SOUNION NATIONAL FOREST PARK
Greece's smallest national park (35 ). Home to the ancient silver mines of Athens and the "Chaos of the Abyss" sinkhole.
This protected area (Εθνικός Δρυμός Σουνίου/Ethnikos Drymos Souniou) is classified as Natura 2000. It extends over 35 km2 in the Laurion massif, which rises to 373 m above sea level, between the archaeological site of Cape Sounion (to the south) and Lavrio (to the northeast), covering the entire interior of the eastern part of the southern tip of Attica. Created in 1974 and ravaged by fire in 1985, this "forest" park is now mostly covered by scrubland and Aleppo pines. With 750 types of mineral in the soil, it is also marked by a strong human presence over the centuries. Witness the ancient marble quarries used to build the temples of Cape Sounion, the Laurion silver mines that ensured the wealth of Athens in Antiquity, and the mining village of Agios Gerasimos, abandoned in the 1980s. The two main attractions are the Drymos-Souriza-Lavreotiki archaeological site (ancient silver mines) and the "Chaos of the Abyss" (Έγκοιλο Χάος/Engilo Chaos). Located to the north of the park, near the village of Kamariza and 5 km east of Lavrio, the latter is a vast heart-shaped sinkhole: a karstic collapse 55 m deep and 120 m in diameter. The site is secured by ugly, rusty fences. But being 180 m above sea level, it offers fine views over Lavrio and the island of Makronissos. The park also boasts numerous hiking trails.
Did you know? This review was written by our professional authors.
Book the Best Activities with Get Your Guide
Members' reviews on SOUNION NATIONAL FOREST PARK
The ratings and reviews below reflect the subjective opinions of members and not the opinion of The Little Witty.
Find unique Stay Offers with our Partners
