Lycabettus Hill is one of Athens’ most recognisable landmarks. It is the second-highest point in the Attica basin, offering views that embrace the Acropolis, the Saronic Gulf, and a vast part of the city. With its winding paths, pine trees, and the panoramic summit featuring the chapel of St. George, it remains a favourite destination for both locals and visitors—and, of course, an “Instagrammable” spot that fills with sunset photos daily.
The Municipal Theatre of Lycabettus, which reopened in 2023 after 15 years, has already breathed new life into the hill by hosting concerts and cultural events. Against this backdrop, Lycabettus is now entering a new phase of regeneration through a partnership between the Municipality of Athens and Airbnb.
The new initiative
Airbnb’s funding, implemented through the Athens Partnership, is part of a broader effort to improve access and the overall experience for residents and visitors alike.
The focus is on restoring selected parts of the hill, most notably the reconstruction of the paths and the wooden fencing that runs along Lycabettus. This intervention serves both a practical purpose, facilitating safe access, and a symbolic one, as the fencing marks the entrance to a green, cultural space in the heart of Athens.
Furthermore, this specific project complements actions already taken by the Municipality to restore vitality to areas that had faced problems for decades. These include planting 1,250 new trees, repairing wooden bridges, and restoring the irrigation system.
According to the Municipality of Athens, the collaboration with Airbnb aims to enhance accessibility and upgrade an iconic public space. For its part, Airbnb notes that this initiative is part of its strategy to highlight spaces that form part of a city’s cultural identity, as well as to create more meaningful travel experiences and support local communities through sustainable tourism actions.
The significance of the upgrade with Airbnb’s contribution
Lycabettus, with its theatre hosting cultural events for over five decades, remains a point of reference for both residents and the millions of visitors who arrive in Athens every year.
Through the collaboration between the Municipality of Athens and Airbnb, a public space that connects nature, culture, and daily life is being strengthened—elements that make the hill one of the most identifiable spots in the city.
