I’m Greek, and recently my friends and I set out to explore a hidden side of western Attica—by hiking along old, abandoned train tracks from Magoula to Eleusis and Nea Peramos.
It turned out to be a surprisingly cool way to connect three very different towns just outside Athens. Magoula sits quietly in the Thriasian Plain, about 21 km from the city center.
Eleusis, rich in ancient history and home to the Eleusinian Mysteries, still retains a magical vibe. And Nea Peramos?
Total beach town energy—especially in summer—with views of Salamina that make the hike totally worth it. If you’re into offbeat adventures close to Athens, this one’s a great pick.
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My Latest Video on Nea Peramos
We arrived in Magoula by suburban train, walked through industrial and residential areas in Eleusis to the abandoned rail tracks, and hiked with a beautiful sea view (saw a shipwreck!) to Nea Peramos, where we had lunch by the sea.
Technical Information for the Magoula to Nea Peramos Hike
- Trail: 13,7 km.
- Elevation: Mostly flat areas
- Total Time: About 6 hours, including several breaks along the beach and a long lunch break.
- Level of Difficulty: Easy (1/5)
- Terrain: For almost 5.9 km, you will walk on asphalt in a residential area and later in an industrial environment. Then you will reach the rail tracks, which you will follow for the next 5 km. The remaining trail is by the sea, either on a dirt road or asphalt.
- Best time to hike: All year round. We hiked on March 25th, 2024.
- Participation Requirements: Very young children will get tired of walking on the rails. Other than that, you just need a good physical condition to hike the distance.
- Gear: Ηiking poles are not required, nor are heavy hiking boots. Go for your hiking shoes or good trainers. If you hike between March and October, do not forget your hiking hat, swimming suit, and sunscreen; the trail is totally exposed to the sun.
- Water: There is no water on the trail itself, but you will find water in the villages you will pass by. However, you’d better carry at least 2 liters of water.
Hiking Nea Peramos | Trail Breakdown
We arrived in Magoula by Proastiakos train, which takes about 35 minutes from Athens main train station (Larisa).
As soon as we got out of the train, we headed east toward the large Thriasio Hospital of the area. Having the hospital on our left we took Zafiri Kalatha street, flanked by fields with olive trees where a small flock of sheep was grazing.
We soon arrived at the underground bridge that carries the National Road (Olympia Odos). After emerging from the bridge, we turned left toward Eleusis and began walking along Sokratous Street, passing by a children’s playground
We then turned left and found the next street, Arkadiou, and not long after we passed by Eleusis cemetery. We soon got into more industrialized areas and we walked on smaller roads for about 3.5 km.
You will see many old, abandoned factories, a bunker, and petroleum companies that are very strict about photographs and videos.
They will call the police if they see you taking any footage of their facilities. They saw me with my GoPro 11 camera and shouted at me to delete my videos, which I did!
Around 300 meters after the entrance to the Eleusis Shipyard area, you will find the trailhead on your left of the asphalt road of the Old National Road (Palea Ethiki Odos). The most scenic part of the trail began!
And not only that but the weather was getting better with fewer clouds as the day progressed.
The trail is set on a hill overlooking the Eleusinean Bay, which is part of the largest Saronic gulf between Attica and the Peloponnese. In the beginning, you will notice shipyards and similar facilities.
Still, the scenery is beautiful, especially if you get a sunny day with the sea sparkling as you walk on the tracks.
Shortly, I was happily surprised by the view of a shipwreck, the Mediterranean Sky ferry.
The story behind it is that it was constructed in 1953 by Vickers Shipbuilding in England and was sold in 1971 to the Greek shipping company Karageorgis Lines. It was reconstructed and put into service on the Patras-Italy route. I
n 1996, it stopped working and remained anchored in the port of Patras until 1999. From there, it was towed to Eleusis Bay, where in 2003 it listed and sank in shallow waters.
There is a path that leads to the seaside and you can see the ship from an even closer distance.
The trail was occasionally interrupted by short crossings with boulders flanking both sides of the tracks.
We must have encountered 3 or 4 similar passages along the way. However, the trail offered stunning views of the sea, with occasional birds soaring on the horizon.
In an hour or so, we reached the first seaside resort closest to Nea Peramos, called Loutropyrgos. We decided to hike closer to the sea to explore the seaside part of the area.
As we walked along the coast, I noticed a few people working on something and I realized that they were farming shells on the coast, which they sell in the nearby shops or the taverns.
