Piraeus Port Info

This incredibly busy port, one of the busiest in the world, and the largest in Greece, is actually divided into three separate sections. The main central harbor handles most of the commercial shipping for cargo, passenger ferries for the islands, and cruise ships. The attractive Zea (or Passalimani) Harbor handles pleasure craft and hydrofoils to the nearby Saronic Gulf islands, and the pretty Mikrolimano is a marina for pleasure craft and fishing boats. Mikrolimano and Passalimani, together with three more tiny harbors, i.e.Zea, Freatida and Hatzikiriakio, house countless seaside tavernas providing delicious seafood washed down with the uniquely Greek drink, ouzo. The fresh smell of the sea and the sounds made by the assortment of caiques, yachts and sailing ships, which are moored next to the tables, complete the enjoyment of the food.

Piraeus is one of the oldest ports in the world; its walls were built in 478 B.C., and a promenade exploring its remains could prove a fascinating one. The surrounding town of Piraeus, now the third largest city in Greece, was originally laid out according to the architectural plans of Hippodamus, who was the pioneer in formal city planning. The city was designed in the form of a grid, with straight streets intersecting to form city blocks, interspersed with spacious squares and public parks.

It is an interesting city to explore, a city of neighborhoods, a working class city with both an industrial zone and pretty suburbs; a city with museums, churches, cathedrals, lots of restaurants, shops, hotels, galleries, outdoor summer events and happenings, and plenty of nightlife. Beyond the port, the most impressive spots are the hills of Profitis Ilias and Kastela with their neoclassical mansions and modern buildings which look like hanging over the sea.