Wanderyn
Lycabettus Hill
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
poi · GR

Lycabettus Hill

Getting around: Above the Kolonaki neighborhood; walk up from Kolonaki Square (30-45 minutes uphill) or take the funicular from the base station on Aristippou Street, reachable by a short walk or taxi from Kolonaki.
Hours: The hill itself is open around the clock; the funicular typically runs 9am-2:30am with departures every 10-30 minutes, though schedules shift seasonally and it occasionally closes for maintenance.

The highest point in central Athens, a limestone hill that rises abruptly out of the Kolonaki district to about 300 meters, topped by the small whitewashed Chapel of Agios Georgios. Unlike the Acropolis, which is the view everyone photographs, Lycabettus is the place you go to photograph the Acropolis — the 360-degree panorama from the summit takes in the Parthenon, the Saronic Gulf, and the sprawl of Athens in every direction.

The funicular (Teleferik) is the easy way up and worth using unless you want the exercise, since the walking path is steep switchbacks with limited shade. There's a cafe near the top and a more formal restaurant with the view as its main selling point.

Sunset is the busy time for obvious reasons, but the hill is quiet and pleasant in the morning too, before the heat and crowds build.

Lycabettus Hill FAQs

Is the funicular the only way up?

No, there's also a walking path from Kolonaki, but it's a steep uphill climb of 30-45 minutes with little shade; most visitors take the funicular at least one way.

How much does the funicular cost?

There's a small return fare, payable at the base station; check current pricing locally as it changes periodically.

Is Lycabettus a good sunset spot?

Yes, it's one of the most popular sunset viewpoints in Athens precisely because it looks back over the Acropolis and the city, but expect crowds at that hour.

Is the chapel at the top open to enter?

The small Chapel of Agios Georgios is usually open and free to step into briefly, though it's a working chapel rather than a tourist attraction.

Can I bring a picnic up instead of using the cafe?

Yes, plenty of visitors bring their own food and sit on the rocks near the summit rather than using the on-site restaurant.

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