I was, however, appalled and saddened by the state of the beach and the sea. It was littered with countless plastics and empty shells from the farmed seafood, and the water had taken on a greenish hue.
I focused again on the more beautiful things I could see while hiking and tried to forget the previous scene.
The next stretch, all the way to Nea Peramos, was truly charming. We walked just a meter away from the sea, passing by summer houses with gigantic black dogs that, thankfully, were securely fenced in but still barked at us as we passed by!
We walked by the sea for less than a km before we reached our seafront tavern, ‘O Pappous’, with a local specialty of fish with skordalia (mashed potatoes with a lot of garlic!).
I had sardines, calamari, and a salad, enjoying the views of Salamina island right across from us.
Soon, we got ready for our return train trip to Athens and started hiking again by the sea. The view, as this time the sun was out, was simply gorgeous.
We got the train to Athens from Nea Peramos suburban station.
What to Do in Nea Peramos
Nea in Greek means “new”. There are two towns in Greece with the name Nea Peramos, one in Attica and another small seaside resort in Northern Greece, near Kavala.
Peramos used to be a Minor Asia town from where, in August 1922, the Greek residents were violently expelled from their homeland.
Some of them ended up in the area of Kavala, while others settled in Nea Peramos in Attiki. For that reason, you will see monuments scattered around the town, dedicated to the old hometown and the people who were lost.
On the seafront of Nea Peramos, you can go to several small cafes and bars, and high-quality taverns right by the sea.
Post Tip: If you love hiking by train tracks, then you should hike Vouraikos Gorge!
Where to Stay in Nea Peramos
I suggest that after completing your hike, you catch the ferry to Salamis and stay at Penthouse Studio next to the Sea (family-friendly, mid-range). It is an entire apartment, with a terrace where you can sit down and have a coffee while enjoying the view.
The property is very close to the port, which will get you there in a few minutes from Nea Peramos.
How to Get to Magoula and Nea Peramos from Athens
Nea Peramos is 35 km west of Athens, and you can get there in 45 minutes from the Athens center by car or if you take the Proastiakos train from Larissa station in Athens.
It is one of the seafront resorts you see on your way to the Peloponnese. The fastest way is to use the new national road toward Corinth. However, the most picturesque is the old national road that takes you through all the seaside villages.
A ferryboat service links Nea Peramos to the island of Salamis from its fishing harbor, near the Monastery of Panagia Faneromeni.
Best Organized Hiking Tours in Athens
- Hiking in Parnitha National Park from Athens
- Private 3-Hour Hiking in Mount Hymettus
- Full-Day Private Tour: Essential Athens Highlights plus Cape Sounion and Temple of Poseidon
What to Pack for Hiking in Greece
These are some of the essential items I recommend you have with you if you are going to hike in Greece:
- Hiking shoes/boots (worn-in)
- Moisture control socks
- Convertible hiking long pants: In Greece, I always hike in long pants, there are many low plants with thorns that scratch and cause me allergic reactions if I wear shorts.
- Mid-layer tops (eg, fleece)
- Waterproof jacket
- Walking Sticks
- Hiking backpack with good dry back protection
- Personal bottle of water (2-3 lt), salty snacks such as dry nuts, fruit, and a sandwich (always with you!)
Popular Trails in Athens
Here are some of my favorite hiking trails in Athens:
- Mount Parnitha offers dozens of trails, with lush forests and stunning views, perfect for a day out in nature.
- Mount Hymettus is great for those who love a mix of history and scenery, with monasteries and ancient ruins along the way and is very easy to reach from Athens’ center.
- Head to Lavrio Port for coastal trails, ancient theater, mining monuments, and breathtaking sea views.
- Vravrona area with a beautiful archaeological site is amazing for a seafront hike.
- And don’t miss Marathon, where you can walk through history while enjoying beautiful landscapes. Happy hiking!
Essential Greece Traveling Tips
- ‘Hello’ and ‘Thank You’ in Greek: “Ya sou” and “Efharisto”
- Emergency Numbers Anywhere in Greece: AMBULANCE 166 – FIRE 199 – POLICE 100– EMERGENCY NUMBER 112
- Athens Metro Website (timetables and ticket info)
- Trains (Hellenic Train)
- Public Buses KTEL
- Booking.com: I use Booking.com because I can get the best deals on hotels and apartments, free cancellations, and great prices!
- FerryScanner to book ferries to the Greek Islands
- Rent an Affordable Car in Greece
- Get Your Guide: For all your day or multi-day tours and city guide needs, I use Get Your Guide
