PIRAEUS

Piraeus. The largest port in Greece in terms of commercial and passenger traffic and the most important port in Eastern Mediterranean. The largest port in Europe in passenger traffic and the Greek mainland hub to the Aegean islands; the mecca of Greek mercantile marine. A historic seaport of Athens since antiquity; the centre of Athens’ exports and trading but also a symbol of naval strength of the ancient Athenian state. Surrounded by fortifications and the famous Long Walls that served as protection as well as a link to the city of Athens. A fabled maritime city of the classical Hellenistic period, ornamented with grand public buildings that were destroyed along with the city by the roman legions. Then the city was plunged in decadence. Porto Leone and Porto Drako of the Byzantine and Ottoman rule; an ancient port deserted until the mid-19th century when the commercial and industrial hub of modern Greece was brought back to life.

Spreading around three natural bays in the southwestern shores of Attica, from the gulf of Elefsina to the cove of Faliro, modern Piraeus is a busy port-city with a unique character. Modern yet traditional; authentic yet cosmopolitan; aristocratic yet bohemian. A many-faceted and contradicting personality; a seducing mix of urban and popular culture; a melting pot of different people and social classes who came from every corner of Greece to form the city’s unique character. This osmosis is the source of Piraeus’ unique charm and the idiosyncrasy of the locals: an amalgam of plain simplicity and honesty, diligence and pride, open-heartiness and pure soul.

The birthplace of important personalities of the arts and literature, the cradle of the “rebetiko” music and the mythology surrounding it; a source of inspiration for many favourite Greek songs and unforgettable movies; the ark of fine samples of neoclassical and industrial architecture, Piraeus is full of traces of a bygone glory and rich social history. Outside the port gates, a city full of experiences, enchanting secrets and open-hearted people just waits to be discovered.

  • view_headlineRoutes and sights in Piraeus

    Listed neoclassical mansions of the 19th century; industrial buildings of the early 20th century; important museums; ruins of ancient monuments; the picturesque neighbourhoods of old Piraeus; the mesmerizing coastline; the luxurious hangouts of modern nightlife. Piraeus is a fascinating city that is worth discovering.

    • The Bay of Zea, also known as Pasalimani, Athens’ naval base in ancient times is now the heart of a lively city. The people of Piraeus as well as visitors enjoy their walk around this beautiful marina, that is one of the largest in the Mediterranean hosting impressive cruise boats and luxurious yachts. The heart of the city’s nightlife beats here, mostly around Kanari Square, opposite the stone clock tower and on the waterfront of Akti Mitsopoulou with the numerous restaurants, café – bars and clubs.

    • Kastella, is the most beautiful and majestic quarter of Piraeus. Amphitheatrically built on the foot of Profitis Ilias hill with marvellous view to the sea, the swaying masts of docked ships and the coastline. A magical scenery made of narrow winding streets and beautiful lampposts, imposing mansions, two-storey neoclassical and aristocratic mansions of the 19th century, luxurious bistros, hotels and clubs.

    • Mikrolimano, one of the most picturesque harbours in Piraeus, spreading below Kastella. They call it Greece’s Monte Carlo. Enjoy the magical view to the sailing boats and recreational yachts that sparkle on the calm waters of the cove, the restaurants, tavernas and café - bars around Koumoundourou coast. A romantic scenery with an island feel.

    The exceptional Archaeological Museum of Piraeus, an ark of the city’s long course through time from the prehistoric era to the roman times. The museum is full of unique findings that bring awe to the visitor. Don’t miss the bronze archaic Kouros in the form of Apollo and the bronze statues of Artemis and Athena.

    The emblematic neoclassical building of Piraeus Municipal Theatre in Korai Square: built at the end of the 19th century, the Theatre was designed by Ioannis Lazarimos inspired by the Parisian Theatre de l’ Odeon with elements of German eclecticism. The luxurious internal decoration, the baroque stage and the velour seats are impressive. An architectural symbol for Piraeus.

    The historic Electric Railway Station of Piraeus, a marvellous sample of eclectic industrial architecture of the Interwar period. The concourse, the art deco counters and the metallic ached dome bring memories of a past enchanting era. This is also the home of the Electric Railways Museum.

  • view_headlineWhat’s not to miss…

    Enjoy a long walk by the sea, along the famous coastline of Piraeus Peninsula, from the area of Piraiki to Freatida. Akti Themistokleous is also an excellent location for long walks next to the ruins of the ancient walls of Conon that used to serve as protection to the port. The ideal time for your stroll is just before the sunset.

    Visit the Hellenic Maritime Museum, in the district of Freatida. A fascinating narrative of three thousand years of Greek maritime history through rare exhibits and documents.

    Stop by the Municipal Gallery of Piraeus to admire unique works of art by great Greek painters and sculptors. 

    Walk to the top of Kastella, with the evergreen forest and church of Profitis Ilias, to enjoy the magical view towards Attica and the islands of the Saronic Gulf.

    Enjoy a romantic dinner in one of the many restaurants of Mikrolimano, a seafood paradise right on the shore.

    Explore the architectural heritage of exceptional neoclassical monuments in the centre of Piraeus. The Hellenic Naval Academy building, the Hatzikyriakio Foundation, the Patsiadis mansion, the former Nautical Museum and many more.

  • view_headlineTravelling to and from Piraeus

    Travel to and from Piraeus with ANEK LINES. Enjoy a comfortable journey with one of the leading passenger ferry operators in the Mediterranean.

