This is a ‘runseeing’ tour of some of Athens’ most historical sites. They are clustered within a fairly small radius, which makes it easy to see a lot within a 4-5 mile run. One can jump along any spot, but a good place to start is Syntagma Square, centrally located and on two metro lines. Start by doing ~1 mile in the National Gardens, passing by the Botanical Museum and the Zappeion, the stately hall built for the 1896 Olympic Games. NEW: Vassilissis Olgas Street, between Hadrian’s Arch and the Panathenaic Stadium is now a pedestrian walkway. It’s 700m.
Peter Fisk
Exit the Gardens and head across the street to the Panathenaic Stadium, built in 4th century BC and made of huge granite blocks. It was refurbished for the original 1896 Olympic Games. With a 3€ ticket, go into the stadium and do a few laps around the famous dirt track (600 Greek feet, or 178m, compared to the conventional 400m) or up and down the marble stairs. Otherwise, head out the back of the stadium and run along Archimidous to the First Athens Cemetery. Then, side street up to Ardittou, which leads to an entrance to the paths that will take you by the Temple of Zeus, a aast temple begun in 6th century B.C., and the Arch of Hardian, a marble gateway with Corinthian columns is named for an ancient Roman emperor.
Head down toward the Athens Gate and run along the Dionysiou Areopagitou, the main pedestrian path at the base of the Acropolis. Option: to extend the run ~1.5 miles, run the wooded paths of Filopappou Hill. Sites here include the Socrates Prison and Theatro Doras Veras. Exit and run the Acropolis paths, with is many sites — Temple of Athena, Acropolis, Parthenon, Erechtion, and more.
The tour ends by exiting the Acropolis area, and passing the Choragic Monument of Lysicrates and Glebe Holy Sepulchre, to Flessa, making your way back to the National Gardens.
Shorter Run Option: Eliminate the Filopappou Hill, saving ~1 to 1.5 miles. Just continue along Dionysiou Areopagitou, and enter the Acropolis area.
Add-On: Pay 3€ and run inside the Panathenaic Stadium.
Notes: This area can be crowded — best to go early to beat the crowds and heat. Also a good run at night, as most of the sites are lit. Also, several areas such as the National Gardens, Filopappou Hill, Acropolis area have multiple paths so choose whichever route you like!
Video Highlights: Olympics Area, Seaside, Monuments (35 min.)
This is a ‘runseeing’ tour of some of Athens’ most historical sites. They are clustered within a fairly small radius, which makes it easy to see a lot within a 4-5 mile run. One can jump along any spot, but a good place to start is Syntagma Square, centrally located and on two metro lines. Start by doing ~1 mile in the National Gardens, passing by the Botanical Museum and the Zappeion, the stately hall built for the 1896 Olympic Games. NEW: Vassilissis Olgas Street, between Hadrian’s Arch and the Panathenaic Stadium is now a pedestrian walkway. It’s 700m.
Peter Fisk
Exit the Gardens and head across the street to the Panathenaic Stadium, built in 4th century BC and made of huge granite blocks. It was refurbished for the original 1896 Olympic Games. With a 3€ ticket, go into the stadium and do a few laps around the famous dirt track (600 Greek feet, or 178m, compared to the conventional 400m) or up and down the marble stairs. Otherwise, head out the back of the stadium and run along Archimidous to the First Athens Cemetery. Then, side street up to Ardittou, which leads to an entrance to the paths that will take you by the Temple of Zeus, a aast temple begun in 6th century B.C., and the Arch of Hardian, a marble gateway with Corinthian columns is named for an ancient Roman emperor.
Head down toward the Athens Gate and run along the Dionysiou Areopagitou, the main pedestrian path at the base of the Acropolis. Option: to extend the run ~1.5 miles, run the wooded paths of Filopappou Hill. Sites here include the Socrates Prison and Theatro Doras Veras. Exit and run the Acropolis paths, with is many sites — Temple of Athena, Acropolis, Parthenon, Erechtion, and more.
The tour ends by exiting the Acropolis area, and passing the Choragic Monument of Lysicrates and Glebe Holy Sepulchre, to Flessa, making your way back to the National Gardens.
Shorter Run Option: Eliminate the Filopappou Hill, saving ~1 to 1.5 miles. Just continue along Dionysiou Areopagitou, and enter the Acropolis area.
Add-On: Pay 3€ and run inside the Panathenaic Stadium.
Notes: This area can be crowded — best to go early to beat the crowds and heat. Also a good run at night, as most of the sites are lit. Also, several areas such as the National Gardens, Filopappou Hill, Acropolis area have multiple paths so choose whichever route you like!
Video Highlights: Olympics Area, Seaside, Monuments (35 min.)
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Essentials
6.3 miles for full tour. Shorter run of ~5 miles without Filopappou Hill.
604 feet
At stadium entrance, or combine with National Gardens
Syntagma Square (metro) is good place to start. Also Acropoli Metro station
A green oasis in the heart of Athens. 2-3 miles of trails, passing several historic sites. Add-on by running the dirt track around the "Old Olympic Stadium".
A great area for running in Athens. Combine the pedestrian-only streets that line the base of the Acropolis, and then head up the hill. Can be combined with Philopappou Hill, which has 2-3 miles of paths.
The stadium dates back to the 4th century BC and was the site of the first 'modern' Olympic Games in 1896. It's a treat to run on the dirt track inside the stadium, or up and down the marble stairs. Across from National Gardens.
One of the largest public parks in Athens, offering 2-3 miles of routes. Ekklisia Agios Charalampos, or Greek Orthodox Church is at the eastern end of the park. Paths are concrete or stone, with some dirt options.
Mount Lycabettus is a distinct feature of Athens, rising 300 meters from the city. The best bet for most runners is the peripheral path around the hill, which is about 3km. One can also try the challenging ‘direct’ route up the hill.
A great hill or trail running 18 km east of Athens. There is paved road, and numerous trails of varying challenge and terrain. There are historic monasteries, impressive caves, and unsurfaced forest roads barred to traffic.
Tour the site of the 2004 Olympic Games! Combination of perimeter road around the complex, and some interior paths. See the Olympic stadium, Velodrome, Aquatic Center. Area is 10km northeast of Athens. Video Excerpts!
This is a forest about 15 km northeast of Athens. There are 950 acres of trails, many of them wooded/shaded. One of the best green spaces within some proximity to Athens, and great for running.
Some 15 km of seaside running between Piraeus and Voula. A festive scene, with great views of the Aegean Sea. A favorite section is the 5+ km from the Flisvos to Piraeus. Bonus: Train allows for one-way runs. Video excerpts!
There are a handful of running routes in Piraeus, primarily located along the coast. We’ve outlined options in the port, marina, parks, and neighborhoods.
Host to sailing and several events in the Olympics, has been turned into sports complex with multiple activities and facilities. There's a ~3 km waterfront path for runners. Can connect to path headed ~10 km north to Flisvos.
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Essentials
6.3 miles for full tour. Shorter run of ~5 miles without Filopappou Hill.
604 feet
At stadium entrance, or combine with National Gardens
Syntagma Square (metro) is good place to start. Also Acropoli Metro station
Review or Comment on This Route/Share a Photo!
Share your feedback on this route and see that of other Great Runs users. Click on the image icon to upload a photo. And please let us know if there are notes or changes we should incorporate!