep slope of Mt Ymittos (also known as “Hymettus”). It can be found only a 15-20-minute drive from the city centre and is, in fact, home to one of Athens’ most historic monasteries, Christian monuments, and ancient ruins. A 20-minute forest hike – or let’s call it a “botanical walk” – around Kaisariani Monastery is the simplest way to take in the serene ambience. Walk through the lush pine forest and have a delightful picnic with your beloved ones on the monastery’s premises while gazing at the majestic views.

Seek adventure at Sounion National Park

Ideal for adventurous souls and mineral enthusiasts, the Sounion National Park’s wooded hills rise over the Temple of Poseidon on the Attica peninsula’s extremity. Its piney woodland, bushes, and wild plants are gorgeous, but its geology is what makes it truly unique. Attica’s least frequented and developed national park offers a welcome break from the tourist circuit. Sea vistas on both sides of the peninsula are your reward. Make sure you hike from Lavrio to Sounio via the national park. Drive straight to Agios Konstantinos and enjoy the several wooded pathways and gravel roads. Complete your excursion with a visit to Lavrio’s Mineralogical Museum to understand how the area’s minerals have been mined since antiquity.

Enjoy the view with a hike to Mount Lycabettus

Atop the city, Mount Lycabettus is visible from the Athens rooftops and offers a considerably easy and manageable trek for hiking fans and families seeking to escape the daily hustle and bustle. Enjoy the scenic walk up Mount Lycabettus and treat yourselves to a superb meal at the summit café. A moderate ascent will take you to an elevation of roughly 984 feet, where you’ll find a church and a theatre. Even though the views are enchanting, the wildflowers along the path are at their colourful prime during spring and summer.

Opt for a hike to the scenic Palamidi Castle in Nafplio

Driving slightly further towards the South, Nafplio offers a fantastic moderate to a high degree of difficulty hiking trail for history and nature aficionados. Located in the picturesque town of Nafplio, in the Peloponnese, Palamidi Castle can be found roughly two hours away from Athens. The ascent to the castle involves around a thousand stairs, but the views from the top are well worth the effort. The trail around the castle is approximately under two miles and is absolutely a fantastic getaway option at any time of year.

Looking for a nanny during your winter hikes in Athens, Greece?

If you’re visiting Athens with kids and seek professional childcare, or if you already live in Athens and want some time to yourself with your significant other in nature, Kids in Greece is here to assist. Organise your winter hikes alongside our professionals and let us find the ideal nanny for your family. You may feel confident knowing that we have handled hundreds of nanny placements around Europe, including in Greece, the United Kingdom, and many other countries.

Put on your hiking boots, double-check your gear, and set off on a hike around Athens’s trails. Choose amongst several fantastic, simple treks in the Athens area, perfect for those looking for a relaxing stroll in the great outdoors with the family, but also for those who are unable to physically handle more challenging routes. The city of Athens and its surroundings have got you covered.  Get in touch today by simply completing the inquiry form.