Mount Penteli (1,109m) sits northeast of Athens, between Parnitha to the west and Hymettus to the south. It's the second-highest of the Athens mountains and the most densely forested after Parnitha, with pine and fir covering its slopes. But its real claim to fame is the marble: Pentelic marble, a fine-grained white stone with a faint golden hue caused by iron traces, was quarried here for millennia and used to build Athens' most important monuments.

The Marble Connection

The quarries on Penteli's southern slopes have been active since at least the 6th century BC. The Parthenon, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Ancient Agora buildings, and many other Athenian monuments were built with Pentelic marble. The stone was transported to Athens on an ancient road, parts of which are still traceable.

What makes Pentelic marble special is its unique luminosity. The iron content means it develops a warm, golden patina over time -- which is why the Parthenon glows in the sunset light. Fresh-cut Pentelic marble is stark white; aged Pentelic marble is honeyed gold.

The quarries are still partially visible on the mountainside, though modern quarrying has altered the landscape. Some ancient quarry faces, with their distinctive extraction marks, can still be seen along hiking trails.

Getting There

By car: Drive to Penteli village (about 25 minutes from central Athens) and continue to the Penteli Monastery or the quarry area. Free parking at the monastery and at several trailheads.

By bus: Bus 444 from Doukissis Plakentias metro station (Blue Line) towards Penteli village. From the village, it's a 20-minute walk uphill to the monastery and trail start.

By taxi: About 15-20 EUR from central Athens to the monastery.

Key Starting Points

Penteli Monastery (500m) -- The main starting point. A 17th-century monastery with a courtyard, church, and surrounding pine forest. Several trails depart from the area around the monastery.

Ntrafi (Drafi) side -- Access from the eastern side, near Pallini. Quieter trails through forest.

Ancient quarry area -- Higher on the southern slope, accessible by forest road from the monastery.

Best Hikes

Monastery Forest Loop (Easy)

Distance: 3-5 km | Time: 1-1.5 hours | Difficulty: Easy

Gentle paths through the pine forest around the monastery. Shaded, flat to gently undulating. Good for families, casual walkers, and hot days when you want tree cover. The forest here is dense and pleasant.

Ancient Quarries Trail (Moderate)

Distance: 6-8 km round trip | Time: 2.5-3 hours | Difficulty: Moderate

From the monastery area, climb through forest to the ancient marble quarry zone on the southern face. You'll see exposed quarry faces with extraction marks dating back over 2,000 years. The views south over Athens and the Saronic Gulf open up as you gain altitude. The trail passes through transitional terrain -- forest gives way to scrub and exposed rock.

Summit Trail (Challenging)

Distance: 10-12 km round trip | Time: 4-5 hours | Difficulty: Challenging

The full ascent to the 1,109m summit. Mixed terrain through forest, scrub, and open hillside. The upper reaches are exposed and windy. Views from the top extend across the Attic plain to Evia and the sea. Less dramatic than Parnitha's summit but more accessible.

Penteli to Amygdaleza (Moderate)

Distance: 8 km one way | Time: 3 hours | Difficulty: Moderate

A traverse across the northern slopes connecting Penteli to the Amygdaleza area. Through forest with occasional clearings and viewpoints. Can be done as a one-way hike with a taxi pickup at the other end.

What You'll See

Ancient quarries -- Exposed marble faces with tool marks from Classical-era extraction. Standing in the same quarry that supplied the Parthenon is a tangible connection to ancient Athens.

Penteli Monastery -- 17th-century monastery, still active. The courtyard is open to visitors. Modest but peaceful.

Dense pine forest -- Penteli's lower and middle slopes are heavily forested, providing shade and cooler temperatures than the city below.

Cave of Penteli (Ntavelis Cave) -- A large cave on the northern slope, steeped in local folklore (tales of supernatural beings and secret passages). The cave itself is interesting but access varies -- check locally.

Views -- From the upper slopes and summit, panoramic views over Athens, the South Euboean Gulf to the east, and the neighbouring mountains (Parnitha, Hymettus).

Practical Tips

  • The forest makes Penteli good for hot days. Unlike exposed Hymettus, Penteli's lower and middle trails are shaded. In summer, it's noticeably cooler under the trees.
  • Water: Carry your own. The monastery has water but trails above don't.
  • The quarries require some route-finding. They're not on a single marked trail. A GPS app (Topoguide or AllTrails) helps.
  • Penteli is popular with Athenian joggers and cyclists on weekday mornings. The forest roads are shared with occasional vehicles.
  • Fire risk applies in summer. Check for restrictions before visiting in July-August.

Penteli vs Parnitha vs Hymettus

Penteli Parnitha Hymettus
Height 1,109m 1,413m 1,026m
Character Forested, marble quarries Wild, national park Open, scrubby
Best for Forest walks, historical interest Serious hiking, wildlife City views, sunset
Distance from centre 25 min 45 min 20 min

Penteli sits between the other two in most respects -- more forested than Hymettus, more accessible than Parnitha. The quarries give it a unique historical angle.

Best Time to Visit

Spring -- Green forest, wildflowers, comfortable temperatures.

Autumn -- Clear air, golden light through the pines.

Summer -- Stick to the shaded forest trails. Avoid the exposed upper slopes at midday.

Winter -- Mild enough for hiking. Occasionally gets light snow above 800m.

Mount Penteli is 20 km northeast of Athens, about 25 minutes by car. The Penteli Monastery is the main starting point for hikes.