SOUTHERN MOUNT POIKILO
KILOMETERS
DURATION
ELEVATION
PROPOSED SEASON
DIFFICULTY
PHYSICAL CONDITION
TECHNICAL DIFFICULTY
STARTING POINT
Author:
G. Koutrotsios
Photos:
V. Karalaios
PATHS WITH A VIEW
A beautiful and challenging route featuring many kilometers of fast and technical trails. Ideal for late afternoon rides, with the stunning view of the sunset over the Elefsina Bay.
INTRODUCTION
Poikilo Mountain has always held strategic significance for the city of Athens, marking the western passage toward Elefsina, and it bears indelible historical traces and paths from ancient times to today. Among these are the “Tambouria” of the 1821 revolutionaries, seven of which are preserved and were used in battlefields, as lookouts, and temporary encampments. Access is possible via marked trails and informational signs.
The southern slopes of Poikilo Mountain are ideal for both beginner and experienced cyclists, offering an extensive network of dirt roads and trails. Most dirt roads are easily passable with gentle slopes and no significant technical challenges. Between the roads and the shrub vegetation, there are numerous well-maintained trails suitable for thrilling mountain biking descents.
ROUTE DESCRIPTION
The route starts at the northwestern edge of Haidari, on Manos Katrakis Street. The recommended path begins with an easy 1.5 km trail through dense vegetation and continues along a flat dirt road to the slope above Koumoundourou Lake. It then climbs for 5 km on the northwest side of the mountain (elevation gain 300 m), before descending along several beautiful and technical trails down to Haidari military camp.
For those who arrive by car, returning to the starting point requires an additional 1.5 km through urban streets, including a steep climb.
17.7 km.
ROAD
DIRTROAD
BAD DIRTROAD
PATH
17.7 km.
ROAD
DIRTROAD
BAD DIRTROAD
PATH
ROAD
BAD DIRTROAD
DIRTROAD
PATH
GALLERY
ROAD BOOK
| Distance between points | Total distance | Description | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 0 |  |
Start: Dirt road opposite the intersection of M. Katrakis and A. Papanastasiou Streets in Haidari. |
| 0.1 | 0.1 |  |
After the metal barrier, left at the fork. |
| 0.4 | 0.5 |  |
At the first fork of the trail, right. |
| 0.4 | 0.9 |  |
At the church entrance, perpendicular right. |
| 0.6 | 1.5 |  |
After the DEI power line pylon, perpendicular right onto a trail. |
| 0.2 | 1.7 |  |
At the train tracks, left – downhill. |
| 0.1 | 1.8 | |
Shortly after, perpendicular right under the train tracks. |
| 0.2 | 2.0 | |
Left onto the main dirt road. |
| 3.3 | 5.3 | |
At the fork after Koumoundourou Lake, right – uphill. |
| 2.5 | 7.8 | |
At the end of the road, right – uphill on old asphalt. |
| 1.5 | 9.3 |  |
Just before the end of the climb, left (straight ahead). |
| 0.2 | 9.5 |  |
At the intersection with the wayside shrine, straight. |
| 1.2 | 10.7 |  |
At the fork after the antennas, left. |
| 0.4 | 11.1 |  |
At the next intersection, left – downhill. |
| 1.0 | 12.1 |  |
At the second road, right. |
| 0.3 | 12.4 | |
At the next intersection, perpendicular right onto a trail. |
| 0.3 | 12.7 |  |
At the fork of the trail, straight (left). |
| 0.0 | 12.7 |  |
At the intersection, straight onto a trail (left of the reservoir). |
| 0.3 | 13.0 | |
On the dirt road, straight ahead onto a trail. |
| 0.3 | 13.2 | |
On the next dirt road, again straight ahead onto a trail. |
| 0.3 | 13.5 | |
Similarly, at the third dirt road, straight ahead onto a trail. |
| 0.2 | 13.7 | |
At the end of the trail, left onto a dirt road. |
| 0.1 | 13.8 | |
At the intersection, left. |
| 0.2 | 14.0 |  |
At the intersection with the stone structures, diagonal right backward onto a trail. |
| 0.1 | 14.1 | |
At the fork of the trail, right. |
| 0.6 | 14.7 | |
At the end of the trail, left onto a wide path. |
| 0.2 | 14.9 | |
At the shooting range, left – downhill onto paved road. |
| 0.6 | 15.5 | |
At the fork with multiple small signs, straight (left). |
| 0.4 | 15.9 | |
At the military camp entrance, straight toward the tennis courts. |
| 0.4 | 16.3 | |
Right – uphill onto Bouboulina Street.
|
| 0.5 | 16.8 | |
At the end of the steep climb, left onto Manis Street. |
| 0.2 | 17.0 | |
Right onto G. Papandreou Street. |
| 0.1 | 17.1 | |
At the first road, left (Acropoleos Street), returning to the starting point. |