Piraeus – Athens Gateway Or Destination On It`s Own?

Continuing my look at European ports this week I thought I`d choose Piraeus, the port for the Greek capital Athens.

Athens is probably most famous for the Acropolis, topped by the Parthenon Temple, and the National Museum. It is a bustling, busy city with lots to do and a place I have visited several times. It has lots of really good hotels, restaurants and bars as well as its history. Many cruise ships now visit Athens using Piraeus as the anchor port.

The port sits about 7 miles from the city centre along the east coast of the Saronic Gulf. Piraeus has along history dating back the 5th century BC when it was selected as the port for Athens. It is home to the country’s biggest harbour, the largest passenger port in Europe and the second largest in the world.

It is a thriving maritime and industrial city. The Central Port, Kantharos, is the place where you can take a leisurely stroll and see ships of all shapes and sizes carrying people to and from the smallest of Greek Islands and destinations all over the world.

Zea Marina is the docking port for the yachts and cruisers of the rich and famous. Visit the Archaeological Museum of the ancient Greek Theatre of Zea. Walk to the top of Kastella and wander through the streets and alleyways lined with beautiful houses and villas.

The best part of Piraeus though has to be the Mikrolimano area of the port. A beautiful harbour housing fishing boats, small ships and luxurious yachts. The quayside is packed full with excellent restaurants and tavernas. This is The place to eat fish and seafood in the whole area.

On one of my visits to Athens we had a wonderful lunch here. A leisurely afternoon eating really  good food and washed down with Retsina and other good greek wine.

If you are sailing in or out of Athens and just fancy an extra night consider Piraeus, away from the busy centre of Athens, for your stay.