DK Travel : Athens : Outdoor

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Kallimarmaro Stadium

Fourth-century BC Panathenaic athletes and the runners of the first modern Olympics in 1896 ran laps in the sweltering centre of this beautiful marble stadium. Modern joggers and walkers love the shady path on top of the 70,000-seat edifice. (see Kallimarmaro Stadium)
Kesariani Monastery

Lovely monastery on the wooded slopes of Mount Hymettos, above Athens’ northern suburbs. (see Kesariani)
Lykavittos Hill

Several pleasant footpaths run through pine-clad Lykavittos Hill. If you’re feeling energetic, hike to the top; if climbing’s not for you, take the funicular up and saunter down, stopping at the café for a drink. (see Lykavittos Hill)
Mount Penteli

Up by the National Observatory in the most northerly suburb of Athens, you get a great view of the city by day, but an even better one at night.
National Gardens

The winding paths of the lush National Gardens are a great place to stroll. In 1839, when this was a royal park, the landscape was densely planted with 15,000 exotic trees and flowers imported from around the world; many of those original plants still flourish. (see National Gardens)
Orizontes Restaurant

Watch the glittering nighttime cityscape from Orizontes on Lykavittos Hill. (see Orizontes)
Pasalimani

This natural harbour at Piraeus is full of local fishing boats and yachts. Stroll around the marina, ending up on the east side, in front of the Nautical Museum, or come after dark when the many waterside cafés come to life. (see Pasalimani)
Pediou tou Areos

Athens’ largest park is a good retreat on blistering city days. Older people crowd the benches while children play soccer around the statues. As you leave, go through the walkway lined with busts of Greece’s War of Independence heroes. (see Pediou tou Areos)
Pil Poule

A romantic restaurant (see Pil Poule) that’s perfect for a view of the Acropolis by moonlight.
Strefi Hill

In the shadow of Lykavittos, this green hill (see Strefi Hill) is perfect if you desire a shorter climb but comparable views.