The city of Athens has lots of impressive places for sightseeing and Lycabettus is definitely one of them. As the highest hill in Athens, Lycabettus offers perhaps the most stunning view of the city and a visit there is highly recommended.
How to reach the top of Lycabettus
Lycabettus hill is right in the center of the city and so, it is easily accessible; you can get there by car, on foot, walking through a beautiful path of pine trees, or by cable car, at its starting point at the end of Plutarchou Street in Kolonaki. The cable car is open from 09.00 am to 2.30 am and the ticket price is 10 euros per person round trip. It takes about 3min to reach the top.
The peak of Lycabettus
Lycabettus is the highest peak of Athens, with a height of 277 meters and the best view of some of the most historic sites in the world, such as Kallimarmaro stadium, the Acropolis and Plaka. There is also a telescope through which you can distinguish Aegina island and Argosaronicos bay. At the top, you can also find the small church of Agios Georgios, which was built in the 18th century. A little below the top and in the west side of the hill, Agion Isidoron chapel is located; it is literally built inside a rock, a place definitely worth visiting since it is famous for the miracles of the Holy Cross. Nearby, there is a theater, built in 1964, which has a capacity of 3000 seats and during the summer it hosts many musical and cultural events.
Mythology
According to mythology, the goddess Athena was carrying a rock that fell from her hands, upon hearing bad news, and this is how the hill was formed. As for its name, one explanation is that it comes from the word ´lykos´ (wolf) and another one traces its etymology from the word ´liki´ (faint light) and the verb ´vaino´(go), because of the sun rising every morning over the hill, illuminating the city.
Coffee and food
On Lycabettus hill visitors can dine at the restaurant there, choosing from a variety of Mediterranean flavours and dishes, or enjoy their coffee at the bar, while having Athens at their feet. Prices are quite affordable.
Tips: Especially on moonlit nights, Lykabettus is one of the best instrammable spots in Athens.
