Are there any free hidden treasures in Athens ?

If you're looking for a more unique experience in Athens, away from the crowds of tourists, then you'll want to check out these three hidden treasures. These places offer an interesting glimpse into local life in Athens and are well worth a visit. So if you're looking for something different during your time in Greece's capital city, be sure to check out these spots!

This article is about three free secret spots in Athens that you should visit if your travel itinerary does not include any time spent exploring the city. We will tell how these places can be found and give tips for taking advantage of this opportunity while still being able to see everything there's worth seeing without getting lost among tourist masses!

Kaisariani Monastery & Forest 

The Monastery lies far away to the east of Athens, on top a hillside near Mt. Hymettos and surrounded by high walls with two gates- one coming in from either side. This church was built in the late 11th - early 12th centuries and dedicated to presenting Mary, Mother of Jesus Christ with a cross-in-square design. This means that its four columns frame an openings for windows on both sides which emit light into the church; it also has domed ceilings made out poor brick ornaments. The domed narthex was added in the 17th century. At the same time, a barrel-vaulted chapel to the north, dedicated to Aghios Antonios, was built.

It's the ideal place to get out of Athens for a while filled with nature, history, and stunning city views.The forest surrounding Kaisariani Monastery is a wonderful hiking location. It is crossed by several marked walking trails that lead to beautiful chapels hidden in the woods, spectacular viewpoints, and leads all the way to the top of the mountain.

You can reach the Kaisariani Monastery by car or taxi from Syntagma square. The ride shouldn't take more than 20 minutes. As of 2022, a nice choice is taking bus number 224 to Kaisariani Cemetery, as long as you don't mind the short trek to the monastery.

There is a little café above the Kaisariani Monastery known as Kalopoula. It's the ideal place to wind down at the end of the day on lovely wooden tables under the trees!

Location of Kaisariani Monastery

Botanical Gardens of Athens

The Botanical Garden of Diomedes is less than half an hour away from Athens city center, where you may enjoy a peaceful picnic among natural beauty.

The Garden, which covers about 200 hectares and has over 4000 plant species, is known for its serenity and allows visitors to relax. The Garden features a variety of stunning locations, from ancient medicinal gardens to modern fruit and water gardens. Wander around the various sections of the Garden, including historical plant areas, groves with fruit-trees from all over the world, and artificial lakes full of goldfish and terrapins surrounded by huge willow trees.

The Botanical Garden is protected by the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, and their modest herbarium contains more than 16,000 plant species carefully preserved for future study. A trip to the Botanical Garden of Athens is a wonderful way to learn about the science of botany, as well as have fun, thanks to the professional staff's helpful educational services!

According to a decision of the Foundation's committee, entry to the Botanical Garden is made with a zero-cost Electronic Ticket issued through https://diomedes-bg.gr/

Location of Diomedes Botanical Garden

Plato's Academy

Plato Academy is defined as crossed by the streets of Lenorman, Konstantinoupoleos, Athena's street, and the Athens-Lamia National Road. It is located in the middle of Athens, just 10 minutes from Omonia by automobile or bus. It took its name from the world's first university, the Plato Academy. This is the most renowned institution of philosopher Plato, which was located for 900 years in the same place as it is now. The archeological park of Plato Academy serves as its center. It's a well-kept, fenced park with gates that are always open. The park is free to visit.

Many ruins of structures dating from the Bronze Age to the Middle Ages were discovered during the archeological dig conducted over a century ago. They are nestled deep in the cave and most may be approached and followed straight above them.

The forest grows around them: trees, shrubs, verdant areas, and athletic courts. The daily life of the area's inhabitants, who use it as a place of leisure or creation just like in Plato's time, is described. The oldest structure is the Early Helladic Period (2800-2100 BC), but earlier traces of settlement have been discovered since the Neolithic period.

Location of Plato's Academy