When the weather is good, all we really want is a bit of greenery, beautiful views, some sunshine and a small break from the rhythms of the city. Add a basket filled with snacks and picnic treats, and you have the ideal outing. It costs almost nothing, yet gives you far more energy and relaxation than you might expect.

Translation | Amaryllis Tsegou

Here, we gathered some of the best green spots in Athens - with views of either the sea or the mountains - where you can enjoy the perfect picnic.

Clearing at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center, Kallithea

The SNFCC is altogether a cool oasis providing relaxation, walks and that rare feeling that the frantic pace of the city has somehow frozen around you. As you stroll through Stavros Niarchos Park, you will come across a large clearing with lush green grass.

Especially on Sundays, you will see children running around endlessly, while in summer the area transforms into an open-air cinema with a giant screen and no chairs. All you need to do is spread out your blanket or tablecloth and enjoy the movie under the moonlight with snacks and drinks.

Of course, it is equally ideal during the day for a picnic. Bring a basket with little mezze dishes, meatballs, mini cheese pies and whatever else you like and simply enjoy the atmosphere.

Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center. 364 Andrea Syngrou Ave., Kallithea, tel. 216-80.91.000

Nea Filadelfeia Grove

Nea Filadelfeia Grove is one of Athens’ most important green lungs, covering 104 acres. Stretching between the municipalities of Nea Filadelfeia and Nea Ionia, It began to take shape in 1914, with the first trees planted on the quiet hill beside the Podoniftis stream. The last large-scale planting efforts took place in 1994 and 1995, while smaller additions continue almost every year to this day. Elder Athenians may also remember the small zoo and café that once operated there.

Today, it remains a valuable oasis of greenery in a densely populated working-class area with refugee housing and limited open spaces. The grove features many paved walking paths, benches, and open clearings where you can spread out a blanket and enjoy your picnic close to nature.

Nea Filadelfeia Grove. 154 Dekeleias Ave., Nea Filadelfeia

Kaisariani Shooting Range Park

During quarantine, when many of us rediscovered the beauty hidden in our own neighborhoods, I became reacquainted with the Kaisariani Shooting Range Park, just a 25-minute walk from my home.

I met friends there countless times, wandered along its paths, sat beneath its tall trees with a coffee in hand, and watched children and dogs enjoying the park’s playgrounds. Teenagers gather there to play music or exercise and it is also an excellent place for a picnic.

But this place carries deep historical significance as well. Originally a forest, it was transformed under Venizelos into a shooting and firing range. During the German occupation, it became an execution site where at least 700 resistance fighters were killed.

The historic nightclub “Harama,” where legendary Greek folk musicians such as Tsitsanis and Bellou once performed, also operated there for years. I still remember it when it was open, with performances by Galani and Paspalas. The venue is still there today, though the Municipality plans to transform it into a center for folk music and the teaching of traditional instruments — hopefully that plan moves forward.

Beyond being a place for recreation and an important green lung for the city, thanks to its impressively rich and well-maintained vegetation, the park is also a place of historical memory. Within it are the Square of the 200 Communists, the 

Monument, and the Museum of the EAM National Resistance. At the same time, it is also a space for sports and education, since schools and nurseries operate within the park as well. Access is from Distomou and Kalhantos streets, and parking is available.

The Ellinikon Experience Park

From the day it opened, the Ellinikon Experience Park became a favorite destination for families from across the southern suburbs and beyond.

It is almost impossible to visit on a weekend and not find it bustling with people. The beautifully landscaped green spaces, activity areas, playgrounds and regular events offer countless reasons to return.

It is an especially family-friendly park, with no nearby traffic, huge open spaces for walking, cycling and scooters and a massive playground known as the “children’s forest,” complete with a wooden airplane and large fountain where children run freely through the water.

Next to the playground and fountain, you will find wooden picnic tables and benches, perfect for enjoying a picnic. There are also canteens inside the park should you want coffee, drinks, or extra snacks.

The Ellinikon Experience Park offers free outdoor parking. You can also reach it from Elliniko metro station, though the walk is approximately 1.4 km.

Mola Site, Parnitha

For those who do not mind driving a bit farther - or the warning signs about wolves - the Mola site in Parnitha is an enchanting destination worth discovering.

Surrounded by fir trees and mountain scenery, it is ideal not only for hiking but also for a proper picnic in nature.

To get there, pass the busy Bafi refuge and set the small church of Agios Petros as your GPS destination. You can park there, since cars cannot continue much farther once the forest road begins.

Follow the road and you will soon reach a large clearing with wooden picnic tables, usually filled with families and groups enjoying the outdoors.

Because the area is isolated, make sure to come prepared with everything you may need in terms of food, drinks and utensils.

Syngrou Estate, Kifisia

Syngrou Estate, located in Marousi near KAT Hospital, covers 173 acres and was named after Ifigeneia Mavrokordatou-Syngrou, who bequeathed the estate to the Greek state with the wish that it contribute to the education of “good farmers and gardeners.”

The main entrance is located on the uphill side of Kifisias Avenue, in the direction of Kifisia, and there is free parking with plenty of spaces available. The estate is open to the public free of charge from sunrise to sunset. It only closes in cases of strong winds, in which case an official announcement is issued.

There are many interesting spots to discover within the estate, including the Tower of Andreas Syngros, designed in 1880 by Ernst Ziller and once used as the couple’s country residence, the Anavryta building, the small open-air forest theater and the Gothic-style church of Agios Andreas.

The grounds feature a remarkable variety of vegetation, ranging from kermes oaks and dense shrubs to olive trees, pines, cypresses, almond trees, even vineyards.

You can enjoy a picnic almost anywhere within the estate, though it is worth noting that there are no dedicated picnic facilities. Still, simply spreading out a blanket — or even setting up a small folding table and chairs — is enough to create a memorable experience in a place that hardly feels as though it lies within the city at all.

Syngrou Estate. 182 Kifisias Ave., Marousi

Pani Hill, Alimos

Just a breath away from Alimou Avenue, Pani Hill is a true urban escape.

With beautiful views toward both Mount Hymettus and the Saronic Gulf, plenty of greenery, walking paths, two playgrounds, a modern skate park, and of course plenty of space for picnics, it is a complete recreation area where you can spend an entire day outdoors for free.

Prepare a few containers with snacks and treats and let loose for the day.

Pani Hill. 21 Evonymou, Alimos

Antonis Tritsis Environmental Awareness Park

In the western part of the city, the metropolitan “Antonis Tritsis” Park, with its lush greenery, six lakes connected by a large canal, is one of the most beautiful spots in Athens for a picnic and a relaxing day out with friends or family.

Scattered throughout the park are wooden picnic tables where you can sit comfortably, as well as tall trees offering generous shade if you prefer a more traditional picnic experience by spreading out a blanket on the grass. This is especially useful when the picnic tables are occupied by outdoor children’s parties - which happens quite often once the weather starts warming up.

Still, there is no reason to worry, since the park is so large that you are almost guaranteed to find a quiet corner of your own, as long as you are willing to walk around and explore a bit. It is also worth noting that there is a café inside the park in case you need extra supplies.

Access to Antonis Tritsis Park is through five main entrances: to the east, Entrance A on Spyrou Moustakli Street and Entrance B on Demokratias Avenue (behind Sklavenitis); to the south, Entrance C on Bibiza Street; and to the west, Entrances D and E on Fylis Avenue.

Lycabettus Hill

Lycabettus Hill, crowned by the small church of Agios Georgios, is easily accessible both by car and by funicular. The funicular departs from the end of Ploutarchou Street, while Evangelismos metro station is also very close by. After Tourkovounia, Lycabettus is the second-highest point in the Attica basin.

The hill can also be reached through several walking routes which, if you have the stamina and patience, lead all the way up to the clearing where the famous Lycabettus Theater stands. The view from there is spectacular: Athens stretches out before you completely unobstructed, making the setting ideal for a picnic.

It feels at once incredibly close to the city and yet wonderfully removed from its chaos. If you have not brought cold drinks or refreshments with you, there is a canteen near the theater clearing where you can buy some.

There are no dedicated picnic facilities, but you will certainly find a shady spot among the trees to spread out a blanket or picnic mat. The best time to visit is in the late afternoon, once the light softens, when the hill offers an almost 360-degree dreamlike view over Athens.

With good snacks and maybe a little music from a portable speaker, the atmosphere and the view make for an unforgettable picnic experience.

