By Maria Alexiou

Athens' green spaces are a locals' refuge from the crowded urban surroundings. These serene spots, dotted around the city, are home to both priceless childhood memories and the remains of ancient ruins. Athens' parks, no matter how big or small, offer plenty of space for a range of leisure pursuits. These verdant havens provide a break from the intense Mediterranean heat and the hectic pace of the metropolis, whether you choose to take leisurely walks along long jogging trails or locate the ideal location for a picnic.

The National Garden

The National Garden, formerly called the Royal Garden, is a historically significant green space in Athens. It was founded in the 19th century by Queen Amalia. With a wide range of features and attractions, it is currently one of the biggest and most well-known gardens in the city. Beautiful fishponds, intricate networks of meandering gravel pathways, a children's playground, a small zoo, and a Botanical Museum exhibiting a wide variety of plant species are all located within the grounds. If you have limited time during your visit, the gardens can be an excellent option for a stroll in the late afternoon. Alternatively, they can be used as a quick shortcut from the Panathenaic Stadium to Syntagma Square.

Zappeion Garden

Many Athenians have fond memories of Zappeion Garden from their early years. This green area encircles the Zappeion Megaron, a grand hall constructed for the inaugural modern Olympic games that is currently a hub for exhibitions, conferences, and sizable events. On weekends, the wide, sand-colored paths of the garden are home to a restaurant and café where longtime friends meet up and children play among the twenty-three marble statues.

Diomidous Botanical Gardens

With over 2,500 species of native and exotic plants, the Diomidous Botanical Gardens is the largest botanical garden in Greece and the Eastern Mediterranean. A wide range of people enjoy the park; it is a haven for classicists due to its historically significant plants like the evergreen Laurus nobilis (Apollo's laurel) and the Paliurus aculeatus (used to weave the thorn crown of Jesus before his crucifixion), as well as a plant lover's paradise recognized for its educational programs and conservation efforts.

The Presidential Mansion 

Beautiful gardens that are worth seeing surround the President of the Hellenic Republic's official residence.  

You are greeted with great courtesy by the staff, who also gently walk you through the control process. Nothing will ruin your peaceful time in the former Royal Palace vegetable garden, which Ernst Ziller turned into a decorative garden in 1897 when Herod Atticus Street was built as well.

This garden creates a peaceful, quiet haven with symmetrical grass lawns, seasonal plant-filled islets, and a striking marble staircase. An unexpected outdoor sculpture gallery with pieces by Natalia Mela, Giorgos Zongolopoulos, Kostas Varotsos, Theodoros Papagiannis, and Yannis Pappas is nestled among the trees. No matter how many people are there, there will always be silence and beauty around you. Everyone moves subtly and speaks in a low voice, as if the place itself is imposing a different culture, a bygone nobility.
The garden of the Presidential Mansion is open to the public every Sunday, from 10.00 to 16.00. 2, Vassileos Georgiou B’ Avenue

Lycabettus Hill

Lycabettus Hill offers an incredible sweeping view of the ancient city that should not be missed. The magnificent views of the serene Saronic Gulf and the famous Acropolis make the strenuous ascent to its top worthwhile. Alternatively, that top can be reached by car or the Lycabettus Hill Funicular railway for those who would rather not hike. Once you're there, make time to explore the quaint Saint George church, a gem of architecture that adds to the hill's charm. Savor the famous Orizontes restaurant and one of the hill's many bars and restaurants as you watch the stunning sunset over the shimmering Aegean Sea.

Philopappou Hill

Among the best views of the city can be found atop the tallest hill to the west of the Acropolis, Philopappou Hill. It was formerly referred to as the Hill of the Muses and was supposed to stimulate artistic creativity. Prominent Greek aristocrats like Aristides and Pericles would speak to the populace from the summit. But in the era of Roman rule, in 116 AD, a monument was built in honor of Prince Gaius Julius Antichus Philopappos, a Roman exile who made significant contributions to the ancient city. Currently, Philopappou Hill is very central, easily accessible from the Acropolis or Thissio metro stops, and offers fantastic views of the Mediterranean coast and the Parthenon. Aside from the Philopappos Monument, the hill is home to some amazing locations, such as the National Observatory, the Dora Stratou Theater, the Socrates Prison, and the Agia Marina Church.

Akademia Platonos

Plato founded the Academy in 387 B.C. Akedemia Platonos, replete with winding paths and archaeological ruins, stands as a testament to this great philosophical center two millennia later. Even though it's now a well-liked location for walks and picnics, Plato's rich intellectual legacy is preserved by sporadic art exhibits, workshops on philosophy, and a Digital Museum located in the center of the park. In addition to providing a refreshing respite from the heat of Athens, the Garden of the Athens Concert Hall (Megaron) offers an engaging cultural and musical experience. Explore outdoor art exhibits and unwind on beautifully manicured lawns while taking in jazz or poetry readings. Its close proximity to the Dexameni outdoor cinema has made it a popular summer destination for both locals and visitors.

Parko Eleftherias

Parko Eleftherias, also called Freedom Park, is a peaceful green area with a significant military and political past. This park honors the courageous people who fought and gave their lives in the Greek military dictatorship and the Balkan Wars. Within the park, monuments, an arts center, and museums serve as moving reminders of these conflicts. It is also the location of a well-liked restaurant that opens in the morning as a pleasant café and closes at night as a bustling bar. Every visitor will have a dynamic and interesting experience thanks to the park's bar, which offers a lively atmosphere at night and tranquil surroundings during the day.

Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center (SNFCC)

The overall atmosphere of much of Athens' classical architecture is contrasted by the SNFCC. The Stavros Niarchos Garden is particularly lovely for visitors with small children, as it is remarkably organized and modern. This park is ideal for families, offering a sound garden, numerous well designed playgrounds, and interactive water jets for play. It has lots of sporting facilities and is a great place for runners. The SNFCC park also benefits from being close to the center's attractions, such as the dancing fountains at the canal and the "lighthouse," which offers expansive views of the city.

Pedion tou Areos

Pedion tou Areos, also known as "the Park" by the locals, is home to a variety of wildlife and monuments honoring the Greek heroes of the War of Independence. Long stone pathways dotted with trees can be found throughout the park, making them ideal for both strolls and runs. However, it is advised that you stay away from this area after dark because of its close proximity to Omonia Square, which can be dangerous at night.

Black Duck Garden

Situated in the center of Athens, specifically in Klafthmonos Square, Black Duck Garden is a hidden gem that provides an unparalleled view of the city's rich historical background and surrounding natural environment. Othonas, the Greek king, and his 18-year-old wife Amalia owned the garden in the early 1800s; they resided in that same complex until moving into the palace. With four entrances, a fountain, and a goldfish cistern, the queen had created the first public garden in the capital around the couple's makeshift residence in 1836. Even though there is now only a tiny bit of that garden left, the aesthetic quality of it is still present, as evidenced by the palm tree that Amalia had planted in the center of the garden oasis. If the historical justifications for visiting Black Duck Garden aren't strong enough for you, the atmospheric ones will. Blooming and serene, it's the ideal escape from the busy streets of Athens, where you can enjoy brunch or a drink surrounded by greenery. Not to mention how delicious the food is! Adjacent to Black Duck Garden is the Athens City Museum, which is also well worth a visit. Once home to Stamatios Dekozis Vouros, the structure now houses a number of intriguing historical artifacts. 5-7, loannou Paparrigopoulou Str

Numismatic Museum Garden

One of the world's largest collections of coins, both ancient and modern, is kept in the Numismatic Museum. The garden is situated in the stunning courtyard of the museum, which is housed in the neoclassical mansion of archaeologist Heinrich Schliemann (known for his excavations in the ancient cities of Troy and Mycenae and later acquired by the Greek State and used to house the Greek Supreme Court and later on the Numismatic Museum). Syntagma Square and the House of Parliament are only a few steps away. With its full bloom of ancient Greek statues and lush vegetation, the garden is a true haven of peace, tucked away from the bustling city center of the Greek capital. If you find yourself at the completely renovated Nummus Café Athens, the museum’s  garden café, under the new ownership of two legendary names in fine dining -Nikolaos Liapis and Sotiris Georgiou- on a sunny day, stay late to enjoy the spectacular scenery and amazing views.  Additionally, keep an eye on their events calendar as Nummus occasionally hosts jazz concerts and artistic performances at the garden!
12 Leoforos Venizelou Eleftheriou, Athens

Byzantine and Christian Museum Garden

The Doukissis Plakentias villa is home to the Byzantine and Christian Museum. Although the Duchess has long since passed away, her mansion and gardens remain magnificent. The Byzantine Museum's gardens are little havens from the outside world, with seating areas dotted around aromatic herbs and fountains or beneath fruit trees. Discover the rich history and artistic legacy of ancient Athens by visiting the three archeological exhibitions located within the gardens. The Well-Cistern, for example, illustrates the evolution of the riverine landscape on the banks of the Ilissos from antiquity to the present, while Paradise delves into Byzantine ideas surrounding the afterlife. Visit the Byzantine Gardens to witness the birds singing, the flowers blossoming, the trees sprouting and the children running. Another place to go for a refreshing afternoon beverage is the cafe-bistro Illisia. 22 Leoforos Vasilissis Sofias, 

Goulandris National History Museum Garden

The Goulandris Natural History Museum aims to educate everyone who comes into contact with it about the animal and plant kingdoms and the interactions of ecosystems in Greece and around the world. It is housed in the elegant suburb of Kifissia and is home to zoological, botanical, marine, rock, mineral, and fossil specimens. The gorgeous garden surrounding the museum is even more enjoyable for everyone than the museum itself. Packed with more than a hundred different types of plants, bushes, and trees, it's the ideal spot to relax and let nature take over. Adjacent to the garden is a fantastic cafe owned by Dimitris Skarmoutsos and Dionysis Alertas, whose delectable food matches the beauty of the flowers. 13 Levidou, Kifisia

https://www.gnhm.gr/en

National Archaeological Museum Garden

Unbeknownst to tourists arriving in Athens, the National Archaeological Museum is a "must-see" attraction; however, the museum's gardens are just as remarkable. One of the most visually appealing displays in the museum, the gardens are a showpiece in and of themselves. Renovated in 2016 to resemble an ancient peristyle courtyard, they feature native Greek species like cretan dittany, for example, that is unique to the world. Legend has it that Aphrodite healed her son Aeneas from a spear wound sustained during the Trojan War by using the same herb. Greek mythology has a strong influence on the gardens; each plant has a story to tell, which can be found on bookmarks or signposts that are strategically placed and given to guests as mementos. 44 Patission Str., Athens

Kapodistriakon, Kostis Palamas Building

The neoclassical Kostis Palamas was built in 1857 and is primarily used as a cultural hub for a variety of events, including book presentations, symposiums, round tables, conjectural exhibitions, and lectures for small audiences. Popular with Athens University students, Kapodistriakon is a restaurant in the building that is great for both business meetings and romantic dates. With its exquisite marble table and lush flower beds all around, it feels like you're miles away from the busy city center. 48 Akadimias Str.