The closest and largest birdwatching locale in the city is the mountain of Hymettus or Imittos in Greek. It is about 20 km long and 1026 km high, offering a great location to hike and spot birds.

Also noteworthy is Lycabettus or Likavitos Hill in Athens almost in the centre of town. In addition to great views of the port of Piraeus and all of Athens, a rocky area on top attracts many rock-loving birds. You might see a Bunting, Chaffinch, Great Tit, Sardinian Warbler and many more.

This is the highest peak near Athens towering at 1,400 meters. Past the cable car station at the upper elevations in the mornings and evenings is bound to reveal the most birds. You could spot a Coal Tit, Firecrest, Flycatcher, Great Tit, Jay, Magpie, Sardinian Warbler, Western Rock Nuthatch and more.

While often plagued by forest fires in summer, the elevation of upto 1,100 meters on its eastern slopes may reveal several species of birds. These include Hooded Cirl Buntings, Crows, Jays, Red-backed Shrikes, Sparrow Hawks, Western Rock Nuthatches.

This area was revamped during the Olympic games, creating rowing lakes. The trees near the beach, including large confiers, a creek and some greenery have attracted birds here.

The most well-known cave on Hymettus is Koutouki cave in Peania which hosts guided tours. Sadly, too much lighting and human presence has degraded the natural characteristics of the cave.

On the southeast side of Hymettus near the area of Vari, this open precipice impresses you with its mouth and runs 20 meters deep. Speleologists practice climbing up and down over here.

It is located right on the waterfront and offering several creative spins featuring the nut including Fistikato made with pistachio paste, caramel and whole pistachios as well as Fistikini including powdered sugar, chopped pistachios and pomegranate juice. Also available are pistachio ‘spoon sweets’ and pistachio liqueur.

One of the most unique routes is form Aegina to the fascinating site of Paleohora. It’s about seven kilometers and of low-medium difficulty. Along the way you’ll pass numerous churches and bypass the magnificent Agios Nectarios. Turn left at the village of Kondos the route begins an incline you move northward. You’ll finally arrive to a hillside dotted with old deserted churches and buildings. This is Palaiohora and it is a fascinating place to wander around and explore.

Another more challenging hike is through the precipitous south central region of the island. You can start your hike at the village of Anitseou and continue northwestern until you reach another road to your left. Turn here and go on until you see signs leading to the site of Ellanios (Hellanios) Zeus, a ruined temple to the god at the top of Mt. Ellanios (commonly referred to as Oros). The hike is approximately 4 kilometers, of medium difficulty and the views from the summit are phenomenal.

There is a lack of landmarks for the 75 hiking paths on this mountain, but there is a guide called Footpaths of Mt. Parnitha and map by Road Editions that outline these hikes well.

Right outside Agios Konstantinos (Kamarizas) on the way to the church of Agia Triada is Chaos, a unique geological phenomenon in Attica. It is a large round gulch with a perimeter of roughly 500 meters and a depth of 70 meters.

Mount Hymettus is famous for its thyme-scented honey. It is covered with beautiful pine forest, impressive caves, historic monasteries and many marked footpaths, just a five or ten minute drive from downtown Athens.

Another option from Paxia Rachi is to head directly westward towards the coast. The road zigzags and you have the choice of heading northwards towards the small settlement of Kapotides or bypass and and continue on towards the seaside resort of Marathonas. This route is easy and covers 2 – 2.5 kilometers depending on whether or not you make the trek to Kapotides.

From Paxia Rachi you can exit the village heading northeast until you hit the main road again. Turn left here and you’ll pass the village of Tsikides and through plains and pistachio groves. Until you arrive in Aegina town. The route difficulty is easy-medium and covers approximately 7 kilometers.

This uphill journey begins from Hydra Town harbor and meanders its way up the island’s highest point, a hill where the monastery of Profitis Ilias lies. You’ll need to follow the town’s main street (Miaoulis). Past the horse stables, a road with three lanes and lined with trees, leading to the Church of Agios Konstantinos. Instead of reaching the church, take the first left (almost a U turn) upwards and follow along until you notice a vague trail veering off towards the left.

This is one of Hydra’s most challenging yet beautiful trails. It takes a while, so plenty of water and snacks are ideal. Due to difficult signage and overall difficulty, it is highly recommended that you take the water taxi to the monastery and begin your hike from there, rather than arduously trying to reach it and being exhausted before the real route even begins!

This is a great path to take in the warmer months, as it’s the flattest of all three and it passes several beaches along the way. Leave Hydra Town by following the coast towards the coastal hamlet of Kamini, and once you reach its beach, continue along the dirt road to Vlihos.

The small village of Aeginitissa on the the west coast is located 3 kilometers north of Perdika on the coastal road which leads to Aegina town. The beach is sandy and set in a lovely cove surrounded by trees. There are umbrellas and sun loungers available and the sunsets here are some of the best on the island.

