By Roberta Mark Engel
Did you know that Athens has fewer gardens than any other European city? There are only 2.5 square meters of greenery per person compared to the 10 square meters of a more garden friendly European city. Enjoy them with Joanne Koss from Los Angeles.
Joanne has traveled to Athens many times as well as Descanso Gardens in the Los Angeles area. “It is amazing that Descanso Gardens alone has 13 square meters of grounds as compared to these parks in Greece. They are still quite beautiful especially due to their layout, colors, golf course appeal, and greenery,” states Joanne.
The grounds named below are well maintained with new benches and herbaceous borders which provide a respite from traffic fumes and honking horns on a walking tour of “The Essential Gardens of Athens”.
Access The
Philopappou Hill from The Acropolis metro station and Dionysiou Areopagitou Street is a great short walk in Athens or take bus 230 which goes to the main entry point.
The cross streets of this
The National Garden are Zappeio, Irodou Attikou Street and Vassilissis Sofias Avenues. Enter through Vassilissis Amalias Avenue.
Take the 714 bus from Vathis Square to the funicular railway which takes us up to the casino on
Mount Parnitha.
Take transportation is by metro Line 1 (ISAP) to Maroussi or KAT; by busses 550, A7, B7, or E7 along Kifissias Avenue to
Syngrou Estate.“These are my favorite gardens. A view of the exclusive homes and shopping area make them even more appealing.” By car from Athens, turn right through the entrance at the lights for the "KAT" turnoff on Kifissias Avenue. Parking is available. “A walk through the surrounding residential areas near the nearby Plaka is quite fun.”
Take the 224 bus from Academias Street or Vassilissis Sofias Avenue or the 223 from Kaningos Square to the entrance of
The Kaisariani Monastery. From there, the walk up the hill is about twenty –thirty minutes.
The easiest choice of seeing
Lycabettus Hill is by a funicular railway to be accessed on Aristippou Street.
Joanne Koss hopes that you enjoyed "The Essential Gardens of Athens". These gardens offer an experience not normally journeyed in a busy city as Athens. “It is a fascinating country with a lot to do. Come visit like I did. You’ll be back.”
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