Venture off the beaten path and discover a side of Athens that many visitors miss – where ancient ruins meet modern-day treasures, and where the pulse of the city mingles with tranquil spots tucked away from the crowds. From cozy open-air cinemas with Acropolis views to serene beaches and historic flea markets, to seaside promenades and mountain hikes, 

this guide invites you to explore lesser-known but deeply rewarding corners of Athens and its surroundings. 

If you find yourself with extra time in Athens, a journey to Mount Parnitha offers a refreshing escape. Crisscrossed with trails through dense pine forests, the national park is home to an astonishing variety of flora and fauna, not to mention sweeping views over the Attic plain that feel worlds away from the city below. You can either drive to the summit or opt for the more thrilling route: the Parnitha cable car. Its only stop is the Mont Parnes Casino, perched high above the landscape. From there, it’s well worth exploring the mountain trails on foot to reach the stunning refuges of Bafi and Flabouri – or, if you're feeling lucky, try your hand at the casino before heading into nature.

 

Located just north of the Hill of Pnyx, where Meton famously used his heliotrope to make the first astronomical observations of classical Greece, the Thission Visitors’ Center sits directly opposite the Parthenon, atop the Hill of the Nymphs. Here, you can explore the Geoastrophysics Museum and the historic Observatory Library, home to a fascinating collection of 19th and 20th century scientific instruments, as well as rare books and archival documents of significant historical value.

 

 

Tucked into the heart of a bustling modern city lies one of Athens’ most significant yet often overlooked archaeological sites. Kerameikos, the ancient cemetery of the city, rests quietly on the northwest edge of the capital. You’ll find it to your right as you follow Ermou Street past Monastiraki station. Despite its central location, the site feels worlds away, serene and almost enchanted. A fragment of the Eridanos stream still flows gently through it, surrounded by birds, turtles, frogs and an abundance of colorful native flora that adds to its tranquil, otherworldly atmosphere.

 

Along the rugged coastline of Piraiki –a quaint and storied neighborhood east of the main port of Piraeus– a different kind of Athenian tale unfolds. From the Naval Academy to Alexandras Square, a scenic five-kilometer seaside promenade winds its way between the sea and the shore. It’s ideal for leisurely strolls, especially in the late afternoon when the Athenian Riviera –from Faliro to Glyfada– is bathed in golden sunset light. Along this path, the remnants of the ancient Themistoclean Wall blend seamlessly with a beloved line of fish tavernas, cozy cafés and seaside bars. As dusk falls, vintage street lamps cast a warm, nostalgic glow over your steps.

 

Every weekend, the neighborhoods of Elaionas and Tavros in southwest Athens come alive with a vibrant tapestry of people, lively chatter, music, the deliciously smoky scent 

of souvlaki and barbecued meats and a delightful chaos of cars parked in every possible direction. These flea markets offer a treasure hunt like no other for seekers of the unique and irreplaceable. Among the sprawling stalls, you'll find antiques, crockery, vintage furniture, eclectic décor, vinyl records, typewriters, turntables, books, comics, clothes, shoes, jewelry, artwork, paintings and all sorts of tools, virtually anything you can imagine. It's a place where the unexpected waits just around every corner.