Parks · 10 of the best in Athens
Aesthetic Forest of Kaisariani
The city’s mountain forest
Pine and cypress forest on Mount Hymettus, with Byzantine monasteries and a botanical trail.
Photo Credit
Image courtesy of © Vaiasgaea · CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Photo Credit
Image courtesy of © George E. Koronaios · CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Photo Credit
Image courtesy of © George E. Koronaios · CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Photo Credit
Image courtesy of © C messier · CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Photo Credit
Image courtesy of © George E. Koronaios · CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons1 / 5
About Aesthetic Forest of Kaisariani
Where the city grid meets Mount Hymettus, the Aesthetic Forest of Kaisariani is a protected nature reserve of pine and cypress, a young forest grown from reforestation, only a short taxi ride from downtown. Footpaths lead to the walled Byzantine Monastery of Kaisariani, now run by the Archaeological Service, and on along the Botanical Walk, with its labelled plants, to the cave-like Chapel of the Ascension and a spring-fed pond. Higher up, the working Asteriou Monastery welcomes visitors who come as pilgrims, and the views across the Athenian basin are at their best at sunset. Our advice: wear proper shoes, take water, and check the monastery’s hours before you go.
Our take
- Kaisariani Monastery
- The Botanical Walk
- Views over the Athenian basin
- Address
- Kaisariani, Athens
Opening hours, prices and seasonal openings change, so please check with Aesthetic Forest of Kaisariani before you go.
Last checked: October 2026 How we choose
Location
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