Beyond the Beach: Discover OTE Forest in Artemida, Greece
Discover a green hideaway just minutes from the sea. When people think of Artemida, what usually comes to mind are wide sandy beaches, the warm Greek sun, and refreshing dips in the Aegean Sea. And it makes sense - this seaside town is one of the most popular weekend getaways for Athenians, just a short drive from the capital.
But did you know that Artemida also hides something completely different? Something without beach umbrellas or café terraces serving frappe - but instead offers silence, the scent of pine trees, and a touch of untouched nature?
Welcome to OTE Forest
OTE Forest is one of Artemida’s best-kept secrets. Tucked just behind the residential neighborhoods, it feels surprisingly remote - as if the city never quite reached it.
We're talking about 600 acres of green space, just a few minutes’ walk from the beach.
There are no signs pointing the way, no tourist crowds, no ticket booths. Just trees, space, and calm - perfect for those who want to experience a different side of Artemida.
Where is it?
The forest stretches across central Artemida, between residential areas and the main coastal road.
You can access it from various spots - for example, just behind the old town hall building (past the waste collection area). Don’t expect formal entrances or signs; this is a raw, unmarked space. And maybe that’s exactly what makes it so appealing.
What’s the story behind it?
OTE Forest takes its name from its former owner - OTE, the Greek telecommunications company. For decades, the area was home to a radio transmission station, and the land remained untouched and undeveloped.
Today, it’s one of the last large green spaces in this part of Attica - a rare piece of wilderness in an increasingly built-up region.
This isn’t your typical city park.
There are no manicured lawns or paved walking paths.
Instead, you’ll find towering pine trees, birdsong, dappled sunlight filtering through the branches, and a peaceful, quiet atmosphere. Locals often come here to walk their dogs or simply take a break from city life.
Why should you go?
Because when you’re in Artemida, it’s easy to think that everything revolves around the beach. But nature doesn’t end where the sand stops.
OTE Forest is:
✔️ a perfect spot for a morning walk before the heat sets in,
✔️ a calm, shady alternative to the crowded seafront - especially if you're traveling with a dog,
✔️ a chance to see another, more authentic side of the area.
Still wild - and full of potential
Today, OTE Forest remains undeveloped a little forgotten, a little wild. There are no benches, trail signs, or clear routes. But maybe that’s why it still feels real and unspoiled. It’s a quiet, natural space with huge potential.
And who knows if it gets the care it deserves, it might one day become a true gem of Artemida, open and welcoming for both locals and visitors alike.
If you’re spending time in Artemida, don’t stop at the beach. Bring your walking shoes, some water, and a bit of curiosity and step into a side of Greece most tourists never see.
Because sometimes, the best discoveries are the ones not marked on the map.
Comments