Athens Botanical Garden

Location: Haidari

The Diomidous Botanical Garden in Athens: The Diomidis Botanical Garden is located in a short distance from the centre of Athens, a jewel in the heart of the city. A huge area at the end of Iera Odos st, this Botanical Garden is only 8 km from Omonoia Square, in the neighborhood of Haidari, and almost unknown to most of the Athenians. The borders of the garden begin from Dromokaitio Hospital and reach till the tourist kiosk of Haidari Municipality.

Covering a land of 1,860 sq.m., this Botanical Garden hosts over 2,500 different kinds of plants from all over the world and a rich variety of flora. The tour of this Botanical Garden, which is the largest in Greece and in Eastern Mediterranean, begins from the historical plants section, on the left side of the main entrance. Among others, some were often referred in the Greek ancient mythology such as Ferula communis, Conium maculatum and Lilium candidum. Anthonas, the next section, includes 15 flower-beds and 25 lakes.

A long way down, there is a bamboo forest where the plants that grow there are used in different industrial sectors and more importantly in the treatment of infectious diseases. Coming back from the main entrance, on the right side there is a section that includes trees from different continents, like Oceania, Asia, Africa as well as the North and Central America.

The Diomodis Botanical Garden was named after Alexandros and Julia Diomidous Foundation. the inspirators and founders of this remarkable site. It was designed by W. Hammerbacher, professor of the University of Berlin, and opened to the public in 1975. Today it is used by the Agronomic Department of the University of Athens for studying. It offers great paths, seats and recreation areas for country side meetings and most of all an extraordinary ecosystem. This is an ideal place for nature lovers and families. There is also a cafeteria, restaurant and a playground for the children to play safely. The entrance is free. Bikes, pets and domestic animals are not allowed.

Open: Monday to Friday: 8:00 - 14:00, Saturday & Sunday: 10:00 - 15:00

How to get there

There are many ways to reach the Botanical Garden, from any location in Athens.

Private transfers: We recommend using an online pre-booked Athens transfer service, which provides transfer by taxi, minibus or private VIP car and arranging a pickup directly from the port, airport or your hotel. Alternatively, there’s the option of arranging a pickup by a local driver directly at the following numbers: 0030 693 881 8288, 0030 694 597 2090, 0030 690 943 9292 or book your taxi online.

Car rental: Τhere’s the option of renting a car in Athens with as little as 13 euros per day and pick it up directly from the airport, port or your hotel. Using a car rental allows visitors to discover the Botanical Garden and many other places of interest in Athens at their own pace.

By bus/trolleybus: The closest bus stop is “Diomideios”. Check the routes and the official timetables on OASA Telematics.