Mount Parnitha is the tallest of the five mountains surrounding Athens and the only one designated as a national park. It's also the most ecologically diverse, with dense fir and pine forests, ravines, caves, and over 800 plant species. A devastating wildfire in 2007 damaged large sections of the forest, but the mountain has been steadily recovering, and reforested areas now mix with the original old-growth sections.

For Athenians, Parnitha is the city's great escape -- a place to hike, breathe cooler air, and see wildlife, all without leaving the metropolitan area.

Getting There

By Public Transport

Take Metro Line 1 (Green Line) north to Kifissia station, then bus 506 to Thrakomakedones at the foot of the mountain. From there, it's about a 30-minute walk to the start of the main trails, or a taxi to the Bafi Refuge (about 10 EUR).

Total journey from central Athens: about 1-1.5 hours.

By Car

The most practical option. Drive north on Kifissias Avenue towards Thrakomakedones, then follow the winding mountain road up to the Bafi Refuge or the former casino area (Parnes). The drive from central Athens takes about 45 minutes. Free parking at the refuge and at several trailheads.

By Taxi

About 30-40 EUR from central Athens to the Bafi Refuge. Arrange a return pickup or keep the driver's number.

Key Starting Points

Bafi Refuge (1,160m) -- The main hub. A mountain hut with a restaurant serving comfort food (grilled meats, salads, wine) with panoramic views. Open weekends and some weekdays. This is where most day hikes start and end. Highly accessible -- you can drive right to it.

Tatoi entrance -- On the northeastern side, near the former royal estate. Good for gentler walks through forest.

Thrakomakedones -- At the base of the mountain. Starting point for longer, more ambitious hikes to the summit.

Agia Triada Chapel -- A popular intermediate destination accessible by a moderate trail from several directions.

Best Hikes

Bafi Refuge Circuit (Easy-Moderate)

Distance: 5-7 km loop | Time: 2-3 hours | Difficulty: Easy to moderate

Start at the Bafi Refuge and follow the well-marked paths through recovering forest. Several loop options of varying length. Good views of the Attic plain and the sea. Finish with lunch at the refuge.

This is the best option for casual hikers, families, and first-time visitors.

Bafi to Agia Triada Chapel (Moderate)

Distance: 4 km one way | Time: 1.5-2 hours | Difficulty: Moderate

A pleasant walk through pine and fir forest to a small chapel in a clearing. Good picnic spot. Return the same way or extend to other trails.

Thrakomakedones to Karabola Summit (Challenging)

Distance: 14 km round trip | Time: 6-7 hours | Difficulty: Challenging

The full summit hike. Starts from the base of the mountain and climbs through multiple vegetation zones to the peak at 1,413m. Views from the top extend to the Peloponnese, Evia, and the Saronic islands on clear days. This is a proper mountain hike -- start early, bring plenty of water, and be prepared for changing weather.

Flambouri Refuge Loop (Moderate)

Distance: 8-10 km | Time: 3-4 hours | Difficulty: Moderate

Connects the Bafi area to the Flambouri Refuge on the northern slopes. Mixed terrain through forest and open hillside. The Flambouri Refuge is more basic than Bafi but has water and shelter.

Tatoi Forest Walk (Easy)

Distance: 3-5 km | Time: 1-2 hours | Difficulty: Easy

A gentle walk through the grounds and surrounding forest of the former Tatoi Royal Estate. Shaded paths, streams, cooler temperatures than the city below. The palace itself is closed but the grounds are open. Good for families and hot days.

Wildlife

Parnitha has more wildlife than you'd expect this close to a city of 4 million:

  • Red deer -- Reintroduced after the 2007 fire. You might spot them in the early morning or late afternoon, especially in the quieter northern areas.
  • Birds of prey -- Short-toed eagles, hawks, and buzzards circle above the ridgelines.
  • Foxes -- Present but shy. Occasionally seen at dawn or dusk.
  • Tortoises -- Hermann's tortoises are common on lower slopes in spring and autumn.
  • Wild boar -- Present in forested areas. Not aggressive but keep your distance.

Practical Tips

  • Best time of day: Start early. Morning light is beautiful, temperatures are cooler, and wildlife is more active. By midday in summer, the exposed sections can be hot.
  • Water: Carry at least 1.5 litres per person. The Bafi Refuge has water and food, but there are no facilities on the trails themselves.
  • Navigation: Download the Topoguide Parnitha app (6.99 EUR, Android/iOS) for GPS-guided trails. Alternatively, the E4 European long-distance path crosses the mountain and is well-marked.
  • Footwear: Hiking shoes or sturdy trainers for the easier walks. Proper hiking boots for the summit trail.
  • Weather changes fast at altitude. Even on warm Athens days, it can be 10-15C cooler at the refuge, and wind picks up on exposed ridges. Bring a layer.
  • Fire risk: In summer (July-August), parts of the national park may be closed due to fire danger. Check before you go.
  • No wild camping. The national park doesn't permit it.

Best Time to Visit

Spring (March-May) -- Wildflowers, comfortable temperatures, green forest. The best season.

Autumn (October-November) -- Cool, clear days. The fir forests take on golden hues.

Winter -- Snow is possible above 1,000m from December to February. Atmospheric but requires warm clothing and appropriate gear. The refuge can be a good destination for a winter lunch.

Summer -- Doable if you start early. The mountain is 10-15C cooler than Athens, which can feel like salvation in August. But stick to shaded trails and avoid the exposed summit in midday heat. Watch for fire closures.

Why Parnitha Over the Other Athens Mountains?

Athens is surrounded by five mountains. Here's how they compare:

  • Parnitha (1,413m) -- The tallest, wildest, most forested. Best for serious hiking and nature.
  • Hymettus (1,026m) -- Closest to the city. Good for short hikes with views of Athens. Less forest, more scrub.
  • Penteli (1,109m) -- Known for the ancient marble quarries. Good trails but less varied than Parnitha.
  • Aegaleo (468m) -- Low, urban-edge mountain. More of a hill walk.
  • Tourkovounia (338m) -- Inside the city. A park walk, not a hike.

If you only hike one mountain near Athens, make it Parnitha.

Mount Parnitha is 30 km from central Athens. You can be hiking within 1 hour of leaving the city. The Bafi Refuge is the best starting point.