WESTERN PENTELI

The western slopes of Mount Penteli, above Melissia and Nea Erythraia, have suffered greatly from repeated wildfires. Over the last decade, however, the area has been regenerating, gradually turning green again. Within this reborn landscape lies a rich network of dirt roads, hiking and mountain biking trails. The trails vary in difficulty and gradient: from smooth, mellow dirt paths to steep, rocky lines with big drops. So, caution is advised—know what you’re getting into! For the more romantic riders, an afternoon visit is highly recommended, combining the ride with stunning sunset views over the city basin.

This suggested loop is relatively short, but mostly dirt terrain, and can easily be combined with other rides in the wider area. The starting point is the first dirt road on the left as you exit Nea Penteli, heading toward the summit of Mount Penteli. The climb follows scenic dirt tracks with moderate gradients, except for the last steep section below the Monastery of Agios Panteleimonas. But the real reason you’ve come here is the descent! A beautiful trail—rocky at first, then smoother dirt further down—that traverses briefly before dropping across the entire western slope of the mountain. By repeating the loop, you can try several more downhill trails in the area, always with due caution.