Directions
to the
Sanctuary of the Egyptian Gods
Nea Makri beach, North-east of Athens, Greece
From
the centre of Athens:
Take Mesogion Avenue north & keep straight on this road all the way
(it passes through Ag. Paraskevi & the through the underpass at the Stavros
junction). The road has now continues as the dual-carriageway Marathonas Avenue
(the Olympic Marathon road). Continue straight on Marathonas Avenue through
Peania, and then past the Rafina junction. Marathonas Avenue soon passes through
the coastal town of Nea Makri on it's way to the town of Marathon. On
exiting Nea Makri town centre note a junction to the left for Dionysos &
Pendeli as you pass by.
GO TO CONTINUE...
From
the northern suburbs of Athens:
Drive over Pendeli mountain from either Old Pendeli (via Halandri - Vrilissia
on Pendelis Avenue) or from Ekali (taking the mountain road through Dionysos
to Nea Makri). Pass the Panorama taverna on the right on the way. Continue down
the mountain (observe the sea view & Nea Makri below) until you reach the
traffic-light "T" junction at Marathonos Avenue. Turn left onto Marathonos
Avenue in the direction of Marathon.
GO
TO CONTINUE...
CONTINUE:
After passing a traffic light note a sign pointing to the Sanctuary. Ignore
this turning and continue to the second sign for the sanctuary at a traffic
light (there is also a sign for Ag. Kiriaki church here). Take a right turn
here (onto Kefallinias Street) and follow the signs to the Sanctuary. You will
probably need to park as the Sanctuary is contained inside the perimeter of
what used to be an American base & the perimeter fence gate is usually locked).
Walk the short distance to the sea front and turn left and walk towards the
Ag. Kiriaki church. Before reaching the church notice a break in the fence on
the left. Walk through here and the Sanctuary is on the right. You will need
to walk along the perimeter (note remains of ancient wall projecting up through
a stream) and turn right to observe the entrance gate.
The sanctuary is located immediately behind the Ag. Kiriaki church on the seafront.
The sanctuary is enclosed in a high wire fence & the gate has been padlocked
since showcase excavations ceased after a brief opening to the public during
the Athens Olympic Games in August 2004. Sporadic excavation work appears to
be continuing.
Location map of the Sanctuary
First
signpost on Marathonas Ave.
(just exiting Nea Makri town centre in the direction of Marathon)
Don't turn here, wait for next sign...
Second
signpost
on Marathonas Ave.
Turn right HERE at the traffic lights
(The sign for Saint Kiriaki church can also be seen)
The
third & last signpost for the Sanctuary.
(OR, alternatively if you want to visit a beautiful (European Blue Flag)
beach with mowed green grass to lie on & palm trees for shade, turn
right immediately after this sign, then at the bottom of the road turn right
& immediate left and follow road to the beach).
There are two snack bars with tables, showers and also lifeguards + portable
toilets (in the summer months).