07 December 2023 Last Updated: 22 December 2023

Explore Egaleo, Athens

Egaleo is a town in western Athens, located just about 2.5 miles from the capital itself. Despite being a suburb, Egaleo is well-equipped with all methods of transportation, being integrated into Athens’ Metro Network, served by two Metro Stations: Egaleo and Agia Marina. One of the most important roads in all of Greece, the Motorway 1, which connects Athens to Thessaloniki, Greece’s second-largest city, and Evzonoi passes through Egaleo.

The town consists of the following neighborhoods: Kato Aigaleo, Neo Aigaleo, Damarakia, Lioumi, Rosika, Agios Spyridonas, and Agios Georgios and, in recent years, Egaleo has become a hub and trending spot for young people, since it is the home to the University of West Attica, the third-largest University in Greece. Welcoming over 50,000 students every day, the town of Egaleo is lively, with a vibrant nightlife scenario. This, in turn, has led the town to become buzzing, as the local communities gather to put together interesting cultural events, many of which are held at the Aigaleo Grove.

Things to do in Egaleo

Aigaleo Grove

The Aigaleo Grove, also known as the Baroutadiko Park, is the main attraction in Egaleo. It is where the residents convene, either for an afternoon stroll, drinks, or just hanging out. After the demolition of the Hellenic Powder Company, one of the largest industrial units in Greece during the 20th century, the area turned public and has since been a place for the community. However, a relic of sorts from that time remains in the park: a large blast furnace from the factory. In turn, schools, sports centers, and businesses sprouted around the area, giving new life to the Grove. Locals use this park for various activities such as cycling, walking, basketball, football, and tennis, and the park is one of the few green zones in western Athens. It is definitely a must-visit if you are visiting Egaleo.

Hike Mount Aigaleo

Take a break from everyday life, escape for a while, and just bask in nature by traveling to Mount Aigaleo, which has given its name to the town. Located just 5.5 miles from Egaleo, Mount Aigaleo offers the perfect opportunity for those who wish to engage in moderately difficult hikes and biking trails. Alternatively, experience one of Europe’s largest botanical gardens, the Diomidous Botanical Garden, which is just a short drive away and offers not only hiking trails but also the possibility of taking in a rich variety of flora, more than 2500 species of flora.

Visit Allou! Fun Park

Surprise your family and take your children to spend a fun-filled day at Allou! Fun Park, the largest amusement park in Greece. Founded in 2001, the Park is divided in two: the Fun Park, mostly directed at teenagers and young adults, though the Park does not shy away from welcoming adults either, and Kidom, entirely dedicated to families with smaller children. Located just a little more than 2 miles away, the Park promises more than thirty rides, and other entertainment options, such as parades, events, shows, and games, including drift race karts, VR videogames, and many more.

Alexis Minotis Theater

Named after Alexis Minotis, one of the most famous and renowned Greek theater and dramatic actors of all time, this Theater is at the heart of the Aigaleo Grove, and thus, it is surrounded by a green, lush landscape. The Theater is set up in an amphitheater style, and deserves recognition in its own right, as it serves as the venue for countless events such as concerts and plays for the whole local community.

Historical and Folklore Ecomuseum

This museum holds an interest of its own due to the story behind it, both for the items on display, as well as the house where it can be found. Though it was “founded” in 1966, this “Museum” started out as the personal collection of a student from Crete, Yannis Perakis, who gathered “rare” and “lost” objects from junk shops in Piraeus. In 2009, the Museum found its current home in Egaleo, in a refugee house. The items, ranging from kitchenware, and copperworks, among many others, and the house both tell a story, of the people and of Egaleo and is must-see for any visiting Egaleo.