Mt. Hymettus: Kesariani monastery-Kalopoula
Mt. Hymettus: Around Kesariani monastery
Kesariani monastery-Kalopoula
This route is particularly interesting and particularly easy simultaneously. The whole route runs in the shaded and refreshing Aesthetic Forest of Kesariani and the trail connects the two most known springs of Mt. Hymettus, the Krios fountain (the fountain of the monastery of Kesariani) and Kalopoula spring.
The Aesthetic Forest of Kesariani covers an area of 4500 acres and has been created by reforestation carried out by the Philodassiki Society of Athens with pines, cypress, various oak species, plane trees, carob, olive and wild olive trees and other orchards and shrubs of the Greek flora. The core of the afforested areas is protected under the status of the Aesthetic Forest since 1974.
The route begins (and ends) in the small reservoir at the western entrance of the monastery of Kesariani (entrance of archaeological site). The first section is known as the "Botanical Trail" because along the path several flowers and plants are highlighted with signs bearing their Greek and Latin (scientific) names. We ascend either on cobbled or earth path under the plane trees and beside a variety of plants and flower beds. We pass next to the ruined church of Ascension and two open old cisterns. Arriving in a large concrete tank, turn left and follow the excellent path that will bring you to Kalopoula spring, passing through arid slopes, dominated by cypress, olive trees and dry shrubs. From the shoulder above Kalopoula, a small deviation leads to a nice viewpoint place (by the Cypriots memorial).
The recreation area of Kalopoula is configured as cafeteria, on three levels, with the spring on the highest. The bar is almost always open and during weekends there is a lot of people. From here we descend in a shady ravine and follow a very good trail (keeping an eye behind us for some fast bike ...) that leads to a dirt road and next to the asphalt, just above our starting point.
topoguide Greece
A guide to Mt Hymettus
Mt Hymettus topoguide is available for Android devices as one of the dozens of available region of Greece via the topoguide Greece application. Mt Hymettus topoguide is a member of the Attica group. Get the Mt Hymettus guide as an in-app purchase through the app.
Mt Hymettus topoguide is also available for iOS (iPhone & iPad) devices via the application Topoguide Greece. Get the Mt Hymettus guide as an in-app purchase through the app, found in the Attica group.
topoguide Greece offers active navigation along the trails, as well as a comprehensive guide to the geography, the nature and the culture of the area.