The most complete information guide about Athens, Greece
Piraeus The
Harbor of Athens
In
Medieval times, Piraeus was known as Porto Leone, a name coming
from the enormous stone lion, which guarded the port's entrance.
Its life had been joined to the sea since its creation. The city
and its suburbs is an industrial zone of particular importance
to Greek economy but its center nevertheless has broad streets,
spacious squares, tree-lined avenues and parks.
Running
throughout Piraeus are the remains of the Long Walls. These structures
were built to fortify Piraeus' three natural harbors after Themistocles'
victory over the Persians at the battle of Salamis in 480 BC.
The walls were extended all the way to Athens in 445 BC, destroyed
after the Peloponnesian War but eventually rebuilt in 394 BC.
Today,
life in Piraeus is concentrated around its three ports. You can
walk around the central harbor shared by cargo and passenger ships
alike and watch the constant coming and going of goods and people
from around the world. Then continue your walk to the other two
harbors, Zea and Mikrolimano, maybe more touristy and more pleasant
for visitors.
The
main harbor of Piraeus is one of the most important in the Mediterranean.
Its ancient name was Kantharos. The port of Zea, now called Pasalimani,
is one of the largest marinas in the Mediterranean. You'll get
to it if you take Terpsitheas street from Akti Miaouli.
No
doubt you will enjoy some of the most impressive yachts and cruisers
in Greece that are moored here as well as the Flying Dolphins
(hovercrafts) that can take you to the Greek islands in the Saronic
Gulf and some in the Aegean Sea.
To
the west of Pasalimani is Piraiki, the place to be for fish taverns,
ouzeri cafes and bars where you can enjoy fresh fish, grilled
octopus and ouzo at the sea front over viewing the Saronic gulf
and the islands of Salamis and Aegina. Best time to go there is
at sunset, an unforgettable experience.
Munichia,
also known as Mikrolimano or Tourkolimano the second yacht marina
of the port, was once protected by the goddess Mounichia Artemis.
Today it is a popular hang-out for tourists. You'll see a lot
of yachts and fishing-boats and there are lots of fish restaurants.
From there is only is a 15 minutes walk to the Stadium of Peace
and Friendship in Faliro.
Above
Mikrolimano and built on a hill known as Prophetis Elias, Kastella
is Piraeus' most fashionable neighborhood. If you walk towards
the top of the hill, you will find yourself in narrow streets
surrounded by picturesque houses with the Veakeio Theatre, well
known for its summer performances, nearby. The view of the central
harbor, Zea and Mikrolimano, from here is unique.
Piraeus
has its own flea market like the one at Monastiraki. One can find
real bargains here. It takes place every Sunday in the Dragatsaniou
and Mavromichali street.
To
get to Piraeus, you take metro line 1 at Monastiraki metro
station. The end of the line station is right outside the main
entrance of the ferry harbor in Piraeus.