The popular package resort of Agia Marina along the Eastern coast has a nice beach but during July and August you’re more likely to drown in the crowds on the beach than in the water. The beach does offer a variety of marine activities such as windsurfing, canoeing and paddle boating, however its best to avoid this beach outside the high season.

This beautiful beach features clear, blue waters and is partially organized. You can reach it by boats which leave from the harbor. It’s located on the island’s southwest side.

Within Hydra’s most northwestern gulf lies the beach of Bitsi, with blue-green waters and several pine trees. The beach is accessible by boat.

This pristine beach lies in the northwestern section of the island, with pine trees surrounding its turquoise waters, and offering bathers calm and serenity.

Despite its close proximity to the port, you’ll feel worlds apart at this pleasant organized beach below the archaeological site of Kolona. The green trees which line the coast and the mesmerizing shades of the blue sea offer the perfect setting for those who prefer to stay close to the town.

The beach of Limnioniza can be found along Hydra’s southeastern coast and can be reached by foot along a trail. It isn’t organized and doesn’t offer any natural shade, so bring an umbrella if you plan on staying a while.

The Bay of Marathonas is backed by greenery and has a few beaches along its coast ranging from sandy to very rocky. Some parts are organized and popular while others are more remote. Various marine activities such as kayaking are available here and the shops along the beach rent equipment.

In the northeastern section Hydra, this beach offers bathers deep blue waters and blissful views of the opposite islet of Kivotos.

This small island adjacent from Perdika has a beach more stunning than any of the beaches on Aegina. A small boat leaves from Perdika several times a day to ferry people back and forth. The beach is comprised of find blond sand and the waters around it range from emerald green to cobalt. Hiking is also enjoyed on the island.

Deep within a gulf just northwest of Hydra’s main harbor, this small beach is a great place to relax and enjoy its crystal clear waters. It’s right next to the Voulgari Mansion.

The fishing village of Perdika is a popular resort with a rocky beach which is accessed by a series of rocky steps and backed by trees. There are several seafood tavernas and cafes along the waterfront and the beach is organized with umbrellas and trees. Perdika is located 9 kilometers south of Aegina Town.

If you continue south on the coastal road from Agia Marina, you will soon arrive in the charming fishing village of Portes. Its small pebble beach along with the community itself is one of Aegina’s best kept secrets. For most of the year you can have it all to yourself and even in the summer you won’t be sharing it with many others. It isn’t organized so bring an umbrella and water.

Swimming in Souvala is done via its rocky beach, backed by tavernas and cafes along the waterfront. The beach is organized with umbrellas and lounge chairs and is popular with Greek tourists in the summer. Just a kilometre east of town are thermal springs at Therma. They are believed to help with various health problems such as rheumatism and dermatological problems.

Though technically not beaches, these three spots offer a place to swim not far off from Hydra town. A ladder leads the way into the water from the rocky coast.

Continuing eastward along the coastal road brings you to the small resort of Vagia. It’s a calm and pleasant village with an excellent sandy beach (arguably one of the island’s best) and there are chairs and umbrellas available in a section of the beach. However if you venture on, you’ll probably find a patch all to yourself.

It is located right on the waterfront and offering several creative spins featuring the nut including Fistikato made with pistachio paste, caramel and whole pistachios as well as Fistikini including powdered sugar, chopped pistachios and pomegranate juice. Also available are pistachio ‘spoon sweets’ and pistachio liqueur.

There is a lack of landmarks for the 75 hiking paths on this mountain, but there is a guide called Footpaths of Mt. Parnitha and map by Road Editions that outline these hikes well.

Despite its close proximity to the port, you’ll feel worlds apart at this pleasant organized beach below the archaeological site of Kolona. The green trees which line the coast and the mesmerizing shades of the blue sea offer the perfect setting for those who prefer to stay close to the town.

The most well-known cave on Hymettus is Koutouki cave in Peania which hosts guided tours. Sadly, too much lighting and human presence has degraded the natural characteristics of the cave.

The fishing village of Perdika is a popular resort with a rocky beach which is accessed by a series of rocky steps and backed by trees. There are several seafood tavernas and cafes along the waterfront and the beach is organized with umbrellas and trees. Perdika is located 9 kilometers south of Aegina Town.

This uphill journey begins from Hydra Town harbor and meanders its way up the island’s highest point, a hill where the monastery of Profitis Ilias lies. You’ll need to follow the town’s main street (Miaoulis). Past the horse stables, a road with three lanes and lined with trees, leading to the Church of Agios Konstantinos. Instead of reaching the church, take the first left (almost a U turn) upwards and follow along until you notice a vague trail veering off towards the left.

Though technically not beaches, these three spots offer a place to swim not far off from Hydra town. A ladder leads the way into the water from the rocky coast.