VRAURONA
KILOMETERS
DURATION
ELEVATION
PROPOSED SEASON
DIFFICULTY
PHYSICAL CONDITION
TECHNICAL DIFFICULTY
STARTING POINT
Author:
G. Koutrotsios
Photos:
V. Karalaios
Βραυρώνα
Delightful trails through the wetland, quiet and deserted dirt roads, a climb for strong legs, a stone tower reminiscent of Tuscany, the important archaeological site of Artemis, and a refreshing swim at Chamolia beach all come together to create a wonderful cycling route around Vraurona.
INTRODUCTION
Vraurona was one of the 12 ancient cities of Attica, with the earliest signs of habitation dating back to 3500 BC. Although today it may no longer hold the same significance it did in antiquity, it remains a place of great natural and archaeological interest. The Vraurona wetland, at the mouth of the Erasinos River—through which this route passes—is one of Attica’s most important wildlife sanctuaries. On the other hand, the Temple of Artemis with the Vraurona Archaeological Museum, along with the impressive stone tower, transport you to the glorious times of the past. If the weather allows, the ride can easily be combined with a swim in the sea and fresh fish at the local tavernas, making it a day trip that truly has it all!
ROUTE DESCRIPTION
The route starts from Chamolia beach, just past the settlement of Vraurona. It first runs along the coast and then climbs steeply through the EMP settlement. At the end of the paved climb, a demanding dirt climb begins, leading to the top of the hill with stunning views over the surrounding area—an option you can skip if you’re running low on energy. After the long ascent, the most enjoyable part of the route begins. From here onwards, the gradients are gentle, and the terrain constantly alternates. The scenery is equally varied, with cultivated fields, stretches of pine forest, grazing pastures, passages through the dense reeds of the wetland, and coastal trails.
22.1 km.
ROAD
DIRTROAD
BAD DIRTROAD
PATH
22.1 km.
ROAD
DIRTROAD
BAD DIRTROAD
PATH
ROAD
BAD DIRTROAD
DIRTROAD
PATH
GALLERY
- POINTS OF INTEREST
Vraurona was one of the 12 ancient cities of Attica, named after the hero Vravron. At the Sanctuary of Artemis Vravronia—preserved in fairly good condition—stood the statue of the goddess, which, according to myth, was brought from Tauris by Orestes and Iphigenia, following Artemis’ command. The sanctuary’s peak period began around 700 BC and reached its height around 400 BC. The museum is noteworthy, showcasing the history of Vraurona, with finds from the sanctuary of Artemis and the wider Mesogeia region.
A stone tower from the 13th century, overlooking the entire Vraurona plain. The tower has three floors and 18 battlements, with building material from ancient structures embedded in its walls. It was part of a network of towers that were in visual contact with each other, serving both as early-warning beacons against pirate raids and as watchtowers for overseeing the estates of the area.
ROAD BOOK
| Distance between points | Total distance | Description | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 0 |  |
Starting point: Chamolia beach in Vraurona. Head east along the coastal road. |
| 1.0 | 1.0 |  |
At Polytechniou Street, at the guardhouse, turn right uphill. |
| 2.0 | 3.0 |  |
At the end of the climb, go left onto a rough dirt road towards “Aetos fire lookout.” |
| 1.4 | 4.4 |  |
Return the same way, then turn left onto the paved road. |
| 0.6 | 5.0 |  |
At the end of the descent, on the main road, diagonally left towards Porto Rafti. |
| 0.8 | 5.8 |  |
At the 2nd dirt road, diagonally right and back onto Ouranou Street. |
| 0.8 | 6.6 |  |
At the first fork, go left (right continues as Kivotos Street). |
| 1.0 | 7.6 | |
After the settlement, turn right onto a cement road, Antheon Street. |
| 0.3 | 7.9 | |
At the first house, left onto Anemonis Street. |
| 0.4 | 8.3 |  |
At the end of the dirt road, diagonally right onto a trail. |
| 0.2 | 8.5 | |
At the end of the trail, left onto a cement road. |
| 0.3 | 8.8 | |
At the end of the road, left onto Triōn Ierarchōn Street. |
| 0.1 | 8.9 |  |
At the side asphalt road, turn right. |
| 0.4 | 9.3 |  |
At the first fork, right onto a dirt road. |
| 1.1 | 10.4 | |
At the fork with the distinctive cement tower, left. |
| 0.1 | 10.5 |  |
At the next building, right and immediately left at the fork. |
| 0.4 | 10.9 | |
At the following fork, right. |
| 0.5 | 11.4 | |
At the end of the dirt road, left onto Vraurona Avenue. |
| 0.7 | 12.1 | |
At the first asphalt road, diagonally right and back onto Agiou Timotheou Street. |
| 0.2 | 12.3 | |
Left at the first dirt road. |
| 0.2 | 12.5 | |
At the end of the dirt road, slight left uphill. |
| 0.2 | 12.7 | |
At the first dirt road, right uphill towards the Church of Agios Dimitrios. |
| 0.4 | 13.1 | |
At the end of the dirt road, right downhill. |
| 0.1 | 13.2 | |
Immediately after, left uphill to visit the tower, then return to the same spot. |
| 0.8 | 14.0 | |
At the first fork after returning from the tower, turn right. |
| 0.3 | 14.3 | |
At the end of the road, left. |
| 0.1 | 14.4 | |
100 m further, left again. |
| 0.1 | 14.5 | |
After the stream, right onto Lefkes Lexana Street. |
| 1.4 | 15.9 | |
At the main asphalt road (Vraurona Avenue), right. |
| 0.2 | 16.1 | |
At the first dirt road, left. |
| 0.6 | 16.7 | |
At the end of the road, right. |
| 0.1 | 16.8 | |
At the next dirt road, left across. |
| 0.6 | 17.4 | |
After the sheepfold, right onto a dirt road. |
| 0.8 | 18.2 | |
At the main asphalt road, right. |
| 0.2 | 18.4 | |
At the first road, left towards the Vraurona archaeological site. After the museum entrance, follow the well-made path. |
| 0.8 | 19.2 |  |
After the small bridge, continue straight on the trail through dense vegetation. The trail then runs parallel to the main road. |
| 0.5 | 19.7 | |
At the end of the trail, right (towards the sea) onto a dirt road. |
| 0.4 | 20.1 | |
At the parking lot, right onto a trail running parallel to the sea. |
| 0.6 | 20.7 | |
At the end of the trail, left onto a dirt road running along the coast. At its end, continue onto a trail beside the fence, returning to the starting point. |