Important Trail Update for 2026: Since the devastating 2023 fires, the Keramidi trail has changed significantly. Unfortunately, much of this route is currently impassable as the path is obstructed by fallen, burnt trees and loose, unstable soil.
For your safety, I recommend avoiding this specific loop until official clearing work is completed. If you are looking for a lush, green forest experience that was spared by the fires and remains safe to hike, check out my ultimate Parnitha hiking guide. There, I have mapped out the ‘green zones’ and northern trails that still offer the deep pine forest experience you’re looking for.
The hiking to Agios Georgios Church in Parnitha Mt was a picturesque and unique trail inside a dense pine and fir forest on the most prominent mountain of Athens.
The capital of Greece is surrounded by four mountains, each distinct from the other, with unique characteristics, nature, and significance for the city: Hymettus, Pendeli, Aegaleo, and Parnitha, which is also a protected National Park.
Agios Georgios Church in Parnitha Mt is located in the area called Keramidi, where you will always find a hiker or two on weekdays and groups of hikers at the weekends. This is a hospitable resting area with a lovely view of a gorge, wooden benches, and a spring with clear water.
There are quite a few trails that will get you to the church and almost all of them start uphill. However, the most popular ones are:
- Melia area in the foothills of Parnitha, 3-4 km before the Cable Car to the Casino
- Mpafi Trail: Starting from the Mpafi Refuge, this route takes you to the Church through diverse terrain and provides a chance to experience the natural beauty of Parnitha.
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My Latest Video on Parnitha
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In this post, you will find information about Parnitha mountain, how to get to the start of the trail, technical info on the hike, a video of the hike, where best to stay in Parnitha or central Athens, a couple of precautionary tips, and what best to wear while hiking in Greece!
Technical Information for Agios Georgios Church in Parnitha
- Trail: 10,71 km loop trail starting from Melia in Parnitha
- Signpost: Blue square sign (8 trail rank) or red dots on stones/trunks. All the main trails of Mount Parnitha are marked well by signs painted on rocks and trees and signposts at the main crossroads. Sometimes it may be tricky, so bring a printed map if possible. A good one you can buy from is Anavasi Hiking Maps.
- Elevation: Max 873 m, Min 377 m
- Elevation Difference: 545 meters
- Moving Time: 2 hours and 15′ in each direction
- Level of Difficulty: Moderate (2/5) due to its elevation gain, uneven terrain, and some steep sections
- Terrain: Forest trail
- Best time to hike: All year round. During winter (December to March), there might be rain/snow/wind, check the forecast before you go
- Physical Fitness: It’s recommended that you have a moderate level of physical fitness. Children below 15 years old will find the trail very long and difficult
- Footwear: Sturdy hiking boots with ankle support are essential for navigating the uneven and occasional stone terrain
- Local Guidance: If you’re unfamiliar with the area, consider hiring a local guide to enhance your experience and ensure your safety.
Fast Facts for Parnitha Mountain
- It covers an area of 300 sq km, with the highest peak being Karavola at 1413 m.
- It is covered by pine trees at the lower parts and by fir trees at the higher points
- On one of its peaks, Mavrovouni, you can visit the Mon Parnes Casino
- There are two mountain refuges, Mpafi (1160 m) and Flampouri (1158 m)
- The main mammal species include red deer, wolf, jackal, fox, boar, hare, weasel, badger, squirrel, various rodents, and bats. There are also snakes (vipers, Montpellier snakes, slowworms, grass snakes), as well as lizards and turtles.
According to the ancient Greek traveler Pausanias, Mount Parnitha was dedicated to Zeus. In Parnitha’s famous cave of Panos, the ancient Greeks worshipped goat-footed Pan, the protector of shepherds.
Parnitha has always belonged to the Athenian state, so as you explore its many trails, you come across dozens of forts and fortresses, several of which survive today in ruinous condition. One of the best-preserved is the fortress of Fyli, whose walls are partly intact in several places at a significant height.
