Imittos mountain in Athens

Athens is full of interesting places, all around. Many beautiful spots, within a general chaos and an endless noise. Caffes and bars come and go.

Around them all, however, are raised the physical limits of the city, the mountains that make Athens site unique.

To the east there is Hymettus, the mountain that foreigners called "Crazy", is a secret seen from everywhere.

The north side of Hymettus, just 5 minutes drive from the Mesogion Avenue, is green and full of walking paths.

Here is my favorite place for a short getaway from the city.

I like to jog there with my dog, but the mountain offers many different experiences for each of us, and it's nice to see people enjoying in their own way.

You will meet ladies chilling by walking and talking, runners, cyclists, dogs and friends drinking coffee in the beautiful courtyard of Kessariani's monastery.

Each path starting from the paved road calls you to explore it and you might find from solitary benches to the ruin of old towers.

The most charming part of Hymettus is the stunning view of the whole city of Athens. You can see up to the sea of Athens and the sun makes the valley of white buildings and blocks to spark like something precious.

For me here nests the optimism. Even when things don't seem right or feel messed up, up here you can claim the city has something to make her look better.

My thought's perspective blends with the perspective of the landscape which make Hymmetus my most favorite part of Athens. Even my dog would agree if he could speak.

So I suggest to people looking for nature or calmness within Athens, to see things from above. The northern Hymettus, over regions Ag. Paraskeui - Papagos - Kessariani is accessible from several points.

The simplest way to get there is by Messogion Avenue where you can take the uphill road from National Defense Area towards Anastaseos str. This road will take you to the first turns of the mountain, having Papagos are on your left. You can park your car somewhere there and choose your prefered route.