Piraeus

Pireaus (Πείραιάς)

Pireaus is inextricably linked to Athens, being its major port, an often maligned area of the city that is there to be enjoyed if you go looking for it. Being so close to Athens, it is often seen as an outer suburb. It’s a bustling, upbeat place where boats appear to come and go by the minute. A mass of taxis, buses, trucks and travellers congregate here while they wait for their ships to come. Most travellers stay no longer than to have a drink and a quick meal while waiting for a ferry to other places.

The name Pireaus roughly translates as “place of passage”, and for centuries, this has been many people’s introduction to Greece. In recent times, Pireaus was viewed as a seedy area, but so much development to make way for the 2004 Olympics, much has been done to give the area a cosmpoplitan feel. The restaurants, bars and clubs in the Nea Marina and Mikrolomano areas are as good as any found in the main city.

There is also a very good maritime museum and archaeological museum to be explored if you have some more time on your hands. The maritime museum is wonderful for those with children as there are interactive displays including a submarine tower there for climbing.