Together with the variety of available habitats it offers, from tall cypresses and hedgy pines to short shrubbery and rocky cliffs, Ymittos is an alloted hotspot of biodiversity. Birds of prey, raptors, passerines, ground birds, butterflies, beetles, tortoises, rabbits, and even foxes are to be found in the mountain's fauna, secrets that are not so well hidden and can be found on a morning's walk. More than a 100 species of birds that have been recorded in Ymittos Mt. and something like 600 species of plants (23 of which are endemic of Greece!!), have been the reason why the mountain has been incorporated into the NATURA 2000 catalogue, the European list of protected areas.

Within the years, a vast network of trails has been encraved in the slopes of the mountain, that are walked by hundreds of people everyday for their morning exercise or for a mountain stroll out of the noises of the city. You are invited to trek with us, in this huge array of paths to uncover the hidden treasures that will give you a sense of being far away from the urban civilization while still being able to gaze upon Athens from above.

 
Depending on the period of the year, there may be high odds of seeing the rare species of the Ruppell's warbler (Sylvia rueppelli) amid the spring and summer months, just as well as different species of passerines, raptors, buzzards, eagles and chukar partridges. With regards to our little companions in the insect kingdom, you may get the opportunity of astounding butterfly photography, and can contend in recognizing diverse beetle species! Wildflowers are not to be left out for this not insignificant rundown of natural life, as you can see orchids, cyclamens, anemones and in the event that you are fortunate, you may uncover the astounding Colchicum cupanii, Crocus pallasii and Prospero autumnale!

Photo © Dimitra Christidi

This is the place of arguably the most defining battle in Western history: the Battle of Marathon (490 BC). There's a Tomb and Museum dedicated to the battle.

It is also the birthplace of the marathon run!

Schinias National Park, is part of Natura 2000 network and considered the most important coastal ecosystem of Attica. It has a total of 19 habitat types, 240 bird species while there are threatened species of freshwater fish, amphibians and reptiles. 

Highlight species include permanent residents Long-legged Buzzard, Little Owl, Chukar, Blue Rock Thrush, Penduline Tit, Short-toed tree-creeper and Cirl Bunting.

Photo © Dimitra Christidi

Plants are classified as trees, shrubs, herbaceous perennials, and annual herbs (poai); these divisions are acknowledged to be rough and ready, as is the division into wild or cultivated, whereas the aquatic/terrestrial division appeared to be natural. Theophrastus notes that some plants are irregular, while the silver fir has branches always opposite each other and other plants have branches equally spaced or in rows. Figs have the longest roots, while the banyan sends roots down from the shoots, forming a circle of roots at a distance all round the trunk.