Piraeus, the picturesque port of Athens Riviera: Authentic Greece
On a city break to Athens or off to an island? Take time to discover a portrait of Greece in miniature
If you don’t rush off to the islands, you quickly realise that Piraeus is not just the largest port in the eastern Med or a stop before and after your holidays in the Aegean. Piraeus is a destination in its own right. Three natural bays engulf it with the sea’s promise of freedom. Emblematic neoclassical buildings attract the eye amid commercial structures.
The hill of Kastela keeps a lookout from above. The charming inlets of Microlimano and Pasalimani contrast with the industrial district of Kaminia. Piraeus is a vibrant port inviting visitors to explore and discover its markets, bars, squares, malls, spice-filled bazaars, yacht marinas and gourmet restaurants, as well as the local hangouts where impromptu bouzouki evenings bring back the spirit of the fifties and sixties.
Piraeus encapsulates the history of Greece, stretching from the ancient ruins of the Long Walls, which reached Athens, telling tales of centuries of decline and rebirth, to the busy commerce of today. In fact, it mirrors the entire country; a blend of civilisations and peoples, joy and sadness, refugees and travellers, Olympiakos FC and Melina in Never on Sunday.
What to do in Piraeus
Seaside promenade
Your ferry leaves in a few hours? Whether you’re on your way to an Aegean holiday or about to embark on a day trip to the islands close to Athens, you have time enough to fall in love with Piraeus. The port-city’s tempo will carry you off with its insatiable enthusiasm. From Peiraiki to Freatida, the route follows the sea and is bordered with trees, flowers and shrubs. Benches beckon you to stop and enjoy the view. Another invitation comes from colourful Pasalimani, where lively bars and cafes can easily make you lose track of time. Careful you don’t miss the boat. Or should you wait for the next one?
Microlimano, an island on the mainland
You’ll feel as if you are already on holiday. Wooden decks over the water and the rocking masts of yachts set the stage. Microlimano’s restaurants offer unforgettable meals. The waiters may be in a hurry but they still crack jokes and wear smiles as they carry trays heaped with seafood; grilled octopus, shellfish and snapper, fried crayfish tails and other delicacies. Wine glitters in bottles and ouzo turns cloudy as ice cubes melt. Late at night, as the bar scene gets going at the edge of the picturesque harbour, it’s easy to believe that you’re already on your island.
Meet the grande dame of Piraeus
At Kastela, you’ll discover a new perspective, looking down on the coast from this elevated and elegant cluster of buildings on the hill; viewing Piraeus through the windows of 19th-century neoclassical mansions, restored and transformed into bistros, bars, cafes and restaurants. Climb through the alleyways and up the steps of the city’s most upper-class neighbourhood. At the top you’ll find the chapel of the Prophet Elijah, an incredible vantage point from which to survey the goings-on in the port.
In this corner of Athens you’ll find organised, emerald water beaches, and rocky coves perfect for a swim. There is certainly no shortage of inviting sand or Blue Flag awards on stretches of coast like Eden Beach at Mavro Lithari, the beaches at Anavyssos, Varkiza, Asteras Vouliagmenis and many more. Five-star resorts with spas, esplanades, palm trees, sea sports, sailing and even golf at the modern Glyfada Golf Club await you. The beat goes on at numerous beach bars and exclusive nightclubs where you will dance until dawn, barefoot on the sand. Here the sun shines bright and the laughter rings out loud all year round.
If you are a sailing enthusiast, the Athens Riviera has many marinas from which you can set sail for beaches and villages in the Peloponnese (Loutra Oraias Elenis, Korfo, Epidaurus), Sounion – cruising by Athens’ cosmopolitan beaches – as well as the islands near Athens, in the Saronic Gulf. Fully-organised marinas in the area can be found in Flisvos, at Faliro-SEF, in Alimos, Glyfada and Vouliagmeni.
On the tip of this unique coastline, you’ll find Cape Sounion, where you’ll admire the Temple of Poseidon – one of the most significant monuments of Ancient Greece, and one of the most important attractions in Athens.
And finally, when night falls, you’ll enjoy the coast’s nightlife: in Alimos, Glyfada, Vouliagmeni and Varkiza the beach bars are filled with people enjoying their cocktails, dancing until dawn and making summer memories. Welcome to the Athens Riviera, where summer never ends.
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