Explore Acharnes, Athens
Acharnes is a suburban town located in the Greater Athens region, located about 7 miles north of the capital, and is the home to roughly 108,000 people. Acharnes is divided into two parts: the northern, which is surrounded by the forest-covered Parnitha mountain range, and the southern, which makes up for the bulk of the suburb itself. The municipality, which holds the same name as the town, also holds two other towns: Thrakomakedones and Varympompi, which are even further north, right at the entrance of Parnitha.
The town is also well-supplied in terms of public transportation, with the Acharnes Railway Center serving as the main connection point between the town and Athens.
Things to do in Acharnes
Archaeological Museum of Acharnes
Much like the rest of Greece, Acharnes proves to be a goldmine of ancient artifacts, which are on display for everyone’s pleasure at the Archaeological Museum of Acharnes. The collection presents the evolution of the town, its development from the Late Neolithic, up to the Byzantine period, gathering archaeological material from surrounding towns as well.
Parnitha National Park
The Parnitha National Park is located near Acharnes and is a vastly forested mountain range, the highest in all of Athens and the Attica region. Spanning more than 75 acres, and with peaks reaching 3280 feet in altitude, this Park is a protected wildlife area, being the home to numerous species such as deer, wild boars, and birds, perfect for nature lovers. The Park also welcomes families of all ages, being a perfect location for an afternoon stroll, and sports enthusiasts, due to its myriad of spots allowing jogging, cycling, and rock climbing, as well as a boundless amount of hiking trails of varying difficulty levels, all going in different directions.
Regency Casino Mont Parnes
Founded in 1971, the Regency Casino Mont Parnes was the first casino to open in Greece and is actually located within the Parnitha National Park. Having gone through recent renovations and improvements, it hosts more than 50 tables where a variety of games can be played, such as Roulette, Blackjack, and Poker, among many others. And of course, slot machines! Of which there are more than 500. The Casino also doubles as a hotel complex, providing exclusive views over the Athens region.
The Mycenean Tholos Tomb of Acharnes
The Tholos Tomb in Acharnes was found in an excavation in 1879 done by the German Archaeological Institute of Athens and is one of the best examples of Myceneans vaulted tombs preserved to this day. Thought to date back to the 13th century BCE, this tomb most likely served as the final resting place for members of certain, more prominent families of the time. The most important artifacts from the excavation can be found at the National Archaeological Museum in Athens. It is definitely worth the visit, if only to see how such a structure withstood the test of time.
