Although nature lovers may visit them all the time, many of us aren’t even aware that they exist. Parnitha’s refuges, Mpafi and Flambouri, are two of the best mountainous destinations just a stone’s throw away from the city center! Mount Parnitha is a densely forested mountain range north of Athens, and the highest peak on the peninsula of Attica with an elevation of 1,413 m. Parnitha is a landscape of particular natural beauty that has been included in the NATURA 2000 network; it has also been declared a special area for the protection of birds.
Mpafi Refuge
At an altitude of 1,161m, just an hour away from Athens, Mpafi Refuge awaits visitors who wish to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, take a breath of fresh air and enjoy breathtaking views. The refuge, as the characterization suggests, provides accommodation, food, and heating. The rooms are thoughtfully decorated and furnished, ideal to welcome guests of any age, especially during the winter. Αpart from the numerous educational activities organized at Mpafi, there is also a library where visitors can borrow books.
Flambouri Refuge
Μέσα στον εθνικό δρυμό της Πάρνηθας, στα 1.158μ. συναντάμε το καταφύγιο Φλαμπούρι που αγναντεύει περιμετρικά την Αθήνα, την Αίγινα, τον Πόρο, με καθαρό καιρό την Ύδρα, τη λίμνη του Μαραθώνα, τον ευβοϊκό κόλπο, τη Δίρφυ, την Εύβοια… Το καταφύγιο Φλαμπούρι του ορειβατικού συλλόγου Αχαρνών διαθέτει χώρους διαμονής και κουζίνα, οργανωμένες περιβαλλοντικές εκδρομές και δραστηριότητες για μεγάλους και παιδιά. Το καταφύγιο ηλεκτροδοτείται με φωτοβολταϊκά, ενώ διαθέτει και ενεργειακό τζάκι, φροντίζοντας να μην επιβαρύνει το περιβάλλον.
NOTE: Visitors who wish to stay overnight should make a reservation and are required to bring two sheets, a sleeping bag, a pillowcase, and slippers for hygienic purposes.