Travel Guide Piraeus

Piraeus is not strictly speaking a vacation destination. It is the main port of Athens, one of the most important in the world in terms of passenger traffic, from which ferries leave the mainland to reach islands, such as the Cyclades. South of the Greek capital, it is an integral part of the city. A place of passage and a tiny peninsula, the atmosphere is however quite different. At first glance, the traveler is taken aback: noise and incessant movement, huge boats docked, high density of concrete per square meter, high buildings and old disused warehouses, old workshops or warehouses ... However, the hidden side of Piraeus, the archaeological museum, the charming natural harbors of Zea and Mikrolimano, where the supreme pasha used to bathe during the Ottoman occupation, are highly rewarding for those who deign to stop there for a while. Reserved for yachting, they are home to luxurious yachts, perpetually docked, and are lined with tavernas and trendy cafes, attracting young Athenians in search of glitzy parties. The Orthodox churches scattered around the city are also beautiful. The port had its heyday in the5th century, when the Athenians fortified it and united it with their city. In 85 BC, Sylla and the Romans destroyed the city, putting an end to its development. It is only after 1850 that it starts to develop again. Getting there. Piraeus is easily accessible by metro (Line 1) from the center of Athens.