Athens, the capital of Greece, sits at 170 m above sea level in the Attica basin, dominated by the Acropolis at 156 m and Mount Lycabettus at 277 m.
Quick Facts
| Elevation above sea level | 170 m |
|---|---|
| Lowest point (city area) | 70 m |
| Highest point (city area) | 338 m |
| Coordinates | 37.9838° N, 23.7275° E |
| Country | Greece |
Elevation by District
| District / Area | Elevation |
|---|---|
| Syntagma / City Centre | 100 m |
| Acropolis Hill | 156 m |
| Lycabettus | 277 m |
| Kifissia | 275 m |
| Piraeus | 15 m |
Interesting Facts About Athens's Elevation
- The Acropolis of Athens stands at 156 m — visible from across the city.
- Athens is surrounded by four mountains: Hymettus (1,026 m), Penteli (1,109 m), Parnitha (1,413 m) and Aegaleo (468 m).
- The urban heat island effect is severe in Athens due to its bowl topography.
City Comparison – Elevation in the Region
Frequently Asked Questions
How high above sea level is Athens?
Athens city centre sits at around 100–170 m; the Acropolis is at 156 m; Lycabettus hill at 277 m.
Why is Athens so hot in summer?
Athens sits in a basin surrounded by mountains — this traps heat and creates one of Europe's most intense urban heat islands.