Lycabettus Hill is the highest point in Athens. It is a place to discover nature and legends, and to enjoy unparallelled views of the city. There’s even a little known rock church if you search hard enough…
A View From The Top
I could have taken the funicular to the top of Lycabettus Hill, but the path was more inviting, winding its way upwards through a pine-scented landscape rich with legends. Besides, I wanted to try to find the rock church of Saint Isidore.

Mount Lycabettus is higher even than the Acropolis. (Confusingly, Acropolis means “highest point of the city” but there is no contradiction here; Lycabettus was outside the boundary of the ancient city.) It was a steep climb up, but worth it for the classic Greek landscape. I walked between pines and olive trees, the path lined with wild flowers and prickly pears everywhere.

There was hardly anyone about, but half way up I was disturbed by a sudden movement and watched as a large tortoise ran past me and into the undergrowth.

Then there were the panoramic views. Right over the city, to the Acropolis and across the sea towards the Peloponnese.

Legends Of Mount Lycabettus
This is a place of legends. Lycabettus means “hill of wolves” and it is said that wolves once roamed the slopes, protected by the goddess Athena. However, the most famous story concerns Athena herself and the creation of the hill. The legend is that she was carrying a massive rock to the Acropolis with the intention of building herself a temple that would reach up to the sky. But on the way she was disturbed by two ravens and dropped the rock, so creating Mount Lycabettus.
A Hidden Church On Lycabettus Hill
At the very top of the hill I stopped at the café to have something to eat and to enjoy the views. I had also hoped to visit the small chapel of St George but it was closed for cleaning. However I did manage to peep around the door, confirming the guidebook description of it as “of little interest”.

In fact, I was more interested in finding the rock church of St Isidore (or Isidorus). I had diligently followed the signs on the way up but seen no sign of it, and the one or two people I met appeared to be unaware of its existence. Certainly it seems to be little known; I had heard about it from a local guide but could find no mention in the guidebook. But, coming down the hill by a different route, I spotted the cave entrance high above the path. A long stairway reached enticingly up to it but unfortunately the gate at the bottom was locked; a sign outside showed that the church only opens for services and special events.

Still, I had found the church, enjoyed the views and given my legs a good workout. And I had met a tortoise along the way. I couldn’t ask for more than that!
10 thoughts on “A Walk Up Lycabettus Hill, The Highest Point In Athens”
What a fabulous view from the top of the hill. Sadly the day we were supposed to visit Mt Lycabettus it was cloudy and the heavens opened so we missed our opportunity so it's great to see what we missed.
Thanks for taking us there Karen, I enjoyed my tour up to the hill for sunset and that was truly special. I loved your whole experience and the turtle pic too!
The entire climb was worth it just for that incredible view. How fast does a tortoise run? Loved that you found the ancient church, too.
Wow, that view of the Acropolis and beyond is fantastic!
Well worth the climb! That is a gorgeous view. I was in Athens in the 1970s and would love to go back.
Beautiful. I was surprised to see a prickly pear cactus. I didn't realize they could be found in the Athens area.
This sounds like a strenuous hike but well worth the time and effort for the vistas seen as well as the places where so many legends began. The chapel of St. George may have been described as "of little interest" but your picture of the church against the blue sky and clouds is beautiful!
I, too, would have opted to walk the trail to find the rock church of Saint Isidore. Thanks for taking me along with you to find it, but I was disappointed not to get to go inside. 🙁
Lovely reminder of the walk up Mt Lycabettus –
I was lucky enough to see inside the chapel at the top and the murals there were beautiful along with silver repousee work around the faces on the oil paintings –
I was then struck by the view of the low level white painted suburbs disappearing way into the distance in all directions, when you were able to peel your eyes away from the Acropolis and the Agean sea that lay before you!
That view of the Acropolis from the top alone is worth the hike. Beautiful shots 🙂