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Contact
Use the details below to contact us.
For any questions
Directorate for Externalisation, Tourism & European Programmes,
Department of Tourism,
15 Makras Stoa, 18531, Piraeus
Tel: 214.405.3453-4-5
If you are coming to Piraeus for the first time we will make your life easy with a short, but interesting, programme. And if you are travelling with your family, then we will keep an eye on the children with ideas for safe and nice walks in the harbours, parks with playgrounds and pedestrian streets.
Directorate of Extroversion, Tourism and EU funded programs,
Tourism Department,
Makras Stoas 15, 18531, Peiraias
Tel: 214.405.3453-4-5
"Where am I, on an island?" You re not the first, nor the last to have asked this question, whether out loud or in your mind! In 2022, Mikrolimano underwent a transformation and, under the mayorship of Giannis Moralis, it emerged as an even more beloved spot for leisure and strolls. A true seaside oasis!
The views it offers from above are truly impressive. And you 'll definitely need a lot of video minutes to capture the most cosmopolitan, bustling, and beloved area of the Piraeus residents: Passalimani. The scenes are countless: jetties where everything from boats to luxurious yachts are tied. Cafes and restaurants overlooking the boats and the sea. Palm trees, the iconic Clock, Kanari Square, Zea Marina with the Naval Museum, Alexandra Square. And the ever-present sun, casting reflections on the sea. An endless promenade by the water, with a wide, safe sidewalk for families and benches for relaxation or coffee on the go. Often, the Municipality organizes exhibitions - such as books, flowers, Greek cuisine, and more.
Follow us to discover the famous neighborhood of Kastella and Prophet Elias Hill with the Veakeio Theater. We know all the secrets and will provide you with detailed directions to navigate through the labyrinth of alleys and stairs, admire the neoclassical buildings, and find panoramic viewpoints along the coastline of Piraeus and the Athens Riviera.
Still warm from the sun, the rocks of Piraeus, with the Aphrodite Cove where the Cross stands and the "island-style" chapel of Saint Nicholas, invite you to take a break. As do the seafood flavors in the restaurants and taverns along the coast. As for swimming, you don't need to go far: Freattyda Beach, with its organized beachfront, is a small summer paradise within the city. You 'll feel refreshed and await... And there, the sun sets in the west, revealing a palette of colors that is hard to describe in words.
The collections of this museum will offer you a representative image of the city's history, which experienced a great heyday in antiquity, serving as a major trading center in the Eastern Mediterranean and a naval base of ancient Athens. The three- story museum was designed in 1960 and inaugurated in 1966.
Get informed from the calendar about the events in our area.
The maritime history and tradition, from prehistoric times to the present day, come to life in this outstanding museum in Piraeus. The inauguration of the Hellenic Maritime Museum in the Zea Marina building took place in 1969. The exhibition areas cover an impressive 1,700 square meters, showcasing more than 2,500 items organized chronologically and thematically.
Who would have thought that amidst abandoned factories and warehouses in one of the most developed industrial zones of the 19th and 20th centuries, modern art would find its place in the 21st century? But it happened! The areas near the port and Akti Kondyli started becoming an exciting cultural destination. Galleries and multipurpose venues (where original events are organized) are concentrated in the area of Agios Dionysios and Papastratiou - mainly on Poludeukous, Kastoros, Mesologgiou, and Gravia streets.
Have you disembarked from your cruise ship, or are you getting ready to set sail tomorrow and want to get to know Piraeus? Did you come for a vacation in Athens and want to see its port? Or perhaps you're staying in Attica and have the desire to explore Piraeus, where you usually come for entertainment?
Themistocles' vision for the development of Athens as a naval power through Piraeus with its three natural harbors, which were fortified, also included the development of the commercial port: the Cantharus (or Megistos according to Pausanias), which is today's central port of the city. Its total area in antiquity was larger than today. The ends of the seawalls terminated at the two shores (Cape and Eetioneia) with strong towers that held chains (clamps) to close and prevent enemy surprises.
In the Roman period, Piraeus and Athens were separated. During these years, Piraeus not only declined but also, due to Athens' alliance with Mithridates and after a prolonged siege, in 86 BC, the Romans, led by Sulla, destroyed the city and set it on fire along with the shipyards and warehouses. The few inhabitants who remained lived near the port and the temple of Savior Zeus.
