Waterfalls and wild beauty in Attica!
The natural environment of Attica, an amalgam of known and secret places of exquisite beauty, is an endless surprise to its visitors. Perched along its land, waterfalls are the hidden gems of Attica and a true heaven on earth. Easily accessible through lavishly leafy trails while listening to the sound of their crystalline waters, the route to waterfalls is equally delightsome.
Just a short drive from the city center, the waterfalls of Attica lure you in a game of discovery. Put on your trail shoes, get in the mood for discovery and delve into the treasures of mother nature.
The Twin Waterfalls of Valanaris
Named after the forest of oaks that once dominated the surrounding hills, Valanaris is a must destination for pure nature lovers. Located at Ntrafi, south of Penteli mountain, just a few meters beneath Achaion Avenue. Its easy access, through a short and smooth downhill route,
makes the Valanaris Waterfall a popular choice for short jaunts.
If you choose to visit the waterfall during spring or summer, when the stream water creates a small calm lake, you will come across a double waterfall. Two water descents, six-meter-long side by side, smoothly ledging into a swallow plunge pool.
Tweets of local birds, such as sparrow hawks, partridges, larks and robins, are the perfect soundtrack for your little excursion. Observe how the surrounding gorses, kermes, mulleins and other small bushes join the landscape. Even when this sortie is over, their scents will not be forgotten.
Rapentosa Waterfall: the tallest of all
In the municipality of Dionysos, northerly of the renowned local marble quarries, you can visit the tallest waterfall in the wider area of Attica. Although reached by several trails, the one starting from the Rapentosa dam is the most popular and easiest choice.
Walk along the fordable trail by the water and enjoy the refreshingly dense shadow of planes and poplars. Halfway along the route, the creek is divided into two, creating a pond that is the perfect spot for a short “pit stop”. Take a deep breath and listen to the song of birds that have nested onto this oasis.
As you get closer, the sound of falling water gets stronger. Impressive and grandiose, towering ten meters above the ground, the Rapentosa waterfall is a magical escape, the perfect closing to your hiking. Its crystalline waters create a marvelous wetland, filled with frogs, butterflies and dragonflies.
On your way back, stop for a quick dive at the nearby beaches of Marathon and Nea Makri. Enjoy this unconventional getaway to the fullest and immerse yourself in an Attican setting where nature is the true and only master.
Kalamos waterfall: Ravishing and raw
If you are a skilled and well-equipped hiker, this hidden waterfall is just for you. Reached through an inclined dirt path, the route requires attention and concentration.
Leave your vehicle close to the court of Kalamos and start walking, while delving deep into the greenery of the area. Every single step will get you closer to this well-kept secret. When the sound of falling water is the only thing you can listen to, you have made it to your final destination, the Kalamos Waterfall.
Depending on the season and the previous rainfalls, water mass may vary. However, the beauty of the landscape is just ravishing and the sense of tranquility and privacy is beyond priceless. Too close, yet too detached from the sweltering city and its burdensome routine.
If archeology is your thing, you can combine this little escape with a visit to the site of Amphiareion at Oropos, a well-preserved sanctuary and oracle, praising Amphiaraos, an ancient hero, seer and healer.
