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Athens and its environs just a breath away from the city are an ideal destination for a one-day family trip in nature. Spring is here and computers and the television are not the best company for the weekend. Furthermore, it will not cost you much – take some food, a blanket, a ball, a camera and bags for rubbish.

• Imittos

Where? In the eastern part of the valley on the side of Agia Paraskevi and Glika Nera up to to Voula and Vari on the west side of the mountain to a height of 760 m.

What will we see? An ecosystem with a great biodiversity, with many species of plants and animals, endemic and protected – here you may encounter a hedgehog, turtle, rabbit or any of the 130 species of birds. The area is included in the European Natura 2000 network. The forest, which has been replanted again thanks to the superhuman efforts of the "Friends of the Forest" Union, is “friends” with Kessariani monastery which intensifies the natural beauty and cultural value. Other sights include the churches of St Marcos and the Archangels, the church of the Ascension, and the monasteries of St. John the Baptist and St. George Koutalas. In order to visit them, you have to pass through the forest.

What can we do? Families can go hiking or biking, and others can enjoy a picnic.

• Parnitha

Where? In the northern part of Attica, we can go to Baffi and Flambouri

What will we see? Although much of the pine forest was destroyed by a fire in 2007, there are many paths in the greenery.

What can we do? We can go to Baffin by cable car. For fans of walking, the difference in altitude is 680 m, the trail starts at the end of Traki Street. In order to reach Flambouri, you should start from Kastorias Street. The walk takes 25 minutes.

• "Antonis Tritsis" Park

Where? The 1,000-acre park embraces the municipalities of Agii Anargouroi, Ilion and Kamatero. 23 Spirou Moustakli Street, Ilion, phone: 210-2312057.

What will we see?

One of the last refuges for wildlife in Athens - 5 ponds, 150 species of birds, and huge natural wealth.

What can we do? It is interesting for the whole family – here you can take walks or go biking, enjoy picnics, and walk dogs. On Sundays, the organization "Gi" (meaning Earth) organizes guided tours in the organic vegetable garden, educational programmes and communal lunches for visitors.

• Marathon and the beaches of north-eastern Attica

Where? The regions of Varnavas, Grammatikos, Marathon, and Nea Makri

What will we see? The Tomb and the Archaeological Museum, 114 Plateon Street, Marathon, phone: 22940-55155, which displays archaeological finds from an ancient cemetery (3000 BC) trophies from the battle of Marathon and unique Egyptian statues from the temple of Egyptian gods.

The pine forest in Schinia

What can we do? We can "camp" in any spot on the beach.

Family walks of educational nature

• Interactive ethnographic museum Varnavas - European Museum of Bread

Where? In Varnavas, 7 Androutsou St (phone:22950097870, 6936-891193.)

What will we see? Re-enactment of land cultivation, preparation of bread, and traditional farming tools. The largest collection of bread.

What can we do? On an area of 2.5 acres, the Sunday walk can be educational, but you will have to make a phone call first in order to arrange it. A picnic is always an option. There is also a traditional café with local pastries.

• Archelon - the Sea Turtle Protection Society of Greece

Where? At the Caretta caretta sea turtle Rescue Centre, 3 Marina, Glyfada, behind the tram stop, phone: 210-8982600

What will we see? A unique, for Greece, "hospital" for the care, treatment and release of sea turtles

What can we do? We will meet this endangered species.

• Chrisalida Cultural Park

Where? At the 16th kilometre of the Attica highway to Lavrio, phone: 22990-47999, 67999, 67770.

What will we see? In an area of 15,000 square metres, you can visit a museum of Greek ethnography, housing a reconstruction of a village with old crafts and a library.

What can we do? Listen to the lecture or walk in nature.