Hike· Attica mainland (Lavrio)· Greece — Cyclades
Ancient Silver Mines & Sounion National Park Walk
37° 40.8′ N · 24° 1.8′ E · approximate
The hills between Lavrio and Cape Sounion hold the Laurion mines, whose silver funded the Athenian fleet after Marathon. Archaeologists have found more than 250 ancient ore washeries here, and much of the area lies inside Sounion National Park, established in 1974.
Practical
Mining began around 3200 BC. Systematic working started under Peisistratus in the 6th century BC, using slave labour, and the mines were reopened in the late 19th century for lead, manganese and cadmium. The national park's core is 750 ha. Trail routes, waymarking and access rules were not verified, so ask in Lavrio or at the park before setting off. Stay on tracks: the district is riddled with old shafts and galleries. Carry water, and go early in summer. Coordinate is approximate: a point inland between Lavrio and Sounion, inside the mining district described by Wikipedia, not a trailhead.
Best for
A cool-morning hike through 2,500 years of mining history
Season
Best Oct–May; very hot midday in Jul–Aug
Nearby
- Sounion Anchorage (Ormos Sounion)1.5 NM away
- Sounion Beach Tavernas (Ilias & Akrogiali)1.5 NM away
- Sounion North-West Anchorage1.5 NM away
- Albatross Sea Market (Olympic Marine)1.6 NM away
- Gas Bottle Exchange (Lavrio)1.6 NM away
- Olympic Marine (Lavrio)1.6 NM away
- Olympic Marine Boatyard & Haul-out (Lavrio)1.6 NM away
- Sounion Beach & Dinghy Jetty1.6 NM away
Place data includes © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).