The city centre’s largest green belt – are much beloved by Athenians seeking respite from the searing summer heat. Home to about 7,000 trees and 40,000 plants form across the world, the gardens were originally designed for the Greek royal family (ingloriously kicked out of the country in 1974) and were the first major gardening project in Athens.
Leof Vas Amalias 1; Tel: 210 721 5019; Nearest metro: Syntagma; Open: 7am-sunset daily; Admission: free
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Don't be surprised, when you enter the National Gardens, to see a 'carpet' of cats as this area is home to a large population of strays. The Athenians are very fond of their cats, and a park by-law promises dire consequences to anybody who mistreats them; I'm not sure if these 'consequences' need the involvement of the Evzones?!
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