Ekali Εκάλη |
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Coordinates: 38°6′N 23°50′E / 38.100°N 23.833°ECoordinates: 38°6′N 23°50′E / 38.100°N 23.833°E | |
Country | Greece |
Administrative region | Attica |
Regional unit | North Athens |
Municipality | Kifisia |
• Municipal unit | 4.332 km2 (1.673 sq mi) |
Elevation | 330 m (1,080 ft) |
Population (2011) | |
• Municipal unit | 5,889 |
• Municipal unit density | 1,400/km2 (3,500/sq mi) |
Time zone | EET (UTC+2) |
• Summer (DST) | EEST (UTC+3) |
Postal code | 145 78 |
Area code(s) | 210 |
Vehicle registration | Z |
Ekali (Greek: Εκάλη) is an affluent suburb of Athens, Greece. Located to the north of the city centre, it is a green and lush area home to many of the country's most powerful business and shipping families. Since the 2011 local government reform it is part of the municipality of Kifisia, as a municipal unit. It was named after the ancient Greek deme of Hecale.
Ekali is situated at the western end of the forested Penteli mountain range. The municipal unit has an area of 4.332 km2. The small river Kifisos forms the western border of the municipal unit. Ekali is situated 4 km (2 mi) northeast of Kifisia, 5 km (3 mi) southwest of Agios Stefanos and 16 km (10 mi) northeast of Athens city centre.
The main thoroughfare is Thiseos Avenue (Greek National Road 83), which connects Ekali with Kifisia and central Athens. Motorway 1 (Athens - Thessaloniki) passes west of Ekali. Ekali is a purely residential area, which means that retail, commercial shops and professional businesses are not permitted within the community.
Ekali is synonymous with great wealth and privilege. Its residents are sometimes frowned upon for being cut off from problems facing ordinary Greek people. Dahlia Hatzialexandrou, a leading character in hit series Sto Para Pente, lived in Ekali. She played the role of a clueless heiress who has no conception of the value of money.