Nea Smyrni Grove

Nea Smyrni Grove is a green oasis in the heart of the city, created in the 1920s. In fact, it is one of the largest parks within the municipalities of Attica, covering 50,000 square meters.

There is plenty of space for walking among the trees, jogging and exercising in general, while if you are lucky you may also spot one of the sweet little turtles that live there. Throughout the grove you will find picnic tables where you can spread out a tablecloth along with all your picnic treats on a sunny day.

Of course, you can always opt for the more traditional approach and simply sit on the grass. Either way, one thing is certain: you are going to have a wonderful time.

Freedom Park, Athens

Next to the Athens Concert Hall lies Freedom Park, a lush green space very close to the city center that is ideal for relaxation and quiet moments.

As a student, I used to go there often because it was the perfect place for a walk or a break and there always seemed to be a group of people with a guitar nearby — usually with at least one person who could actually sing.

It is perfect for sunbathing while lying on the grass, or simply relaxing and watching the cars rush along Vasilissis Sofias Avenue stretching out in front of you.

Around the park, you will find kiosks and small shops where you can pick up anything you might want before settling down. There are no benches, so bringing a towel or blanket is essential if you plan to sit comfortably.

It is an especially lovely destination during spring and autumn, when the Athens sun is milder. Besides a picnic, it is also a great place for a casual birthday gathering — and even better if it is a surprise for the person celebrating.

Freedom Park. Megaro Mousikis area, Evzonon St., Athens

Veikou Grove, Galatsi

Veikou Grove is part of what was once the vast “Veikou Estate,” also known as the “Omorfokklisia Estate,” which originally covered 3,700 acres. Veikou Avenue itself was named after the Souliot fighter Lambros Veikos, who was killed in the Battle of Analatos during the Greek War of Independence. To honor him, the state granted land in the area to his heirs and later the avenue took his name as well.

After years of legal and illegal encroachments and land sales, what remained was a lush green park covering 63 acres, where visitors can enjoy nature, exercise, relax and spend carefree hours in an especially welcoming environment.

With both sports and recreational facilities, it is an ideal place for a picnic within the city. Located between Galatsi, Kalogreza, and Psychiko, and with very easy access from Veikou Avenue, it has become a favorite destination for many Athenians.

Veikou Grove. Veikou Ave. & Anagenniseos St., Galatsi, tel. 210-21.43.372

Faskomilia Hill, Vouliagmeni

So close to the city, yet this spot makes you feel as though you are miles away.

Overlooking the impressive Lake Vouliagmeni and offering unobstructed views of the blue waters of the Saronic Gulf, Faskomilia Hill is ideal for hiking and, of course, for laying out a picnic in a landscape where mountain and sea come together beautifully.

The only thing to keep in mind is to be a little careful while walking, since some parts of the ground are uneven.

Papagou Grove

The first time I visited Papagou Grove was for a children’s party, and I have to admit I was impressed, even though I already knew the surrounding area near the well-known all-day café-restaurant Piu Verde.

Beyond the familiar little bridges, ponds,and the oasis-like atmosphere of the café, there is also a wonderful playground surrounded by greenery, with fantastic games for children, picnic tables and seating perfectly integrated into nature. They are ideal for a picnic - or even for a children’s party, although in that case permission from the municipality is required.

Overall, there’s about 3,500 square meters of lush green space that feels like paradise for children, adults and pets alike. The grove also includes a summer theater that has hosted the Papagou Festival and many other events for years.

Lombarda Beach, Koropi

Let’s be honest: as soon as the weather starts getting warmer, many of us immediately begin craving the beach. And this beach, located extremely close to Athens, is an ideal choice if you enjoy seaside picnics.

Loumbarda — or Lombarda — Beach is located on the Athens–Sounio coastal road, just after the famous “Karamanlis hole.” Its shallow waters make it especially suitable for families with children who are eager to swim but are not yet confident in the sea.

It is only a short drive from Athens, meaning you can get there quickly and easily without spending much time or money on fuel, while the experience more than makes up for it. The beach is located at the 33rd kilometer of Athens–Sounio Avenue, and parking is relatively easy outside the peak summer months.

It is one of the best nearby spots for a picnic and if you happen to have a small awning or tent with you, there are also trees where you can secure it for extra shade and protection.

Lombarda Beach, 33rd km of Athens–Sounio Avenue