Parnitha (Parnis) / Skipiza & Mola Loop – Hike Near Athens

Nestled just 20 km from the bustling city of Athens, the Parnitha (Parnis) / Skipiza & Mola Loop hike offers outdoor enthusiasts a captivating 4.5-hour adventure through the protected Parnitha National Park. Traversing diverse landscapes, the trail promises breathtaking panoramic views from the peaks, with the chance to spot deer along the way. Accessible for hikers of all skill levels, this tour includes convenient transportation, a delicious meal, and a flexible cancellation policy – making it an enticing option for those seeking an escape from the urban hustle. But the true allure of this hike lies in the chance to take in nature’s grandeur, just a stone’s throw from the city.

Key Points

• A 4.5-hour hiking tour through the protected Parnitha National Park, located just 20 km from Athens, with opportunities to spot wildlife and enjoy panoramic views.
• The itinerary includes a 1-hour Jeep/SUV transfer to the trailhead, a 4-hour hiking loop, and a lunch stop at the Mpafi refuge.
• The hiking route is easy-to-moderate in difficulty, with a total distance of around 6 hours and an altitude difference of 200 meters.
• Participants can cancel their reservation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and a ‘reserve now, pay later’ option is available.
• The tour is offered in both English and Greek, catering to international visitors and Greek-speaking travelers, and can be customized for private groups.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Activity Duration and Cancellation Policy

The hike near Athens has a duration of 4.5 hours, and participants can cancel their reservation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. This flexible cancellation policy allows for last-minute changes in plans, ensuring that customers can book with confidence.

The tour also offers a ‘reserve now, pay later‘ option, enabling adventurers to secure their spot without paying upfront. This convenient feature makes planning the hike hassle-free, as participants can lock in their preferred date without immediately committing funds.

Tour Highlights

Alongside the flexible booking and cancellation policy, the tour highlights some of the best features of Parnitha National Park, just 20 km from Athens. Participants can discover this protected natural area and have the chance to spot deer roaming its trails.

On top of that, the hike provides amazing panoramic views from Parnitha’s peaks, which are sure to impress even the most seasoned adventurers.

The tour offers the following highlights:

1. Explore the Parnitha National Park and its diverse wildlife.
2. Admire the breathtaking vistas from the summit of Parnitha.
3. Enjoy a delicious meal at the Mpafi refuge, immersed in the natural surroundings.

This well-rounded experience allows visitors to fully appreciate the natural beauty and tranquility of the area just outside of Athens.

Itinerary Overview

The tour’s carefully curated itinerary takes participants on a comprehensive exploration of Parnitha National Park, located just a short drive from the heart of Athens.

The journey begins with a scenic 1-hour Jeep/SUV transfer to the park, where the hiking loop commences.

Over the course of 4 hours, hikers will traverse a route that includes stops at the Mpafi hut, Skipiza well, Skipiza hut, and Mola, before arriving at the Mpafi refuge for a delightful lunch.

The tour culminates with a drop-off back at Syntagma Square or Kifissia, providing a well-rounded experience that allows visitors to fully enjoy the natural beauty and tranquility of Parnitha.

Hiking Route Details

Traversing the hiking loop, participants journey through the diverse landscapes of Parnitha National Park, covering a total distance of around 6 hours and an altitude difference of 200 meters.

The route takes hikers through the following key highlights:

1. Mpafi hut – The starting point of the loop, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and forests.
2. Skipiza well – A refreshing water source along the way, perfect for a quick hydration break.
3. Mola – The highest point of the hike, providing breathtaking panoramas of the Athenian landscape.

The easy-to-moderate difficulty level and well-marked trails make this loop an accessible and enjoyable experience for outdoor enthusiasts of all skill levels.

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Gear and Requirements

Proper hiking gear and essential supplies are vital for a safe and enjoyable journey through Parnitha National Park.