As Parnitha Mountain is a protected National Park with a wealth of flora and faun,a the following are not allowed:
- Lighting of fires, cutting of trees, branches, and tree tops, uprooting, collecting flowers or other plants, and generally any harm to the vegetatio,n or removing soil
- Hunting and capturing any animal using any means, throughout the year
- Movement of all types of vehicles on forest roads
- Overnight stay in tents or caravans
Hiking to Agios Georgios Church in Parnitha
The starting point is at the area in Parnitha called Melia (38.126863, 23.732319). The asphalt road you see goes toward the cable car that you can ride to the Casino.
Some 1 km after our departure point near the asphalt road – of which the last half is on a dirt road – we turn right onto a path, at a point where the road turns left.
From that point onwards, we have some 3 km of steady ascension in a sweet-scented pine forest.
At its upper section of the trail, you get a few glimpses of the highest summit of Mount Parnitha and Parnitha’s infamous casino.
We arrive again at a dirt road, some 50 m downhill of a stone-built spring which is dry during a large part of the year.
Turn left on the dirt road, and less than a km away, you will find a crossroad with a white and red lowered bar.
Continue walking and less than 100 m after the crossroad, turn right onto a slightly descending path to the Agios Georgios church.
The path is marked with yellow lozenges to the church, some 1 km further ahead.
The chapel of Agios Georgios is well hidden in the dense forest, and you see it only in the very last moment when you have almost arrived.
Agios Georgios is one of the prettiest chapels on Mount Parntha, with wooden picnic tables, a cool spring, and beautiful mountain views making it the perfect spot for a lunch break.
We returned through the gorgeous gorge of Keramidi to Melia, which was mostly a mild downhill.
With great sadness, I inform you that this beautiful trail was burned during a massive fire in late August 2023. Thankfully, there are still trails in wooded areas in Parnitha that we can hike.
Where to Stay for Parnitha Hiking
If you would like to stay in one of Parnitha’s Refuge, then Katafugio Mpafi is ideal. There is easy access by car with a large parking place at the refuge. I also love the House in the Forest, a beautiful wooden house crafted in the heart of a pine forest.
If you prefer to stay near the Acropolis, then Niche Hotel Athens is 5 minutes from all the sites.
How to Get to Parnitha from Athens
By car, it only takes around half an hour to reach Melia from the center of Athens. There is some public transport but I think it requires you to change 3 buses to get there.
For easy and fast access, you should rent a car and park it at the easy and large free parking space at the start of the trail in Melia. A taxi is also another option to get there.
What are the Most Popular Hikes in Athens?
Parnitha mountain is the most popular hike in Athens but you will always find hikers in Hymettus mountain, where a large and old Monastery of Kesariani is located. My favorite hikes are a bit further from Athens, in Marathon, and in Lavrio, near Cape Sounion.
You can read about 6 easy hikes in Athens in this dedicated post.
What are the Top 6 Most Popular Hikes in Greece?
My top 5 favorite hikes are :
- Mount Olympus
- Vikos Gorge
- Menalon Trail
- Pelion Mount
- Samaria Gorge
- Parnassus
I also love Nisyros and Santorini island hikes and hiking at the impressive Meteora Monasteries. You can read more about those hikes here.
What do I need to hike to Agios Georgios Church?
Parnitha is no different than any other mountain, so some essential hiking items are:
- 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
- Most of the trail passes through a forest but it is not thick enough to protect you from the strong Greek sun. A good sun protection hat is required
- Good sunglasses & sunscreen
- Hiking backpack with good dry back protection
- Personal bottle of water (2 lt), salty snacks such as dry nuts, fruit, and a sandwich (Essential during warm weather)
Did you hike Parnitha? Let me know what you think about Parnitha in the comments, I’d love to hear whether I managed to get it onto your bucket list! Till next time, Evgenia.
