A perfect walk in Lycabettus and Kolonaki

This is a fun and relaxing route focused on Mount Lycabettus, a few minutes from the centre of the Greek capital, and for some delicious food in Kolonaki.

The days during spring become longer, and the weather invites people to walk and tour the fascinating parts of Athens. Lycabettus, at 277 metres above sea level and easily accessible from the centre of Athens, is an excellent choice for experiencing a mountain-like experience.

Near it, small social squares like Mavilis Square and Dexamenis Square provide delicious options for those who want to end their evening on a tasty note.

With Lycabettus as its axis, Travel.gr offers a completely urban route. In only a few hours, the walk will give you a breather from the routine of everyday life and make you forget the hustle and bustle of Athens.

Start your journey with the cable car. The starting point is at the end of Ploutarchou Street, just a few minutes from the "Evangelismos" metro stop. Two trains run the short and pleasant journey at least every 15 minutes; the routes run more frequently during peak hours.

Of course, most visitors take the cable car to the top and walk down the winding stairs. The Lycabettus Cable Car was inaugurated on April 18, 1965, and began operating a day later.

Today, you can enjoy your coffee or snack at the Prasini Tenta restaurant, which has a view of Athens. You can also get a taste of fine dining with a strong Greek flavour at the Orizontes restaurant.

You can visit the two emblematic churches of Saint George and Saint Isidore nearby, whose history is lost in medieval times.

Leaving Lycabettus behind you, two options open up before you end your afternoon walk, just a few minutes away.

One is to take the road to Kolonaki and Dexamenis Square, ending your walk in jazz-oriented bars, such as Jazz 'n' Jazz and 56, and to eat traditional cuisines at Filippou Restaurant.

The other option concerns Mavili Square, where you can taste Flower's delicious pizza and light meals or stop at Metaphor Athens, where fashion, art and catering meet creatively.

Close the dining experience with an ice cream from Epik Gelato and its special taste. Here, all the ice creams are made with ingredients from small Greek producers and milk from the Holy Cross Monastery outside Corinth. Try gelatos with modern touches, such as kaimaki with Epirus salepi and Chios mastic.

If you still love classic flavours, Madagascar vanilla and Pelli hazelnut praline will always fully satisfy your taste buds.

Vaggeli Marinaki is a columnist for Travel. Translated by Paul Antonopoulos.

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