From the 19th century to the present day, the history of the port is so rich in events and significant for the commerce and industry of Greece that it is difficult to summarize in a few lines. Let's choose the following: When did the interest in the harbor begin in the 19th century? In 1834, with the transfer of the capital to Athens from Nafplio, the newly formed state turned its attention to the development of the port. The Chians from Syros came - wealthy families who would become the emerging commercial and industrial bourgeoisie of Piraeus - and the Hydriots.
The city-port of Piraeus is synonymous with travel, diverse cultures, and diversity. The taste as an expression of culture can transport us to the diverse past of this city, to the traditions and the diversity of the people who have lived here: The Piraeus locals from all social classes, the people who came from the islands, the refugees from Asia Minor, foreigners, and recently, the chefs who have chosen Piraeus in recent years to combine traditional recipes with international cuisine in menus that impress with their creativity and daring.
The gastronomic identity of the city has "seals" that connect the past with the present and, for many, evoke nostalgia for authentic flavors and a pure past. Let's get a taste of Piraeus!
It is one of the most famous landmarks in Piraeus and stands out with its "futuristic" design. When Olympiacos plays, the cheers of the fans reverberate throughout the city, and powerful floodlights make the spectacle even more spectacular. The appearance you see today has no relation to the original stadium. The old stadium was built to be a Velodrome for the 1896 Athens Olympic Games and later became the home ground of Olympiacos, being used as a stadium during the 1920s.
"What is this?" As your vehicle rolls down Ethnarhou Makariou Avenue, the unusual, cavernous shape of the large roof of the Peace and Friendship Stadium comes into view against the backdrop of the sea. Look. It almost looks...flexible. If you've never seen it before, you'll surely have many questions! So, let's provide some answers. When and how was it constructed? The multi-purpose indoor stadium was built between 1981-1984, based on the designs by the architectural firm "Thymios Papagiannis and Associates." Its architecture, modern equipment, and the events held there kept it relevant for many years.
Olympiacos, the legendary team synonymous with Piraeus, celebrates its 100 years of history in 2025. Its history is grand and thrilling, filled with victories and championships in team and individual sports. At Karaiskaki, the iconic stadium of the city, you will also find the Olympiacos Museum. Established in 2006, the moments of the team's triumphs that turned them into legends will unfold before your eyes. You will learn a lot about the history of Greek sports and various sports.
Dramatic and comedic movies from the 1950s and 1960s that left their mark on Greek cinema include scenes shot in the port of Piraeus, Pasalimani, and Kastella. Or, for the sake of the plot, they recreate the neighborhood of Troumba in a studio, as was done in "Lola" and "Red Lanterns".
The most famous and important film of all is, of course, "Never on Sunday" written and directed by Jules Dassin. Melina Mercouri, as Ilya, sang (and even in front of a photo of the Olympiacos team!) the famous "Children of Piraeus" by Manos Hatzidakis, which won the Academy Award for Best Original Song in April 1961, although the composer refused to accept it. No other Greek film song has been able to surpass it in international success, and it is the one with the most cover versions worldwide. Melina won the Best Actress award at Cannes. Dassin's bilingual film is a hymn to the Piraeus of the era, passing in front of the camera. The carriages, the port, the cafes, the rebetika nightclubs, the ships of the 5th fleet - they all depict a cheerful and idealized Piraeus with people who didn't hesitate to dance the famous syrtaki at any moment! An unforgettable advertisement for the city (and Olympiacos, as Melina wears the number 4 jersey in another scene) that made history.
Follow us to discover the famous neighborhood of Kastella and Prophet Elias Hill with the Veakeio Theater. We know all the secrets and will provide you with detailed directions to navigate through the labyrinth of alleys and stairs, admire the neoclassical buildings, and find panoramic viewpoints along the coastline of Piraeus and the Athens Riviera.
