Greece Athens ToursLocated in the center of Athens, Lycabettus Hill Athens dominates the city. It is impossible for any visitor not to see it, with the white church of Saint George at op it. The height is 277 meters, almost double that of the Acropolis Hill. From the top, you can easily see breathtaking views of the Acropolis, the Agora, the Stadium, the temple of Zeus, the area of Piraeus, and all 4 mountains surrounding the Attica region.
History of Lycabettus Hill Athens
Lycabettus or Likavitos in Greek means the hill of wolves. According to mythology, Goddess Athena was carrying this rock, and she dropped it when she heard bad news from a raven. After that incident, all ravens became black. Next to Lycabettus St. George Hotel was a water tank that dates back to the 6th century B.C. It was built during the Peisistratus years. The Archaeologists also found ruins of a temple of Zeus.
Today, it is a popular square with some nice coffee shops, which is called Dexameni Square. It seems that shepherds during the 16th century and after had their animals there, and wolves were coming to Mount Lycabettus to find food. That’s how the name Lycabettus came out.
What’s on Top of Lycabettus Hill Athens?
On top of Lycabettus Hill Athens is the beautiful church of St. George, built in 1870, which has the Cycladic style with white and blue colors. As well, there is another church of Agios Isidoros, on the same road, at the end of it, there is a coffee restaurant called Prasini Tenta, where you can have a spectacular view of the Acropolis.
Next to St. George’s church, there is another coffee restaurant called Horizontes. Finally, on top is an open theatre that was built in 1964. Many International artists sang there, like the Scorpions, Nick Cave, Ray Charles, UB40, Pet Shop Boys, Radiohead, B.B. King, Jerry Lee Lewis, Iron Maiden, and many more…
How to get to Lycabettus Hill Athens
To get to the top of Lycabettus Hill, you can either go hiking or take the funicular. For hiking, you must reach Ploutarchou Street. It will take around 30 minutes; it is better to do it in the morning or evening because of the heat.
Another option is to hire a taxi to drive you to the top. From the city center, it will take 10 minutes at a low cost. But, to return back you will have either to walk down or call a taxi because there are no taxis on top. You can call Uber or Free Now from their apps, or, as well, there are radio taxi companies.
For a different experience, you can go to Aristipou and Ploutarchou street, where the funicular station or Teleferic. The train runs inside a tunnel, so no views to see. It takes a few minutes to reach the top, then you have to walk a few steps to reach the Horizons restaurant.
The train has been operating since 1965 and is available from 9 am until 2.30 pm. It leaves every 30 minutes, but in peak time it can be every 10 minutes. In the wintertime, it may not be so often. Τhe cost is 13 euros round-trip or 10 euros one way. Using the cable car, you will have a discount at the Horizontes restaurant.
Watching the Sunset at Lycabettus Hill
One of the best free things to do in Athens is to watch the sunset at the top of the hill, where the church of St. George is, or at the parking area of the open theatre. It is very popular among the locals, if you go, you will see many young people sitting with drinks and listening to music. It is safe and recommended. This way, you will enjoy the spectacular view of Athens with the city lights.
Is Lycabettus Hill worth visiting in Athens?
Absolutely, Lycabettus Hill is one of the most rewarding experiences in Athens and is completely free to visit on foot. The 360-degree panoramic view of Athens from the summit is unmatched anywhere in the city. Whether you hike up through the pine forest, take the funicular, or arrive by taxi, the views alone make it essential.
How do I get to Lycabettus Hill from the city center?
From central Athens, Lycabettus Hill is easily reachable in three ways. Take a taxi or Uber, approximately 10 minutes, and very affordable. Hike from Ploutarchou Street, approximately 30 minutes through pine trees. Or take the funicular from Aristippou and Ploutarchou Street. The funicular runs through a tunnel and reaches the summit in minutes.
Can you see the Acropolis from Lycabettus Hill?
Yes, Lycabettus Hill offers the most complete panoramic view of the Acropolis in all of Athens. From the summit, you can see the Parthenon, the Ancient Agora, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Panathenaic Stadium, Piraeus port, and all four mountains surrounding the Attica region. At night, the illuminated Acropolis from Lycabettus is breathtaking.
What is the best time to visit Lycabettus Hill Athens?
The best time to visit Lycabettus Hill is either early morning for peaceful views and cooler temperatures, or one hour before sunset when the light turns golden over Athens and the Acropolis. Sunset at Lycabettus is one of the most popular free experiences in Athens — arrive early as locals gather with drinks to watch the spectacle.
How much does the Lycabettus funicular cost?
The Lycabettus funicular costs €13 for a round trip and €10 for a one-way ticket. The funicular operates from 9am to 2:30am daily, departing every 30 minutes and every 10 minutes during peak season. Passengers receive a discount at the Horizontes restaurant at the top. The funicular station is located on Aristippou and Ploutarchou Street.
How long does it take to hike Lycabettus Hill?
Hiking to the top of Lycabettus Hill takes approximately 30 minutes from Ploutarchou Street. The path winds through pine trees and is well-maintained. It is recommended to hike in the early morning or late evening to avoid the midday heat. Wear comfortable shoes as the path includes steep sections.
How high is Lycabettus Hill in Athens?
Lycabettus Hill rises 277 meters (909 feet) above sea level, making it the highest hill in Athens — almost double the height of the Acropolis Hill. From the summit, you can see the entire city of Athens, the Acropolis, the Agora, the Temple of Zeus, Piraeus port, and on clear days as far as the island of Aegina.
