Piraeus is a port city in the southeast of Greece and is the home to Europe's most important passenger port. It is outside Athens and a port gateway to the Greek Islands, including the museums, waterfronts, and places to eat. This place is perfect for all art lovers. Foodies and history buffs will be delighted by this picturesque town's ancient ruins and tavernas. There are many things to do in Piraeus, such as walking, exploring Byzantine-style churches, narrow streets, local cuisine, shopping, and renowned landmarks.
Most visitors to Athens simply treat Piraeus as a transit point to the Aegean islands. Piraeus is the largest Mediterranean port for passenger traffic and commercial activity. This port city has numerous cultural attractions but also a versatile coastline. Here are some highlights.
Athens has been inhabited since the Neolithic era, according to archaeological evidence. Athens experienced geographic and cultural growth in the 6th century BCE when more elaborate structures and sculptures replaced the earlier, more primitive structures on the Acropolis. Symbolizing the city, the Acropolis quickly became known worldwide. Athenian democracy was brought into existence in the 5th century BC, and its effects on history have endured until today. There was a great deal of influence of ancient Greece on the Romans and the rest of the European political structures. The Greek democracy inspired some elements of the American government. Despite endless occupations, Greece's enduring, preserved structures demonstrate its spirit of progress and resilience. There will still be Athens after we are gone. Visit any of the museums in Athens or experience the city's rich history on a guided tour.
The local dishes include seafood like mussels and grilled octopus, sun-ripened tomatoes, eggplant, and bell peppers. You can enjoy trovolia with marinated olives, a typical fresh cheese. Among the local wines, Moschofilero, a lively white with floral and aromatic notes, and Xinomavro, a bold, complex red, are popular.
Several typical liquors can be brought back home, such as Ouzo, which has an anise flavor, or Tsipouro, which is very strong. A vacuum-packed Greek olive, spice, and caper selection make a convenient souvenir. Hand-painted ceramics and leather sandals made locally can be found. Acropolis cruises will take you to the Psyri district, where you'll find most shops.
In the hills of its sea-facing neighborhoods, along the streets lined with glass paneled buildings of its business district, and along its smaller harbors filled with yachts and fishing boats, there are some hidden gems worth visiting.
It will be impossible to believe you are still in Piraeus the first time you see Zea Harbor. Once, a large, round harbor was used as an Athenian war port in Piraeus. Island ferries are not present here. Relatively small fishing boats and leisure vessels. Most of the restaurants and cafes along the promenade are middle-of-the-road. A modern marina called Zea Marina is located at the west end, where the fancy yachts are. At the end of the Freatida coast, you'll find the Hellenic Naval Academy. Beyond that, you'll find the Hellenic Maritime Museum.
There is just a tiny opening on the east side of Mikrolimano's harbor, which is shaped almost like an oval. A posh fish restaurant sits today on the site of more than 80 sheds, dedicated initially to Artemis (Mounichia), Athens' most important naval port. Its name has survived to the 21st century due to a lighthouse on the harbor mouth in Byzantine times. Atop Kastella's hill, rows of houses ascend like tiers of an amphitheater, while down below, luxury yachts bob for attention. Tourists and affluent Athenians visit Mikrolimano for upscale seafood. Those yachts and the hillside homes will be visible as they dine on the wooden quays.
Even though Piraeus is a different city, you can quickly get there via Line 1 of the Athens Metro. There is quite a space between the Acropolis and Ancient Agora for some ancient sightseeing. You'll be climbing up slippery marble surfaces, so you'll need comfortable, sensible shoes. Acropolis Museum visitors may need to pinch themselves to remind themselves that they see the Parthenon friezes or the Erechtheion caryatids. In the Agora, you'll be walking on top of the same ground Plato and Socrates walked on in the 5th century BC, and you may get chills just thinking about it. During the ancient Dionysia theatre competition, Sophocles and Euripides' works received their first performances at the Theater of Dionysus.
You'll find the authentic Greek neighborhood of Kastella just above the harbor of Mikrolimano, a hilltop district full of bright colors and cozy cafes. It is hard to believe you are still in the city and not on a tiny island in the Aegean Sea with its narrow streets and small-town atmosphere. On top of the hill, Prophet Elias Church stands majestically, highlighting neo-classical architecture and offering a picturesque view. Ice-cold cappuccinos with cinnamon or chocolate can be enjoyed on one of the bay's balconies.
Greece's largest maritime museum is located by Zea harbor. In 1949, prominent citizens and naval officers founded the Hellenic Maritime Museum. Taking you back to prehistoric times, the exhibition covers Greek maritime activity up until the Second World War and the Balkan Wars. Athenian commander Conon built a sea wall at the end of the fifth century BC, one of the exciting discoveries to make. As well as these vestiges, there are remnants of the ancient ship sheds called Neosokoi, which were used to build and repair the triremes of yore. Additionally, you can view maps from the 1500s through the 1800s. A room in the museum is dedicated to seascapes from the 19th and 20th centuries.
Best time to visit Piraeus in March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, and November when it is warm and sunny.
