The Rapentosa waterfall, rivalling the beauty of Valanari, a far better-known waterfall in wider Athens’ Penteli area, at the Drafi location, has remained largely unknown, until recently, even for Athenians. In more recent years, however, Rapentosa has been attracting the attention of an increasing number of visitors, including trekkers, reaching as far as this waterfall to take in some of its freshness and marvel at the wild surrounding nature.
A small deposit of clean water is formed at the bottom of the Rapentosa waterfall, while, just a short distance away, the marble quarries of Penteli’s north and Dionysos add to the overall interest of an excursion to the area.
The road route towards the Rapentosa waterfall begins from a point running parallel to the Rapentosa creek, at the Penteli quarry. Once past the Dionysos settlement and the houses on its outskirts, you will reach the Dionysos marble quarry before eventually encountering the Rapentosa dam. If feeling like taking a short break for coffee or a meal, or simply to enjoy the superb view towards the Marathon and Nea Makri beaches, look for a café-restaurant close to the Agios Petros intersection.
Midway along the route, the creek is divided into two. To reach the lovely little lake, where many visitors opt to stop for a snack or a rest, take the direction towards the left. Photo: Shutterstock
From here, a drive of approximately 6 km leads to the dam, where you will need to leave your vehicle. Beyond this point, the locale offers a wonderful, relaxing experience amid wild nature. Head upstream until you reach a collapsed small bridge before the start of a small gorge. This route is both easy to cover and enjoyable. The sound of trickling water combines with a setting of tall trees, including plane trees and poplars, as well as oleanders, beautiful flowers and a variety of other plants. This is a truly superb destination and trekking route if you are looking for a sense of faraway escape from the city noise on your weekends.
Trekking alongside the Rapentosa creek, by the stream’s crystal-clear water, will remain unforgettable. At many points, you will need to balance your steps over fallen logs or small rocks to reach the other side, an entertaining – not dangerous – hiking experience within a lovely natural setting located a short distance from Athens. Midway along the route, the creek is divided into two. To reach the lovely little lake, where many visitors opt to stop for a snack or a rest, take the direction towards the left. The setting at this natural plateau is mesmerising and picture-perfect, offering a sense of faraway escape from Athens.
Further on, the Rapentosa waterfall, whose waters plunge from a height of 10 metres, more than compensates for the amount of walking and effort needed to reach this point. This is the tallest waterfall in the wider Athens area. It serves as habitat for a wide range of river and swamp animals and creatures. Butterflies, frogs, tadpoles and dragonflies hover over the clear water, creating an impressive wetland setting that is worth exploring and observing.
Youngsters (the overall route is appropriate for children who are at least 6 years old) will be fascinated. Go trekking with them hand in hand. Do not hesitate to remove shoes and socks to step into the cool water. Weather permitting, also take your bathers along for a dip into the waterfall’s small deposit, a green oasis within the wider Athens area.
Read also:
A small paradise full of plane trees, waterfalls and cobbled streets near Athens, Greece
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