    ΑΝΕΚ connects Piraeus with Crete, the Cyclades and the Dodecanese with daily and weekly crossings through port-to-port itineraries. The company offers top quality service and authentic Cretan “philoxenia” on board.

    The PIRAEUS – CRETE routes are jointly operated with Blue Star Ferries.

    The modern fleet and highly trained crew of ANEK promise a pleasant on board stay, meeting the needs and demands of the modern traveller. ANEK ferries have spacious cabins of all categories, comfortable and air-conditioned all-user areas with many entertainment options, modern stores, gourmet restaurants and café -bars.

    ANEK LINES highly values gastronomy and offers exquisite menus based on authentic Cretan products and tastes of the Cretan and the Mediterranean cuisine. All ΑΝΕΚ ferries offer 24hour internet service (wi-fi and Internet Corners) at designated areas.

    Discover here our best prices for ferry tickets and unique offers for passenger tickets and cabin accommodation throughout the year.

  • view_headlineArriving at Piraeus

    ANEK LINES vessels arrive and sail from the port of Piraeus, the largest port in Europe in terms of passenger traffic and the most important port of Eastern Mediterranean, with 12 arrival and departure gates laid out based on final destinations and 7 passenger terminals.

    The port of Piraeus is located 12 km south-west of the centre of Athens. The port is easily accessible via subway line#1 (Piraeus - Kifissia) (Athens Metro) which runs on the same route as the old Electric Railway of Athens and reaches the terminal after calling at several main stations in Athens such as Omonia and Monastiraki. The Metro station is located close to the port’s Gate Ε5. Alternatively, you may take bus #040 (Piraeus - Syntagma) that links port Gate Ε12 to Syntagma Square running on a 24h service. Piraeus is also linked to Athens and its suburbs via trolley buses as well as the Suburban Railway System and OSE Railway System.

    Please note that transport between terminal Gates Ε5 and Ε1 is served by shuttle buses operated by the Port Authority. While inside the port area, you can enjoy free wi-fi internet access.

    From Piraeus, you can use the Athens-Corinth National Road to travel to the Peloponnese and Western Greece or the Athens-Lamia National Road to travel to Central and Northern Greece. Piraeus is 212 km away from the port of Patras from where ANEK LINES vessels set sail for the ports of Italy (Bari, Ancona, Venice).

  • view_headlineNext stop: Athens

    A symbol of the Classical Era; the ark of the ancient Greek spirit; the cradle of Western Civilisation. A modern and dynamic European metropolis with cosmopolitan character and a youthful soul. Elegant but sassy; this city undergoes constant transformations beneath the glorious Athenian sky. Abundant with imposing monuments, world-class museums and impressive cultural centres. The realm of history and culture, gastronomical delights and intense nightlife. A kaleidoscope of images that surprise and mesmerize the visitor.

    The entire historic centre of Athens is an endless open-air museum with archaeological treasures and fascinating destinations. The sacred rock of the Acropolis with its architectural wonder, the Parthenon; the new Acropolis Museum; the Odeon of Herodes Atticus and the Theatre of Dionysus; the Pnyx and Philopappou hill; the Ancient Agora; the ancient cemetery of Kerameikos; the Roman Agora.

    The atmospheric quarter of Plaka with its labyrinth backstreets and beautiful neoclassical buildings at the foot of the Acropolis. The picturesque neighbourhood of Anafiotika, that looks and feels like the Cyclades spreading below the sacred hill. Busy Monastiraki with its famous flea market, full of exotic aromas and colours. The bustling pedestrian street of Thisio. The youth’s favourite square of Agia Eirini. The artistic quarter of Psirri and industrial Gazi. Metaxourgio, with its modern art galleries. The aristocratic area of Kolonaki on the foot of Lycabettus Hill, one of the most beautiful “balconies” that commands panoramic views to the city. The National Archaeological Museum, one of the most important museums in the world. Whichever urban route you choose to take, you should definitely make time for a visit to the Athenian southern district and the mesmerizing Athenian Riviera. A gorgeous rugged coastline spreading from Faliro to Sounio, full of beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, picturesque coves, luxurious seaside resorts, modern marinas, splendid bars and restaurants as well as unique monuments of nature and culture, such as Lake Vouliagmeni and the imposing Temple of the Poseidon at cape Sounio, where you may enjoy one of the most astonishing sunsets in the world. 

  • view_headlineUseful telephone numbers
    ΑΝΕΚ LINES - - Central Reservation Dept: 0030 210 4197400, 0030 210 4197420 ANEK LINES – Piraeus Agency: 0030 210 4197510-12 Piraeus Port Authority: 0030 213 2147600 Piraeus Port Authority hotline (OLP): 14541 (when calling from Greece) Municipality of Piraeus: 0030 213 2022000 Piraeus Police Authority: 0030 210 4171957, 0030 210 4080348 “Tzaneio” General Hospital of Piraeus: 0030 213 2080444 Athens Tourist Police - Visitor’s Help Desk: 0030 210 3222230 Athens Transports Authority (OASA): 11 185(when calling from Greece) Piraeus Archaeological Museum (31 Charilaou Trikoupi St.), 0030 210-4521598 Nautical Museum (12 Akti Themistokleous St., Freatida), 0030 210-4516264 Piraeus Municipal Gallery (29 Filonos St.), 0030 210410 1402

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