You can’t miss it. Smack bang in the middle of central Athens, cone-shaped Lycabettus is probably the best-known natural landmark in the Greek capital after the holy hill of the ancient Acropolis. From its 300-metre high peak you have spectacular panoramas across the entire city, down to Salamis and the wine-dark waters of the Saronic Gulf. Best accessed by funicular cable car at the upper edge of Kolonaki, or if you’re feeling hardy, through the wooded trails up the side of the hill. Those who insist on wheels can also drive up.
Funicular from Aristippou & Ploutarchou; Tel: 210 722 7092; Nearest metro: Evangelismos; Open: Funicular 9am-11.45pm daily (every 30mins); Price: €3.20 single
Updates
Watch out when you get to the top though. An old guy motioned to us to pose for pictures for him, which we did. Then he asked for €10! (€5 per photo). He asked me to complete my name and address on the stubb of a recipt book promising the photos would arrive in about two weeks. Sceptically I did, not expecting anything. But lo, last weekend the photos duly arrived.
Is this your business?