KALLITECHNOUPOLI
KILOMETERS
DURATION
ELEVATION
PROPOSED SEASON
DIFFICULTY
PHYSICAL CONDITION
TECHNICAL DIFFICULTY
STARTING POINT
Author:
G. Koutrotsios
Photos:
V. Karalaios
Καλλιτεχνούπολη
On the eastern slopes of Mount Penteli lies a vast network of dirt roads, combined with a long downhill trail that offers a scenic ride with views toward the sea and Evia. An unexpected “gift” along the route is the hidden waterfall with its cool pool and spring—a true oasis in the otherwise dry landscape.
INTRODUCTION
The eastern slopes of Mount Penteli are shaped by gentle terrain with numerous ravines and mostly low vegetation, the result of repeated wildfires over the past 40 years. Before fires and urban sprawl, the area was covered by dense pine forests—remnants of which still struggle to make a comeback. Despite the deforestation, many of the ravines still hold water year-round, and in two of them impressive waterfalls are formed. The most famous is the large waterfall at Drafi, while almost unknown is the small cascade with a pool at the spot known as Kitsi’s Spring.
As for Kallitechnoupoli itself—as the name reveals—it was founded 60 years ago (1964) by members of the Artists’ Housing Cooperative, who envisioned a model settlement where members of the artistic community would live together. Among the founding members were some of the era’s most famous names: Sophia Vembo, Tzeni Karezi, Aliki Vougiouklaki, Kostas Voutsas, Giannis Dalianidis, and Mimis Traiforos. However, as most of the houses—with poor architecture and even built within ravine beds—reveal, the plan failed miserably.
ROUTE DESCRIPTION
This suggested route circles around the little-known cycling area of Kallitechnoupoli, on the eastern slopes of Mount Penteli. The starting point is on Marathon Avenue. The ride begins east of Kallitechnoupoli and descends to Neos Voutzas via a beautiful, fairly easy, slightly downhill trail. Next comes a steep climb, followed by a traversing dirt road leading toward the limits of Daou Pentelis, and a final downhill section back to the starting point.
The terrain alternates constantly between asphalt, dirt roads, and trails, without requiring advanced technical skills. On a clear day, the ride rewards you with sweeping views of the sea and Evia. Midway along the loop lies a small but enchanting hidden waterfall, a refreshing surprise for anyone lucky enough to discover it.
22.4 km.
ROAD
DIRTROAD
BAD DIRTROAD
PATH
22.4 km.
ROAD
DIRTROAD
BAD DIRTROAD
PATH
ROAD
BAD DIRTROAD
DIRTROAD
PATH
GALLERY
- POINTS OF INTEREST
At the location known as “Kitsi’s Spring,” a small waterfall of about 7–8 meters forms a pool of green waters. As if transplanted from a high mountain into this arid landscape, it awaits to cool and refresh visitors. The best time to visit is in winter or spring, as water flow decreases dramatically during the summer months.
ROAD BOOK
| Distance between points | Total distance | Description | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 0 |  |
Start at the junction of Kallitechnoupoli on Marathon Avenue. Follow the diagonal dirt road to the right, not the one leading uphill toward Kallitechnoupoli. |
| 0.8 | 0.8 |  |
At the first fork, go left, parallel to the fence |
| 0.3 | 1.1 |  |
After the stream, go straight (left) toward the houses |
| 0.5 | 1.6 |  |
At the end of the trail, turn right onto the asphalt road (Orfeos Street). |
| 0.7 | 2.3 |  |
At the junction, turn right onto Kallitechnon Street. |
| 0.8 | 3.1 |  |
On the 3rd asphalt road (No. 102), turn left. |
| 0.4 | 3.5 |  |
At the end of the descent, turn left onto Telali Street, then after 50 m turn left again onto Kritis Street. |
| 0.3 | 3.8 | |
On the main asphalt road, turn left. |
| 0.1 | 3.9 | |
Go left on a dirt road opposite the Daou Pentelis football field. |
| 0.2 | 4.1 | |
At the 1st fork, turn left. |
| 0.7 | 4.8 | |
At the next uphill fork, turn left again. |
| 0.9 | 5.7 |  |
Just before the houses, take the right fork, then immediately at the junction go diagonally right onto a downhill trail. |
| 1.5 | 7.2 |  |
At the sign for “Kitsi’s Spring,” make a short detour to the right onto the path. |
| 1.2 | 8.4 | |
Return to the trail, and after the concrete climb turn left (Konstantinou Karyotaki Street). |
| 0.2 | 8.6 | |
At the end of the dirt road, turn left onto Drosini Street. |
| 0.6 | 9.2 | |
Ignore all side dirt roads and continue diagonally left onto the concrete road (Chrysanthou Street). |
| 0.6 | 9.8 | |
At the top of the very steep climb, turn right. |
| 0.6 | 10.4 |  |
Go diagonally left onto the first dirt road. |
| 2.1 | 12.5 | |
At the end of the road, turn right uphill onto a dirt road/trail. |
| 1 | 13.5 |  |
At the end of the trail, after the “Lyreio Foundation,” take the first left onto the concrete road toward Agios Parthenios. |
| 1.2 | 14.7 |  |
Pass the church, and at the junction with the plastic water tank, go diagonally left onto the first of the two roads. |
| 0.7 | 15.4 | |
At the fork before the monastery entrance, turn right. |
| 0.4 | 15.8 | |
At the cemetery, go straight onto the asphalt road. |
| 0.3 | 16.1 | |
Turn left onto Pantokratoros Street. |
| 0.3 | 16.4 | |
On Tsimiski Street, turn left toward the Monastery. |
| 0.3 | 16.7 | |
After the Monastery, take the first road left toward Kallitechnoupoli. |
| 1.7 | 18.4 |  |
On the first dirt road, go diagonally right. |
| 0.8 | 19.2 | |
Re-enter the dirt road, take the first right at the fork, then continue straight through all intersections. |
| 1.1 | 20.3 | |
At the end of the road, turn left on the dirt road toward Pikermi. |
| 0.4 | 20.7 | |
Join the asphalt road and immediately turn left onto the dirt road. |
| 1.6 | 22.3 |  |
At the end of the dirt road, continue straight to return to the starting point. |