Piraeus - The Magic of the Water world

Athens has derived its sustenance and strength from the sea since ancient times – a connection so vital that, in the 5th century BC, the Athenians began building the Long Walls from the city to its port, Piraeus, to secure the passage of seaborne provisions in times of

war. Today, this 6.5km journey is much more easily made, taking just 20-30 minutes from central Athens on Metro Line 1. And, instead of the famous Athenian fleet lying at anchor in the Great Harbor, visitors to Piraeus will now find an army of ferries and hydrofoils mooring up to take passengers to the hundreds of islands dotted around the Greek mainland; to Crete, the Cyclades, Dodecanese and Aegean islands.

With the perpetual coming-and-going of locals, visitors and foreign

commodities, Piraeus has developed into an important economic and cosmopolitan neighborhood in its own right. Much of the area is dominated by continual traffic, but the eastern quarter has certainly retained its charm. There is Mikrolimano Bay, with its seafood restaurants lining the waterfront; the ancient Acropolis of Piraeus, Kastella, a fashionable district with picturesque houses and stunning views of the Saronic Gulf. There are also several cultural centers to explore in Piraeus, among them the excellent Archaeological Museum and the Nautical Museum of Greece.

Important to visit

• The millionaire’s yachts moored in Zea Marina; the crème de la crème of the private yachting world.

• Fresh sea food and picture-perfect views at the taverns of Mikrolimano Bay.

• The bustling markets of the Great Harbor; the Flea Market on Alipedou Street and fresh fish and seafood stalls off Tsamadou Streets.

Acropolis - Omonia - Kolonaki - Syntagma - Psychiko - Kifissia - Piraeus - Glyfada