Are you done with all the sites and museums around Athens and you're seeking for something different? Are you perhaps looking for places that are way off the beaten path? Here are some hidden spots of Athens, so secret that most of the Athenians don't even know about them. Discover scenic waterfalls, gothic towers, and secret gardens by following us on this trip introducing you to the alternative side of the city!

*Strefi hill in Exarchia - credits: Milan Gonda/Shutterstock.com*

The tholos tomb of Acharnes

Only 30 minutes away from Syntagma Square, you can find the Mycenaean tholos tomb of Acharnes, located at the modern suburb of Menidi. The tomb dates back to the 14-13th century BC, and it was discovered by German archaeologists during the 19th century. This tomb is one of the best-preserved tholos tombs of Greece and certainly the best-preserved one in Attica. Nowadays, visitors can reach the suburb by a public bus and find the monument hidden inside a park surrounded by modern buildings. After walking down the 27 meters long road-entrance of the tomb, you'll pass its monumental entrance and find yourselves inside the actual burial site. The burial chamber is built as a corbelled vault, creating a large space to host more than one burials. Luckily, the tomb was found intact and unlooted and many of its impressive findings are currently on display at the National Archaeological Museum of Athens.

Botanical Gardens of Athens

*The Botanical Garden of Athens - Image credits: true.gr*

In case you want to escape the city center and enjoy a relaxing picnic surrounded by beautiful scenery, less than half an hour away from downtown Athens, the Botanical Garden of Diomedes is waiting for you to explore! Stretching for almost 200 hectares, the Garden includes more than 4000 plant species and serve as an ideal getaway from the busy center of the city. Wander around the different parts of the Garden with sections of historical plants, groves with fruit-trees from all around the world and artificial lakes full of goldfish and terrapins surrounded by huge willow trees. The Botanical Garden is under the protection of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and in their small herbarium, you'll find more than 16000 plant species stored with care for current and future research. A visit to the Botanical Garden of Athens is a great opportunity not just for leisure activities but, for being introduced to the science of botany through the educational programs offered by the expert staff of the Garden!

The Valanari Waterfall

*Valanari Waterfalls - Image credits: lifo.gr*

At the northern part of Athens, close to the foothills of Mount. Penteli, there is a secret gem that will definitely compensate you to the fullest for the 40 min car-ride required for you to get there. The Valanari river ends up to a small waterfall which creates a shallow pool, ideal for a quick refreshing dip! Depending on the flow of the river, you may even find two waterfalls instead of one! The Valanari river waterfall is the only one still surviving in Athens and its clear waters coming from the springs of Penteli promise you a unique experience. You can reach the waterfalls either by car or by public transport; there is a bus route available that will take you on the spot!

'Chaos' crater in Attica

In the National Park of Sounio at the southern part of Attica, lies an awe-inspiring landmark often ignored by visitors: a huge crater, more than 120 meters wide and 55 meters deep! Some people claim that the creation of this crater was the product of a meteorite fall. However, geologists that studied the site proved that there used to be a cave that eventually had its roof collapse. The crater is known as 'Chaos' and it hosts numerous tunnels and caves. Some of them were created and exploited by humans due to the presence of silver ores in the area. It is known that during antiquity, the area of Sounio was renowned for its silver mines, that contributed greatly to ancient Athenian capital. Nowadays, the visitor can see the different minerals on the walls of the crater or even carefully descend to the bottom of it by following a designated path.

The Queen's Tower

*The 19th-century tower of ex-queen Amalia of Greece (Pyrgos Vasilisis) near Athens - credits: Dimitris Panas/Shutterstock.com*

In the suburb of Ilion, in the northwest of Athens, there is a monument related to the modern history of Athens, and Greece, in general, not usually included in the mainstream landmarks of Athens. This site was a personal project of Queen Amalia, the first queen of the new Greek State, established in the 19th century. She acquired vast lands in the area of Ilion and started a construction program of an exemplary farmstead. The main building of the complex is a neo-gothic tower similar to the one King Otto was born in, in Bavaria! The farmstead includes gardens, stables, fields, and other farming facilities. Today, the Tower of the Queen is accessible to the public after the completion of a restoration program. Wander around its garden, visit the royal headquarters, pay a visit to the vineyards and perhaps join one of the wine-tasting programs offered by the staff of the Tower.

Apart from the sites of the city center, Athens offers so much more to the visitor especially to those willing to venture a bit further away from the city center! Try to visit one of the presented landmarks, plan your own trip to Athens!

Source: greeking.me