Athens' Botanical Garden Is The City's Hidden Paradise

You’ve probably heard of the National Garden in Athens, located next to the Parliament by Syntagma Square. But did you know that Athens is home to a botanical garden too? It’s a 20-minute ride from the city centre, in the Haïdari district. Here is why you should visit this well-kept secret.

The largest botanical garden in Greece

On busy Iera Odos avenue you will find a stone entrance at number 401. This is the entrance to the Julia and Alexander N. Diomedes Botanic Garden, a green wonderland spanning 460 acres west of Athens, in Haïdari. The garden is home to over 3000 plant species and has an area dedicated to the maintenance of plant biodiversity in Greece.

The Diomedes Botanical Garden is the largest of the nation, and it aims to promote scientific research. Used by the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA) for teaching purposes, the garden is also open to the general public, making it a great destination for exploring rich local flora.

The garden features several sections, including an ornamental plants and flowers section

More than just a pretty garden

Besides being a botanical garden, the area is also a natural habitat for local fauna, which makes it an ideal real-life lab for students of biology at NKUA and the agricultural university. The garden includes a seed bank with over 800 plant species represented. The ultimate goal is to create a section with endangered and rare species. Others objectives include raising awareness on the importance of environmental preservation and the protection of endangered species through guided tours.

School-aged children are always welcome at the botanical garden

If you are a plant lover or simply looking for a quiet and tranquil spot to escape the hustle (and heat) of the city, at the Diomedes Botanical Garden you will enjoy the endemic and exotic plant and tree species. If you are in Athens during the spring, the flowers here are especially beautiful and fragrant. There is also a small cafe at the garden, and plenty of places to have a picnic.

A visit to the Julia & Alexander N. Diomedes Botanical Garden is a must if you want to escape the hustle of the city

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