Just one hour away from the center of Athens, to the beautiful and unknown for many, mount Parnitha you can go and breathe fresh air, escape the hustle and bustle of the city and take a break from the daily routine. You may walk, run, play or take photos. You can also stop off at the shelter named “Mpafi” to relax and enjoy your morning coffee, a meal or just the wonderful view. It is located in the heart of the mountain. It is an organized and appropriate place to accept visitors of every age who can take the opportunity to unwind in nature and discover the unique fir forest of Attica across the National Park of mount Parnes.

The huge fire, that took place in June 2007, burnt a considerable amount of the fir forest equal to the 2/3 of it. From 30,000 hectares of the total mountain land, 5,600 hectares were burnt. Today the north-east side of the National Park remains green and there the visitor can meet deer, explore paths that vary in difficulty, see different kinds of mushrooms and observe endemic species of plants. Parnitha remains a real refuge for people who love mountains and adore nature.

The shelter “Mpafi” provides its visitors with a traditional and cozy hospitality and besides, it helps them to meet the unparalleled beauties of the place.

Since August of 2004 the company Trekking Hellas, in cooperation with the shelter “Mpafi”, organize activities for young and old alike. These activities can reflect creatively on them and indicate ways to collaborate. Also they may enhance their confidence, thus coming closer and stay in touch with nature will raise their environmental consciousness. By taking part in one of the many activities, you can entertain yourself in a special and unusual way.

Feel the well-being and let yourself free in the magic of nature participating in one of the many activities that matches you.

1. The access to the shelter is either by car from the main road of mount Parnitha towards the casino “Mont Parnes” (red-white line), or on foot from the marked path; 2-3 hours, depends on your pace, (yellow-black line) that starts from the parking lift through the gorge of Hunan that leads to the refuge Mpafi.
   Also, an alternative route is from Vathis square departing bus line 714.

   For those who are coming from Athens via Attiki Odos:

   Leave the highway at exit 8 (direction to Lamia) and turn right to the next exit (PARNITHA-METAMORFOSIS-ACHARNE), in order to go up the bridge. When you see the traffic lights, turn left and follow the sign to Mount Parnitha. Continue straight ahead without turning anywhere for several miles (15-20 min depending always on traffic).

   On your way you will see many taverns on right and left side of the street and when you pass them, you arrive to the parking area of the cable-car. The lift leads up to the cable car which takes about 17 min to reach the casino and it is free of charge. Follow the map and after about 16 km (20’-25’) you will arrive at the refuge Mpafi.

2. You can also take the train or the suburban railway. You get off at stop Acharnes or at stop S.K.A. respectively. If to decide to take a taxi, you will pass through the town Menidi and you will arrive at the parking area of the cable car in less than 15 minutes.

3. The management of the shelter Mpafi considering the environmental pollution and the visitors’ easy access to the National Park of Parnitha, provides the latter with free transfer by a minivan, from the casino Mont Parnes to the shelter Mpafi, every weekend from 11:00 am until 15:00 pm. It leaves every hour from the casino.

   The available car is designed to carry up to 8 people and priority will be given to those who reach the place earlier.

BY CAR: You should pay attention to the sign on the cross road Holy Trinity (Agia Triada). You should go left following the signs Air-Navy, shelter etc. and not right because this road leads to the casino. You are requested to drive carefully as you ascent the mountain, because there are deer and other mammals.

For further information visite the following link.