MOUNT PATERAS
KILOMETERS
DURATION
ELEVATION
PROPOSED SEASON
DIFFICULTY
PHYSICAL CONDITION
TECHNICAL DIFFICULTY
STARTING POINT
Author:
G. Koutrotsios
Photos:
V. Karalaios
INTO THE HEART OF WESTERN ATTICA
The menu of this route through the unexplored southeastern slopes of Mount Pateras includes untouched natural landscapes, exclusively dirt roads, steep climbs that test legs and lungs, and for dessert, a 9-kilometer downhill section all the way to the finish.
INTRODUCTION
Mount Pateras is a relatively unexplored mountain, overshadowed by the larger and more famous ranges of Attica. Located at the northeastern edge of the region, it separates the Thriasio Plain from the Megara Valley and in ancient times marked the western boundary of Athens. The terrain is rugged, with relatively smooth slopes as well as several steep cliffs.
A distinctive feature of its topography is the four karstic depressions (dolines), forming small plateaus that have served as ideal settlement and agricultural sites since antiquity, as evidenced by the remains of ancient wells and buildings. The highest peak of Pateras, called Liontari, rises to 1,131 m and is situated roughly in the middle of the mountain.
Although the road network is sparse, careful selection of dirt roads and trails can create beautiful cycling routes in the area. From a naturalist’s perspective, the mountain’s flora is particularly interesting, with more than 800 species, including 67 endemic to Greece. Its fauna includes all the typical mammals of mountainous Attica (wild boar, foxes, etc.), and in recent years, the presence of both wolves and jackals has been confirmed.
ROUTE DESCRIPTION
The proposed route runs through the southeastern part of the mountain, exclusively on dirt terrain, on good to moderately passable dirt roads. It presents no technical difficulties and should not challenge the average rider.
However, the dirt roads feature steep gradients (up to 20% in sections), making the route physically demanding. The absence of water along the entire route requires carrying a sufficient supply, especially during hot months.
The starting point is the settlement of Palaiokoundoura, just past Agios Sotiras, on the old Elefsina–Thebes national road. The first 10 km contain no long climbs and serve as an ideal warm-up for the main ascent: a 6 km climb with a 500 m elevation gain leading to the highest and perhaps most beautiful point of the route.
From there begins a long and enjoyable 9 km descent with stunning views of the surrounding mountains and the scenic valleys between them.
24.9 km.
ROAD
DIRTROAD
BAD DIRTROAD
PATH
24.9 km.
ROAD
DIRTROAD
BAD DIRTROAD
PATH
ROAD
BAD DIRTROAD
DIRTROAD
PATH
GALLERY
ROAD BOOK
| Distance between points | Total distance | Description | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 0 |  |
Starting point: Café “Glykos” in Palaiokoundoura, just past Agios Sotiras, on the old Elefsina–Thebes national road. Head left on the asphalt road (coming from Elefsina), perpendicular to the main road (Kyparissiou Street). |
| 0.2 | 0.2 |  |
At the first fork, left (Kerasias Street). |
| 0.3 | 0.5 |  |
At the top of the climb, left (Schinou Street). |
| 0.0 | 0.5 |  |
After 50 m, right (Goritsis Street) toward Ag. Ephraim Church. |
| 0.3 | 0.8 |  |
At the end of the steep concrete climb, right toward Ag. Ephraim Church. |
| 0.1 | 0.9 |  |
At the first turn, left toward Ag. Ephraim Church. |
| 0.8 | 1.7 |  |
At the fork on the hairpin, right onto the steep dirt road (NOT toward Ag. Ephraim Church). |
| 2.6 | 4.3 |  |
At the end of the descent (concrete section), diagonal right backward. |
| 0.5 | 4.8 | |
At the next fork, left. |
| 2.6 | 7.4 | |
At the fork with the metal shrine, right, slightly uphill. |
| 3.2 | 10.6 | |
1.2 km past the abandoned Monastery of Zoodochos Pigi, at a large hairpin, right uphill toward Agia Triada Monastery. |
| 2.0 | 12.6 | |
At the first road after the monastery (with a notable large pine tree), right uphill. |
| 3.4 | 16.0 | |
At the top of the climb—seeing the two peaks of Mount Pateras ahead—right, slightly downhill. |
| 3.8 | 19.8 | |
After the first downhill section, at the first fork, left, and without turning anywhere else, the route leads back to the starting point. |