MARATHON LAKE

For an enjoyable ride around Marathon Lake, all you really need is a bike and good company. The rest has been taken care of by the dam’s builders and by nature itself, which flooded the area to form a vital aquatic ecosystem.

Although many of the lakeside roads are now fenced off for “safety” reasons (?), the presence of water is felt throughout the ride. The route stays close to the lake, offering ever-changing scenery, unobstructed views of the water, and numerous watery crossings, especially in winter.

The Marathon Dam was built in 1931 to supply Athens with drinking water. Nearly 2,000 workers were employed for three years to complete it, and what makes it truly unique is the facing of its arched wall with Pentelic marble — the same kind used for the Parthenon. However, as the city grew rapidly, the lake’s water would now last only a few days if it were Athens’ sole source.

The lake covers an area of 2,450 acres and reaches a maximum depth of 54 meters. Along its shores, you’ll find all kinds of crops, from olive groves to vegetable gardens, and on its northwestern side grows a rare oak forest — unique for the region of Attica.

If you don’t mind getting muddy, a visit in autumn or winter will reward you with plenty of fun along wet and slippery trails.

The route starts at the Marathon Dam and circles the lake clockwise.
The first 4 km follow the main asphalt road toward Agios Stefanos, while the rest unfolds along dirt roads. The area’s varied relief offers continuous changes in slope. Although the total elevation gain is modest (470 m), several climbs are steep, giving the impression of a mountain ride.

Most dirt roads are in good condition, while halfway through the route you’ll find a short but beautiful singletrack section through dense vegetation.