Participants must wear sturdy hiking boots or good sneakers to navigate the varied terrain, and bring at least 1 liter of water along with snacks to stay hydrated and energized.

While hiking poles are optional, a waterproof coat is recommended to prepare for potential changes in weather conditions.

Plus, guests should note that dogs and other pets aren’t allowed within the national park boundaries.

Following these requirements will ensure a comfortable and worry-free hiking experience as adventurers discover Parnitha’s natural beauty and captivating landscapes.

Pickup and Drop-off Locations

Participants can get picked up and dropped off at either Syntagma Square or Kifissia, providing convenient access to the starting point of the Parnitha National Park hike. The jeep/SUV transfer takes approximately 1 hour from these central locations, allowing adventurers to efficiently reach the trailhead and begin their exploration of the park’s natural wonders.

The pickup and drop-off locations offer several advantages:

1. Centrally located in Athens, making it easy for participants to reach the meeting points.
2. Hassle-free transportation to the trailhead, eliminating the need for personal vehicles.
3. A seamless start and end to the day’s adventure, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience.

Private Group Experience

This hiking adventure offers a private group experience, allowing participants to explore Parnitha National Park in an intimate setting.

The tour caters to small groups, fostering a more personalized and immersive encounter with the natural surroundings. With a maximum group size, travelers can enjoy a tailored experience, benefiting from the guide’s undivided attention and flexibility to accommodate individual needs and preferences.

The private group format encourages camaraderie and shared experiences among participants, creating a sense of exclusivity and connection with the natural wonders encountered along the way.

Whether you’re a solo adventurer or traveling with friends or family, this private group hike offers a unique opportunity to discover the beauty of Parnitha at your own pace.

Language Options

The tour is conducted in both English and Greek, catering to a diverse range of participants. Travelers can choose the language they’re most comfortable with, ensuring a seamless and engaging experience throughout the hike.

This multilingual approach offers several benefits:

1. Accessibility: Accommodating both English and Greek speakers allows a wider audience to enjoy the Parnitha National Park experience.

2. Immersion: Participants can opt for the language that aligns with their level of familiarity, fostering a deeper connection with the local culture and environment.

3. Flexibility: The dual-language format caters to the needs of international visitors and Greek-speaking travelers alike, making the tour inclusive and adaptable.

With this language diversity, the Parnitha hiking adventure becomes an enriching experience for all.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Pet on the Hike?

No, pets are not allowed on this hike. The tour’s requirements clearly state that "No dogs/pets allowed in National Park" where the hike takes place. Participants must follow these rules for the safety and enjoyment of all.

Will There Be Restroom Facilities Along the Trail?

There are no designated restroom facilities along the hiking trail. Hikers should plan accordingly and use the facilities at the start/end points or the Mpafi refuge during the lunch stop. Proper outdoor etiquette should be observed throughout the hike.

What Is the Minimum Group Size for This Private Tour?

The private group experience has no minimum group size. Travelers can book this tour for their own private party, whether that’s a solo adventurer or a group of any size. The tour will accommodate the group’s needs.

Can the Tour Be Customized to Meet My Preferences?

Yes, the tour can be customized to meet the traveler’s preferences. The activity provider offers flexibility to accommodate individual requests, such as adjusting the itinerary, pace, or start/end locations, within the tour’s overall scope and duration.

Is This Hike Suitable for Children or Families?

Yes, this hike is suitable for children and families. The difficulty level is easy, with a moderate 200-meter altitude difference. The tour includes a meal, and pets are not allowed, making it a family-friendly experience.

Recap

The Parnitha (Parnis) / Skipiza & Mola Loop hike near Athens offers an exceptional outdoor adventure.

Explore the stunning Parnitha National Park, spot wildlife, and enjoy breathtaking vistas.

With a convenient Jeep/SUV transfer, delightful meal, and flexible cancellation policy, this tour caters to hikers of all skill levels.

It’s a hassle-free way to take in the natural beauty just outside Athens.

You can check if your dates are available here: