The archaeological site of Rhamnous is about 1 hour from Athens and a 20-minute drive from Marathon.
The site preserves the remains of several sanctuaries, including those of Nemesis (goddess of righteous anger) and Themis (goddess of justice), as well as a fortified village.
Where is the Rhamnous archaeological site? A little lost in the wilderness, it can be found here: Google Maps point. You can park right in front of the site entrance.
The site is open from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. every day except on Tuesday. Full price €4, concessions €2. Don’t hesitate to check the official website before coming.
The tour takes place in three stages: first the path, then the sanctuaries and finally the fortified village.
The path
After the ticket office, the path on the left leads past the sanctuaries of Themis and Nemesis to the fortified village. In those days, the local inhabitants buried their dead along this path. Today, only the marble foundations of these funerary monuments remain. The name “Rhamnous” is derived from the plant rhάmnos (a prickly shrub).
The sanctuary site
Only the ruins of the sanctuaries are visible. Nearby, a map with a legend gives an idea of what the sanctuary looked like at the time. This temple was rebuilt in the early 5th c. BC with dimensions were 10 m x 6 m. Noteworthy statues were found inside it, including a statue of Themis (height: 2.20 m.) with an inscribed base, now found in the National Archaeological Museum. Statues of a priestess dating from the 3rd century BC and of an ephebe from 420 BC were also discovered. Today their ruins remain visible.
The fortified village
To get to the ruins of the fortified village, you’ll have to take a steep, rocky path. Make sure you wear closed-toe shoes.
The site of the fortress ruins is very pleasant. And you can make out the ruins of dwellings, a gymnasium and even an unconventionally rectangular theater.
And the view over the sea and the island of Evia is breathtaking! You’re sure to fall in love!
Practical tips for visiting the Rhamnous archaeological site
You can spend as much time as you like wandering the city streets and exploring the dwellings.
A leaflet (in Greek and English) is handed out at the entrance. But if you’d like more precise information, don’t hesitate to ask the staff at several points on the site. These people speak English.
Allow around 1h30 to visit the site.
Make sure you wear good shoes (sneakers) and, in summer, remember to take water and sun protection.
What really makes this archaeological site worth a visit are the ruins of the fortified village. And its location (in the heart of a pine forest with magnificent sea views).
Good to know: Accessible toilets are available at the site entrance. It is forbidden to eat on site.
Where to eat and swim around the Rhamnous site?
Our friend Bénédicte recommended the tavern next to the archaeological site: Taverna Ramnous. It’s literally 3 minutes from the site, has a playground for children, and as a bonus there are a few farmyard animals (turkeys, ducks). On the menu, you’ll find all the classics: salads, mezzés and meats. It’s good and the portions are generous. A village square atmosphere, in the middle of nowhere. And the bill is reasonable (€40 for a family of 5, drinks included).
On the beach side, below the archaeological site of Rhamnous, you can see a small church and a beach. We’ve tested it. But be aware that it’s a 20-minute drive along a narrow, stony road to park next to the church. Then you’ll have to climb the rocks to reach the beach. It’s impractical and even dangerous!
Bottom left: Rhamnous beach (difficult to access) – Bottom right: Rhamnous beach seen from the archaeological site | © Laure M.
So prefer the little turquoise-water beach next to the Cavo Marina restaurant, where you can stop for lunch (check opening hours: +302294069696).
You can also visit the wild beach of Schinias a 15-minute drive away, or Marathon beach 25 minutes away. The latter is better endowed with restaurants and taverns for seafront lunches.
Finally, another option we like to extend our visit to the archaeological site of Rhamnous : lunch at the Sesi fish tavern followed by a swim on Sesi Beach, at the foot of the tavern.
Elodie H. and Séverine C.
