KOROPI
KILOMETERS
DURATION
ELEVATION
PROPOSED SEASON
DIFFICULTY
PHYSICAL CONDITION
TECHNICAL DIFFICULTY
STARTING POINT
Author:
G. Koutrotsios
Photos:
V. Karalaios
Who would have expected this in Koropi…
If you hear someone say, “I went mountain biking in Koropi and had one of the best rides in Attica,” you’ll probably assume it was their very first ride in the region! And yet, on the eastern foothills of Hymettus and across the hills surrounding Koropi, hidden trails and old dirt roads of exceptional beauty can be found—ones that rival the best-known mountains of Attica.
INTRODUCTION
The area stretching from Koropi to the eastern slopes of Hymettus is characterized by gentle terrain and low, typical Mediterranean vegetation. Its low hills are connected by mostly forgotten dirt roads and a completely unknown, unmapped network of trails, making the area an ideal destination for mountain biking.
ROUTE DESCRIPTION
The ride begins at the Municipal Stadium of Koropi and follows an asphalt road leading to the foothills of Hymettus. From there, if you’re in the mood for an adventurous (and challenging) descent, it’s worth pushing your bike up to the small chapel of Prophet Elias, with its spectacular views and old well. If you’d rather keep things more relaxed, you can continue south, where a series of beautiful dirt roads with mild gradients will take you almost as far as Kalyvia. Beyond this point, the roads become narrower and more scenic, while three delightful trails interrupt the flow before reaching the end of the ride.
Apart from the optional climb-and-descent to Prophet Elias, the route has no major technical challenges and avoids steep gradients. Especially in springtime, the blooming landscape and green tracks will more than reward even the most demanding riders!
23,5 km.
ROAD
DIRTROAD
BAD DIRTROAD
PATH
23,5 km.
ROAD
DIRTROAD
BAD DIRTROAD
PATH
ROAD
BAD DIRTROAD
DIRTROAD
PATH
GALLERY
- POINTS OF INTEREST
This archaeological site preserves only a few remaining walls, as much of its stonework was—typically—reused for the construction of the nearby Christian chapel dedicated to Prophet Elias. The location is enchanting, offering cool shade, space for a picnic, a well with fresh water, and breathtaking views of Mesogeia. The ascent is mostly done on foot, while the descent is technically demanding but highly rewarding!
ROAD BOOK
| Distance between points | Total distance | Description | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 0 |  |
Start at the parking lot of Koropi Municipal Stadium on Anastasios Ntounis Street, head west towards Hymettus |
| 0.6 | 0.6 |  |
At the end of the road, left onto Sphittou Street |
| 0.1 | 0.7 |  |
Continue straight at the next junction, staying on the same street |
| 3.4 | 4.1 |  |
Midway up the dirt climb, at the junction: right uphill to Prophet Elias chapel and the Sanctuary of Ombrios Zeus (return by the same road). Otherwise, continue left downhill on a narrow dirt road for the main route |
| 0.2 | 4.3 |  |
Right uphill on the dirt road |
| 0.3 | 4.5 |  |
After the metal barrier, left |
| 2.3 | 6.8 |  |
First right |
| 1.6 | 8.4 |  |
At the fork with the metal water tank and cement pit, left, slightly downhill |
| 0.1 | 8.5 |  |
At the next hairpin, straight (right) at the fork |
| 0.1 | 9.5 | |
At the fork, left (passing to the left of the power pylons) |
| 0.4 | 9.9 | |
At the end of the abandoned dirt road, left onto a wider dirt road |
| 0.8 | 10.7 | |
At the end of the descent, left onto a main dirt road next to the livestock unit |
| 0.1 | 10.8 |  |
100 m further, right onto a faint dirt track |
| 1.5 | 12.3 |  |
Ignore the road coming in from the right, go diagonally back |
| 0.3 | 12.6 | |
At the end of the road, right onto a wider dirt road |
| 1.0 | 13.6 |  |
At the circular clearing with five roads, left |
| 1.8 | 15.4 | |
At the end of the dirt road, right onto asphalt |
| 0.5 | 15.9 | |
Just before the top of the climb, left onto the first dirt road |
| 0.7 | 16.6 |  |
Ignore the first road on the left |
| 0.7 | 17.3 | |
At the end of the old dirt road, left onto the main dirt road |
| 0.6 | 17.9 | |
At the fork, right |
| 0.4 | 18.3 | |
Left across (towards the plain) onto a downhill trail |
| 0.2 | 18.5 | |
At the fork in the trail, right |
| 0.1 | 18.6 | |
At the end of the trail, left uphill onto a dirt road |
| 0.0 | 18.6 | |
20 m further, right onto a clear trail |
| 0.1 | 18.7 | |
At the fork in the trail, left |
| 0.5 | 19.2 |  |
At the end of the trail, at a junction, right downhill onto a dirt road |
| 0.2 | 19.4 | |
On the cement road, right towards Koropi |
| 0.2 | 19.6 | |
Right onto asphalt (Adrianou Street) |
| 0.4 | 20.0 | |
After the Church of Zoodochos Pigi, right onto Sphittou Street, returning to the stadium – starting point |