PIRAEUS Overview

The city of Piraeus, known as Porto Leone in the Middle age, is the third largest city of Greece with an official population of 450000  (Census 2011) and the chief port of the country (cargo traffic and passenger). It is recognized as the top European port and the third largest, worldwide, in terms of passenger transportation (19 000 000 passengers annually)

History – Modern geologists agree with the testimony of a Greek Historian, Stravon, that the city used to be an island, connected to the mainland of Attica, by a low-lying stretch of land, flooded with water of the Kifissos’ river.

The city has already been inhabited in prehistoric times, turning into a great commercial harbour, at the time it became the seaport of Athens, during the Classic era. 

Piraeus suffers a great breakdown in the following years. Development of the city started again, at the time Athens was proclaimed as the capital of the Greek State in 1834. 

Geography – The Piraeus Urban Area, part of the greater Athens Urban Area, is comprised by the city proper and six other suburban municipalities. Piraeus downtown area is only 12 km away from Athens central area. The city is recognized as the physical and historical seaport of Athens. 

A geographical entity, known as the Islands of Saronikos (Aigina, Agkistri, Hydra, Poros, Salamina & Spetses) are situated in a short distance from the city. Piraeus maintains their administration. Regular transport with ferries and flying dolphins is available.

Weather   – Mild weather conditions with extended sessions of sunshine. A rather long autumn, and a mild, short, humid winter. Rain level may be high during October and November. 

Town Planning – Pasalimani, the best known spot, is situated in the southern end of the city. Named in the Ottoman era, for being the port of the Turkish fleet, it is also called Marina or Port of Zea.

Close to it, in about 1 km distance, Mikrolimano is found. Paralia, between Pasalimani and Mikrolimano is featuring an organized beach and many taverns, clubs and ouzeri. On the opposite side, Piraiki, the coastal path connecting the central port with Marina of Zea, is also full of fishtaverns, and ouzeri