Mt. Lycabettus

The Basics

The mountain’s main attraction is its 360-degree views of Athens, but the striking Orthodox chapel of Saint George is also worth a look. Two hilltop restaurants allow to linger over the view for longer.

Many Athens sightseeing tours pass by the base of the mountain, while walking tours generally include a stroll through some off-the-beaten-path neighborhoods on the way to the summit. If you’re short on time, opt for a best-of-Athens tour. Most options include a quick drive to the top to admire the views and stop at other top attractions such as the Parthenon, Plaka, and the Temple of Olympian Zeus.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Call ahead to make a dinner reservation at Orizontes restaurant, as tables often fill up, especially during peak season.

• A moderate level of fitness is required to reach the funicular station, and the hike all the way to the top is fairly strenuous.

• For a quick snack, a mountaintop cafe provides coffee and other refreshments.

• Wear sun protection and bring plenty of water if hiking the mountain during hot summer weather.

How to Get There

From Athens’ Evangelismos metro station, climb several flights of stairs to reach the base of a funicular that departs for the top of Mt. Lycabettus every half hour. Many travelers opt to ride the cable car up to avoid a steep hike and walk back down.

When to Get There

Visit during the day for a complete panorama of Athens’ ancient landmarks and sprawling metropolis, or time your visit with sunset and stay after dark for a romantic view of the illuminated Acropolis. During summer, a series of concerts take place at the mountain summit.

The Best Views in Athens

While Mt. Lycabettus offers the best city views, several other points offer elevated perspectives that are worth checking out. The Acropolis is Athens’ most famous hilltop attraction, while Areopagus Hill boasts fantastic views of both the Parthenon and Ancient Agora. For a longer outdoor adventure, hike past archaeological sites on the forested trails of Mt. Immitos, located just outside the city center.

Ways to explore

While you can walk to the top, the easiest way up is via the funicular or in a vehicle. Many Athens sightseeing tours pass by the base of Mt. Lycabettus. Some walking tours stroll through off-the-beaten-path neighborhoods on the way to the summit. If you’re short on time, opt for a best of Athens tour, which often includes a drive to the top to admire the views and stop at other star attractions such as the Parthenon, Plaka, and the Temple of Olympian Zeus. Athens-by-night tours also often visit the hilltop for its views of the Parthenon illuminated atop the Acropolis.

Accessibility

Steps and rough trails mean the summit of Mt. Lycabettus is not suitable for most travelers who use wheelchairs; the Lycabettus Funicular is not wheelchair accessible.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Don’t forget your water bottle if visiting Athens in summer.

What to wear

A hat, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes are a must for hikers during the warmer months.

Not allowed

You must be dressed modestly (covered legs and shoulders) to enter the chapels.

Amenities

Eateries, restrooms, funicular

Address

Mt. Lycabettus is about 2 miles (3 kilometers) northeast of the Acropolis in downtown Athens.

Driving

There is parking by the theater on the northern slopes of Lycabettus, but driving in downtown Athens is exceptionally challenging. Walk, take public transportation, or jump a rideshare, taxi, or tour.

Public transportation

From Evangelismos metro station (Line 3), it’s about a 0.5-mile (800-meter) walk to the funicular base station, where a set of stairs also leads up to the top.

Best times to visit

Lycabettus Hill never closes, and the funicular runs late at night, albeit with shorter hours in winter. Visit in the day for a panorama of Athens’ ancient landmarks and sprawling metropolis, or come at sunset and stay after dark for a romantic view of the illuminated Acropolis.

Best days to visit

Both restaurants and the viewpoint are quieter midweek. Book in advance for a table at the upscale seafood-heavy Orizontes restaurant.

Best months to visit

Shoulder seasons (May and September) hit Athens’ sweet spot, with warm weather but not too intense crowds.

Special events

On Greek Orthodox Good Friday, two days before Orthodox Easter, a candle-lit procession winds down the mountainside from the Chapel of St. George.