Diomidous Botanical Garden Athens
Oasis of Athens
Andreas from Athens
This is a spot that just a few Athenians know, whilst it is under their noses; just 8km from downtown Athens! This is the Botanical Garden of Diomidous, the largest botanical garden of the eastern Mediterranean. It was founded in 1952, and in 1975, after completion of landscaping, it was open to the general public. In its area of 470 acres, trees and bushes can be found from all over the world, as well as plants mentioned in Greek mythology and history, like the myrtle of Aphrodite and Socrates' hemlock.
The Botanical Garden constitutes a special area of scientific research and education, dedicated to knowledge about the environment and raising ecological awareness, and also one of the best places for a savory walk through its landscaped parts; from the flower field, the tree field and the greenhouse to its paved paths and artificial ponds.
If properly prepared, you can have a picnic under the shade of the trees, in one of the outdoor monastery-type tables, where you can meet other groups or families (or even me?) rolling around on the grass. Nearby there are also the few lucky city residents that can drop by with the company of a book for a few moments of “natural reading”.
So, if you wish to visit this oasis of Athens, which is just 30 minutes from the city center, you can use the subway up to Agia Marina station and from there take one of the buses (811, 866, A16) heading towards the Botanical Garden.
Athens Spotter Andreas
About this spot
Our Athens City Guide
Find your way with 265 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Loved it? Join us!
Loved this Spot?Join your international community. Share your favs and become part of our international community!
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Athens
Kyklo
Slow Living & Zero Waste
Aspiring to be a one-stop shop for ecological and quality zero-waste solutions, Kyklo advocates for a slower and more conscious way of living.
by
Asimina
Mitrothanasi
Line Athens
Grapeless wine
The innovation found in Line is the why-in, meaning the grapeless wine which is produced via the same process as traditional wines, but fruit, such as figs or pomegranate, is used in the place of grapes.
by
Zoe
Tziakou
Zen Garden
Serene island in a concrete jungle
In 2022, the garden opened to the public, after being constructed according to a biophilic design, serving as a green, calming 3.500 sq m zone in the center of the city.
by
Zoe
Tziakou
Souvlaki Giorgos-Gyzi
Souvlaki is art
Many souvlatzidika have started adding more “modern” ingredients in their souvlaki, such as lettuce or yellow sauce. But Giorgos-Gyzi keeps things simple, fresh, and tasty.
by
Zoe
Tziakou
Myrtillo
Everyday positivity
Founded in 2013, 90% of the team working in Myrtillo consists of people with disabilities as part of a social cooperative trying to provide a better future for vulnerable people and fight mental health stigma.
by
Zoe
Tziakou
Museum of Ancient Greek Technology
A family visit
Ever heard about ancient Greek tech? This Athens museum offers interactive exhibits like the Antikythera Mechanism and robot-servant in a unique building.
by
Antonis
Tsapepas
Pan's Sanctuary
Find the hidden ancient god
Discover a hidden Athens' ancient sanctuary of Pan on Ardittou Street! Spot the faint Pan relief on a rock near Agia Fotini church — can you see him?
by
Antonis
Tsapepas
Freatida
Ancient walls next to the sea
"Freatida" in Piraeus, the port of Athens, is an often-overlooked but beautiful and strange part of the city. Just look at those walls!
by
Marilena
Salamanou
Little Pot Ceramics
Beautiful handmade ceramics!
"Little Pot Ceramics" in Athens is one of my favorite ceramic shops in the city - come meet Tonia and her creative obsession with this ancient modern art!
by
Marilena
Salamanou
Drapetsona
The industrial silence
"Drapetsona" is an area in Piraeus (Athens) that I love for its industrial style architecture. Drapetsona is also famous for its street art.
by
Marilena
Salamanou
Peiraiki
Piraeus' coastline
Peiraiki in Athens is a place that any explorer would want to spot - the coast of Piraeus that starts from the Chatzikyriakeio area and ends at Pasalimani.
by
Marilena
Salamanou
Polyvios
My childhood's taste
"Polyvios" in Piraeus, the port of Athens, is a super-authentic place where I've been coming for souvlaki portions with my parents for almost 35 years...
by
Marilena
Salamanou
Heading to Athens?
265 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 265 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite Athens
Our team loves Athens
Get to know our other Spotters from Athens
As featured on:
