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Watch the Sun Set From Lycabettus Hill in Athens
Published by Anna Shevchenko, Writer
Country: Greece 
The Experience
Climbing Lycabettus Hill (also known as Lykavittós) is one of the best ways to spend an evening in Athens.
One of the tallest of the mounts in Athens, reaching 277 metres above the city, the sunset atop Lycabettus Hill offers a spectacular view of Athens and the Aegean Sea. According to ancient mythology, Lycabettus Hill was the mount originally intended for the fortress of Acropolis, but the city’s patron goddess Athena dropped it by an accident.
At the top of the hill is an observation deck, two restaurants, an amphitheatre, and a small 19th century Byzantine church: the chapel of Agios Geórgios. On the eve of Easter Sunday, a procession of candles encircles the hill slopes and moves towards the church. The event reflects the possible meaning of the name of the hill—a combination of the Greek words "lyki" and "vaino," meaning “path of light.” There are a number of Lycabettus Hill trails available to the summit, with varying levels of difficulty; and it is best to start your ascent from the southern side of the hill on the Ploutarchou street in the Kolonaki district. Trails are also some of the best places for jogging in the city of Athens. The hillsides of Lycabettus are popular with locals and tourists alike, and as you walk up the hill, you are greeted by many friendly Athenians who come to the trails of Lycabettus for a run or to walk their dogs.
Take the funicular for an easier but less scenic alternative to hiking up Lycabettus Hill, but don’t be fooled by the large glass windows of the cable car. The funicular goes up inside a tunnel, and there is no view of Athens during the ascent. Climbing on foot, on the other hand, gives you a chance to stop at numerous viewing platforms with benches that rim the summit.
It is best to arrive at the peak of Lycabettus an hour before the sunset. This will give you enough time to look around, visit the church, and sip a frappe at one of the restaurants. Better yet, pack your own wine and sit barefoot at the rail of the viewing platform with a glass of red.
There is a flagpole at the top of Lycabettus Hill, and right around the sunset two soldiers take down the flag and perform a folding ceremony. Lycabettus Hill is probably the best spot to watch a sunset in the city of Athens. The viewing platform at the top overlooks all of Athens, the Aegean Sea, the islands, and the hills north of the city. All of the Athenian historical sites are visible, as well as the Acropolis, the Olympic Stadium, the Parliament Building, the National Archaeological Museum, and the Academia. As the sun sets behind the mountains, watch the Acropolis and other ancient sites light up for the night.
One of the tallest of the mounts in Athens, reaching 277 metres above the city, the sunset atop Lycabettus Hill offers a spectacular view of Athens and the Aegean Sea. According to ancient mythology, Lycabettus Hill was the mount originally intended for the fortress of Acropolis, but the city’s patron goddess Athena dropped it by an accident.
At the top of the hill is an observation deck, two restaurants, an amphitheatre, and a small 19th century Byzantine church: the chapel of Agios Geórgios. On the eve of Easter Sunday, a procession of candles encircles the hill slopes and moves towards the church. The event reflects the possible meaning of the name of the hill—a combination of the Greek words "lyki" and "vaino," meaning “path of light.” There are a number of Lycabettus Hill trails available to the summit, with varying levels of difficulty; and it is best to start your ascent from the southern side of the hill on the Ploutarchou street in the Kolonaki district. Trails are also some of the best places for jogging in the city of Athens. The hillsides of Lycabettus are popular with locals and tourists alike, and as you walk up the hill, you are greeted by many friendly Athenians who come to the trails of Lycabettus for a run or to walk their dogs.
Take the funicular for an easier but less scenic alternative to hiking up Lycabettus Hill, but don’t be fooled by the large glass windows of the cable car. The funicular goes up inside a tunnel, and there is no view of Athens during the ascent. Climbing on foot, on the other hand, gives you a chance to stop at numerous viewing platforms with benches that rim the summit.
It is best to arrive at the peak of Lycabettus an hour before the sunset. This will give you enough time to look around, visit the church, and sip a frappe at one of the restaurants. Better yet, pack your own wine and sit barefoot at the rail of the viewing platform with a glass of red.
There is a flagpole at the top of Lycabettus Hill, and right around the sunset two soldiers take down the flag and perform a folding ceremony. Lycabettus Hill is probably the best spot to watch a sunset in the city of Athens. The viewing platform at the top overlooks all of Athens, the Aegean Sea, the islands, and the hills north of the city. All of the Athenian historical sites are visible, as well as the Acropolis, the Olympic Stadium, the Parliament Building, the National Archaeological Museum, and the Academia. As the sun sets behind the mountains, watch the Acropolis and other ancient sites light up for the night.
When to Go to Lycabettus Hill Athens
The best time to visit Athens is in late spring or early summer. During this time the weather is already hot enough to enjoy the sea, and there are fewer tourists. It is best to climb Lycabettus Hill in late May or early June during the late afternoon, as the sun begins to retreat and temperatures decrease.
Odds n' Ends
The best part about watching the sunset from Lycabettus Hill is that you can experience it for free! If you choose to take the funicular, the cost is 6 Euros both ways. Keep your ticket for a 25% discount in the restaurants at the top. For hiking Lycabettus Hill, it is best to wear comfortable shoes with a good grip because some of the paths to the summit are sloped and are quite slippery. Bring along a bottle of water if you do not wish to spend money at the restaurants. To enter the chapel, women should cover their heads (according to Orthodox tradition). Free bathrooms are available at the top of the hill.
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