At 277m/909 feet, Lycabettus Hill (also known as Mount Lycabettus) is the highest point in Athens, with incredible 360° views of the city below. [Spoiler alert: a lot of rooftops!] Sunset visits are heavily recommended, so I started my trek (hopefully) early enough to get there in time for that day’s sunset.
Getting There
However you arrive at the base of the Lycabettus, be prepared for uphill walking: the nearest Athens Underground station is a 12-minute walk uphill, from which the walk to the summit is really steep: the summit is a strenuous 20-25 minute walk. My prudent (lazy) alternative is the 12€ cable car, especially after already walking 20 minutes from my hotel. Despite very pleasant, early April weather, I worked up a good sweat and decided to not inflict further trauma on my already-overworked feet.
Views
Absolutely spectacular. I spent about 40 minutes watching the sun gradually retreat behind the far-off mountians, the clouds adding texture and contrast to the dramatic views. Important sites such as the Acropolis and Panathenaic Stadium are visible (though cameras with physical zoom lenses are preferable to digital zoom on mobile devices).
Aglios Georgios
Surprisingly, a small church – St. George Church in English – sits at the summit. After exiting the funicular, you walk up steps to the viewing platform, past the church without noticing because you’re intent on the views: you don’t realize its presence until you notice monks walking to/from the bell tower. Definitely unexpected.
Very small, very compact, and, in my opinion, fairly meh. You are allowed to enter the church but taking interior pictures are not, so it was a quick visit and then back outside.
Overtourism
When traveling, my wife and I are (hopefully) respectful tourists: respectful of the people, the environment, the culture, the landscape, the buildings, anything and everything. We are not (hopefully) ugly American tourists and don’t want to exacerbate the stereotype. I believe we’re successful, but it is not for us to judge ourselves.
It became obvious very quickly that many others had heard or read the sunset recommendation, as well before sunset it was already extremely crowded. And not just with casually taking pictures and enjoying the ambiance: an influencer aggressively posing, requiring truly unavailable space and bringing attention to herself; a family capturing their visit with a group picture posed just so that blocked others from seeing anything (they were standing on the ledge); college bros on spring break joking, jossling, pushing, shoving without considering those around them; the early arrivals who staked out their viewing positions and are upset when their calm is interrupted by others attempting same. No real traffic flow, everyone doing the best they can with the area we’re condensed into.
I believe this is my first overtourism experience, such as I’ve read about in Venice and other places. What surprised me is that it was mid-April, before the tourist hordes arrive after school gets out. Unfortunately, the next day I experienced same when visiting the Acropolis and the Acropolis Museum. I know, get use to it, but I don’t like it!
Final Thoughts
Definitely worth a repeat visit, but at alternative times – early morning or after dark – so I can avoid contributing to the problem.
Image Credits
All images © 2025 Scott C. Sosna
