Hiking/picnic trails off the beaten path in Athens, Greece

[by DonnaGail]

Does anyone know of any hiking and/or picnic spots easy to access by metro or bus, etc. in the vicinity of Athens? Would like break away from the metro, buses, car, etc. and explore some of Athens best nature areas on foot instead of being cramped up in a car all the time. Nothing touristy please.

[alexis]

Hi,

I was on Parnitha mountain yesterday and must say it was really great.
You take a "teleferique" (for free) which take you up in the moutain to the "regency casisno of Athens". Then we walked for an hour in the mountain to go to a refuge. The refuge offers amazing views over Athens and you can eat there some traditional "fasolada". It was really great.
The only thing is that half of the mountain burned last summer and some parts of the walks makes you feel really sad. But the upper you go the most green it gets.
The only thing is that you need a taxi to take you to the teleferique which is not so close of Athens' center.