10 unknown – or lesser known – destinations in Attica
Attica boasts several hidden treasures that few people know about, and has in store a number of wonderful surprises for its residents and visitors who decide to explore it. Join us in this quest for places and sights all around Attica that are ideal for unique excursions all around the year, and enjoy images and experiences… off the beaten path.
1. Just an hour away from Athens, in a truly majestic landscape, lies one of Mount Parnitha’s hidden treasures: it is “Agia Marina on the mountain rock”, a little church perched on a steep cliff, looking upon the wildlife refuge at the foot of Mount Parnitha. Drive to Agios Nikolaos chapel and then hike the 2km path to Agia Marina. Once you arrive, get ready for a truly breathtaking view.
2. At the northeast edge of Attica, visitors discover the archaeological site of Ramnous, which hosts the famed sanctuary of Nemesis. Built in the early 6th century B.C., it is the most important sanctuary of that divinity in Greece. Here we will marvel at the ruins of Ramnous ancient demos that has been consistently inhabited since the Neolithic times, featuring the fortress with the walls that surround the settlement, small sanctuaries, the theatre and the gymnasium of the town.
3. The endless list of Attica’s enchanting shores features not only organised and popular beaches, but also quiet and secluded coves with sand and crystal waters, for those who prefer privacy. Christea beach in Sounio, Pigadakia beach between Dilessi and Chalkoutsi at the northeast edge of Attica, Panagia Giatrissa beach in Artemida and the picturesque 2nd Limanaki in Daskalio that combines sand and pebbles, are only few of these majestic, lesser known beaches.
4. Few people know that only 30 minutes outside Athens, in Pikermi, there is a magnificent stone watermill that was built in 1867, right after the construction of the Pikermi reservoir on Valanaris stream, in order to meet the irrigation needs of the fields in Drafi. Once here, spend some time at the Paleontological Exhibition, housed in the old town hall building of Pikermi. The life size representations of animals from the so-called “Pikermi fauna” are truly impressive!
5. In just one hour from the centre of Athens, the visitor of Attica arrives at a true treasure of nature, kept out of the public eye. It is the Myloi gorge at the Alkyonides bay, an impressive “slit” on the massive rocks, in an imposing lush green landscape adorned with waterfalls that ends at a stunning beach. The exit of the gorge is by the coastal road from Alepochori to Schino, right before Mavrolimni.
6. Moni islet is a small paradise in the heart of the Saronic Gulf, known to few. It is located opposite Perdika village in Aegina and is inhabited only by deer, peacocks and wild goats. A lush green dot in the middle of the sea, with crystal water beaches and an enchanting landscape. You will get here on your own boat or on the frequent fishing boat rides from Perdika.
7. Also known as the “Love Island”, Daskalio is a stone’s throw away from Poros, opposite the Russian Dockyard, and mesmerises with its rare beauty. The name “Eros Island” is due to its shape that looks like a heart. We will arrive here on our own boat or a charter boat from Poros main harbour.
8. An unknown exotic heaven in Attica, accessible by boat and endowed with emerald waters and “blue lagoons”? The cape Scyllaeum, also known as Kavo Skyli in Troezen Municipality is exactly it! Discover Attica by boat and enjoy a dream-like spot in the Saronic Gulf. An experience you will never forget!
9. East of the harbour of Poros lies the charming, remote and historical Bourtzi islet. It hosts a castle that has been declared a protected site, while the entire island is an archaeological site of particular beauty and value for the visitor who loves exploration, adventure and action. The islet is accessed by boat or an organised trip with sea kayaks.
10. Most people know Hydra from its harbour and its main town. However, Hydra keeps its treasures hidden in its inland landscapes. The many chapels, monasteries, fields, pine groves, olive groves, dry-stone walls, trails, farm houses and ancient ruins reveal the long history of the island, its extraordinary architectural tradition and its wild natural beauty.
