The most complete information guide about Athens, Greece
Lykavittos Hill
Getting to the top
You
have a choice how to get to the top of Lykavittos Hill, the
highest point of Athens. No, a helicopter drop-off is not one
of the choices we’re sorry to say.
You
can go up on foot starting at the end of Ploutarchou street.
Mind you, your legs are not going to be grateful especially
not when you get to the zigzagging stairs half way up. They
will probably remind you of the climb when you get out of bed
the next morning… if you still can get out of bed that
is. However, you can make it easy on yourself and take the funicular
from the same place in Ploutarchou Street. Every 30 minutes
one goes up while the other one comes down.
Athens
Info Guide suggests you take the funicular to
go up and go down by foot. You will see a lot
more of the hill this way and you will still
be able to walk the next day.
After
you reach the top, you may rest and have a drink
in the cafe/restaurant or let the wind on the
observation deck cool you down.
Lykavittos
Hill (sometimes referred to as Lycabettos or
Lykabettos) is the highest point in Athens,
rising 277 meters (910 ft) above the city. Because
of its height, it is a landmark visible from
almost every part of the capital.
Its name reflects a popular belief that the
hill was inhabited by wolves. Another legend
explains that Lykavittos Hill appeared when
Athena accidentally dropped a large rock she
was going to use for the construction of the
Acropolis. Despite these interesting legends,
Lykavittos did not attract the attention of
classical authors and historians. However, the
majestic peak is an important tourist destination.
On top of this peak you will find the small
whitewashed chapel of Agios Georgios (St. George).
From the observation deck you will become silent
with the view on the city, the open air amphitheater,
the Acropolis and the mountains surrounding
Athens. On clear days you can see the ships
in the port of Piraeus, the Aegean sea and the
islands.
You want a romantic evening in Athens? Take
your partner up to the top of Lykavittos Hill
after dark and have dinner on the open terrace
of the restaurant. The view of the town is spectacular…
if you can take your eyes off of your partner.
You
can go up on foot starting at the end of Ploutarchou street.
Mind you, your legs are not going to be grateful especially
not when you get to the zigzagging stairs half way up. They
will probably remind you of the climb when you get out of bed
the next morning… if you still can get out of bed that
is. However, you can make it easy on yourself and take the funicular
from the same place in Ploutarchou Street. Every 30 minutes
one goes up while the other one comes down. ){kind=small}
Evangelismos
A
chapel with a view
