SOUTHERN HYMETTUS

Hymettus is the closest mountain range to the center of Athens and the most popular destination for the city’s cyclists. Its shape is elongated, stretching 23 km in length and 4–6 km in width, running from north to south, and forming the natural boundary between the Attica basin and Mesogeia. Stavraetos is the highest peak of Southern Hymettus, while its southern foothills almost reach the sea. From the once-dense pine forests and shrublands that covered the southern slopes, only small pockets remain, struggling to regenerate, as decades of recurring wildfires have severely hampered their recovery.

At the same time, the proximity to the sea and the unique view over the Saronic Gulf inevitably sparked large-scale housing development. New neighborhoods such as Ano Glyfada, Voula, and Vari began to climb up the mountain, permanently altering the natural landscape.

Nevertheless, the higher elevations of Southern Hymettus managed to escape the urban sprawl and, along with the remaining vegetation, continue to restore some of the area’s old charm. The region is also home to several caves, some of great archaeological interest—such as the Nymfolyptos Cave with its impressive 5th-century BC carvings. However, none of these caves have been developed, and exploring them requires extra caution.

The slopes of Southern Hymettus are crossed by an extensive network of dirt roads and trails offering unobstructed views over the Saronic Gulf, making them an ideal choice for mountain biking, especially during the cooler months of the year.

The suggested route circles the southern part of Hymettus above Glyfada, Voula, and Vari. The starting point is at the end of G. Gennimata Street in Terpsithea. It begins with a wide and pleasant trail, followed by the steepest climb of the route (500 m). Next comes a fast downhill dirt road leading to Ano Voula, with stunning views of the Saronic Gulf and its islands.

The second uphill section is entirely paved, passing through Panorama Voula and ending at “Kremasmenos Lagos” and the Voula cemetery. From there, the terrain is exclusively dirt: a long, gentle uphill stretch of 7 km, followed by two descents—the second of which has a 400 m elevation drop over 7.5 km—bringing us back to the initial trail. We then ride this trail in the opposite direction to return to the starting point.

The dirt roads are in very good condition, allowing easy and fast riding, while even the trail sections are smooth and enjoyable. Due to the south-facing orientation of the area, this ride is best suited for cool and cold days of the year.