Lycabettus Hill is a high point in Kolonaki, Athens, known for panoramic views over the city. You can reach the summit on foot or by cable car, then take in the skyline and the Church of Agios Georgios.
- Location: Kolonaki, Athens
- Access: walking paths, cable car or car
- Summit feature: the white Church of Agios Georgios
Why visit Mount Lycabettus
Mount Lycabettus gives you a broad view across central Athens from a hill that rises to 277 metres. Its slopes also hold the small Church of Agioi Isidoroi, built in a cave.
The hill has a past beyond its viewpoints: it was quarried, and its stone went into some of Athens’ neoclassical buildings. During World War I, it was also used as a bunker.
From Exarchion Hotel, Mount Lycabettus is about 1.1 km away, making it a city excursion from a hotel in central Athens.
How do you get to Lycabettus Hill?
You can reach the summit by walking, cable car or car; the hill’s slopes have walking paths. The cable car’s lower station is at the junction of Ploutarchou and Aristippou streets in Kolonaki, and the operator identifies Evangelismos as the nearest metro station.
The cable car route runs through a tunnel for 210 metres and takes about 3 minutes. It was inaugurated on April 18, 1965, and began operating the following day.
A secondary visitor guide identifies path access on Aristippou Street and on the south and west sides of the hill, along Ilia Rogakou and Melina Mercouri streets. For a walk that takes in other nearby sights, you can pair the hill with an Athens route through Exarchia and nearby sights.
What can you see from the summit?
The summit’s panoramic view takes in central Athens, with the white Church of Agios Georgios as a landmark at the top. For refreshments with a view, the city’s official guide points to Prasini Tenta café.
The open-air amphitheatre may be non-operational, though seasonal summer performances have also been reported; check its status before planning around a performance.
What should you check before going?
The cable-car operator gives differing closing times on its page, and says winter service may end earlier. It lists fares of €13 per person for a return ticket and €10 for a one-way ticket. Services are scheduled every 30 minutes, with more frequent departures during peak periods.
The walking path is not lit after dark, according to a visitor guide, and the hill may close to visitors on days of very high wildfire risk. For current hours, fares and access conditions, check the official site before you go.
When to fit Lycabettus into an Athens stay
Lycabettus can work as a standalone city outing or as part of a day that includes central Athens. A Good Friday candle-lit procession is held on the hill each year: it starts at the Church of Saint George and proceeds down the slope.
For a walking visit, take account of the unlit path after dark and check for access restrictions before setting out. If you plan to use the cable car, verify its operating details before you leave.
FAQs
Can you walk up Lycabettus Hill?
Yes. Walking paths lead up the hill, and access to the summit is possible on foot.
Where is the Lycabettus cable-car station?
The lower station is at the junction of Ploutarchou and Aristippou streets in Kolonaki. Evangelismos is the nearest metro station identified by the operator.
Is the Lycabettus cable car a short ride?
Yes. The tunnel route is 210 metres long and takes about 3 minutes.
What is at the top of Lycabettus?
The summit includes the white Church of Agios Georgios and offers panoramic views over central Athens.