The Municipality of Papagou-Holargos in Greece has opened 10 fully signposted hiking routes totalling 30.1 km across the protected zone of Mount Hymettus (Ymittos).
The project, funded by Greece’s Recovery Fund through the “Creation of a National Network of Trails and Hiking Routes” programme managed by OFYPEKA, involved extensive path cleaning, accessibility upgrades on damaged sections, and complete route marking with functional interconnections.
Papagou-Holargos municipality occupies the northwest foothills of Mount Hymettus, approximately 8 km east of the Acropolis and within reach of central Athens public transport. KTEL buses from Syntagma Square reach trailheads in under 20 minutes, making the mountain one of the Greek capital’s most immediate escapes for city residents and visitors.
There are both circular and linear trails varying from easy to moderate, and the walks vary from approximately one to three hours, depending on fitness and ability. The longest of the hikes is 6.74km, although several do include short, steep, elevation gains. The highest point of the trails is slightly over 750m. Walks include forests and hilltop views, as well as caves and landmarks such as towers and monasteries.
Maps of the individual trails are available here (website in Greek).
