We pick you up from your location in the center of Athens or elsewhere. A short drive on a modern highway will bring you to the Vrilisia outskirts at the foot of the Southern slopes of Mount Penteli. Leave the populated area, and ascending the curving asphalt road, soon you'll reach the location of the ancient Spelia Quarry. After a short hike on a dirt road, the scenery of the quarry opens up in front of you. Wandering around the remains of once bustling activity, you will learn all the details about the process of extraction, smoothing and transportation of the huge marble pieces to the building site of Acropolis distanced 17 km away. One must not to forget that this was happening in the golden age of antiquity 2,5 thousand years ago. Return to the car and drive to the top of Mt. Penteli at 1100m. Besides the feeling of liberation and joy of breathing fresh air on a mountain top with Athens at your feet, you can also gaze towards the area where the battle of Marathon took place.
From the summit descend to the north side of the mountain and reach the Dionysus Open air marble museum. In this magnificent location designed and shaped by some enthusiastic architects and traditional marble craftsmen you will enjoy a refreshing picnic while adding some more information about the wonderful world of marble.
Hiking distance: 4,2 km / Hiking Duration: 2 hr
Elevation gain: 380 m
Driving distance:
Athens center to Spelia Quarry 30 km / 45 min
Spelia Quarry to start of the hike 13 km / 20 min
End of the hike to Athens center 45 km / 1 hr
We are constantly updating our unique itineraries based on new information and experiences available. The walks, accommodations, and visits listed may be adjusted. The itineraries presented are subject to modification and change by Tripin Adventures. We reserve the right, without penalty, to make changes in the published itinerary whenever, in our judgment, conditions warrant, or if we deem it necessary for the comfort, convenience, or safety of participants.