Still warm from the sun, the rocks of Piraeus, with the Aphrodite Cove where the Cross stands and the "island-style" chapel of Saint Nicholas, invite you to take a break. As do the seafood flavors in the restaurants and taverns along the coast. As for swimming, you don't need to go far: Freattyda Beach, with its organized beachfront, is a small summer paradise within the city. You 'll feel refreshed and await... And there, the sun sets in the west, revealing a palette of colors that is hard to describe in words.
Taking a stroll in the large and child-friendly esplanade of Mikrolimano, with its row of restaurants and cafes, is one of the most beautiful experiences in Piraeus. The view of the sea with moored boats and fishing boats, as well as the Kastella neighborhood that crowns the little harbor, is charming. Mikrolimano will surely remind you of an Aegean island! And what an island...
He's standing there. He watches everything.He watches time pass and his city evolve.He poses and takes pictures... He posts on social media.The lion of Piraeus.
You find yourself in the "heart" of Piraeus. It beats loudly: children play on the square at all hours, people and cars come and go, and all heads turn to look at it. It beats rhythmically: in the evenings, the voices of actors, sounds from concerts, and dance performances echo from its stage. It has been beating for many years, since 1895.
With your mobile in hand, you turn around and capture a 360-degree view from the peninsula overlooking Alexandra Square. The view is unobstructed. Towards Freattida, Zea Marina, Pasalimani, and the open sea. A small map of the coastline in front of you, with boats reflecting in the water, comes to life with people and cars passing by incessantly. In the evening, the colors of the horizon and the city lights make every photograph and memory priceless. So much so that you want to return on many more afternoons.
The collections of this museum will offer you a representative image of the city's history, which experienced a great heyday in antiquity, serving as a major trading center in the Eastern Mediterranean and a naval base of ancient Athens. The three- story museum was designed in 1960 and inaugurated in 1966.
The maritime history and tradition, from prehistoric times to the present day, come to life in this outstanding museum in Piraeus. The inauguration of the Hellenic Maritime Museum in the Zea Marina building took place in 1969. The exhibition areas cover an impressive 1,700 square meters, showcasing more than 2,500 items organized chronologically and thematically.
Housed in the neoclassical building that once served as the post office in the early 20th century, the Municipal Art Gallery of Piraeus has been welcoming visitors since 2014. The rich collection of this gallery includes 837 paintings by renowned modern Greek artists, such as Nikolaos and Periklis Lytras, Konstantinos Maleas, Konstantinos Romanides, Michail Economou, and Alexandros Christofis, among others. At times, works by contemporary artists are also exhibited.
Its red domes used to stand out along the entire coastline of the commercial port. Now they are blue, the colour of the sea, since Saint Nicholas is the patron saint of sailors.
The history of the church of Agios Spyridon, the patron saint of Piraeus, is a tale that traces its origins back to the 11th to 12th century, according to some references. Other historical sources suggest it was established as a small chapel in the 16th century. What is certain is that during the years of Frankish and Ottoman rule, there was a monastery dedicated to Agios Spyridon on the northeastern side of the so-called Porto Draco or Porto Leone, where the Lion of Piraeus stands
At the location where you see the Holy Trinity of Piraeus today, there used to be an ancient monastery that was destroyed during the Greek War of Independence in 1821. It was re-founded in 1839 and completed between 1841-1845.
Sitting in one of the cafes or restaurants, you can enjoy the sun and the sea view. Impressive sailboats and mega yachts from all over the world are anchoring right in front of you, while people come and go to the Hellenic Maritime Museum, located just a few meters away. You've just visited it and are still filled with images and information about the city's rich maritime tradition. Today and yesterday come together at this very spot. It's a meeting point for boat owners, Piraeus locals, and visitors, bustling with life until late at night, all year round.
Its profile is different from that of Zeas Marina, as it is exclusively aimed at those with mega and super yachts. It is considered ideal for those who want to travel to the Aegean islands.
Have you disembarked from your cruise ship, or are you getting ready to set sail tomorrow and want to get to know Piraeus? Did you come for a vacation in Athens and want to see its port? Or perhaps you're staying in Attica and have the desire to explore Piraeus, where you usually come for entertainment?
Gorgeous sunsets, exquisite flavors, a unique view of the sea, the touch of the city's ancient history dating back to the times of Themistocles and Conon, iconic neoclassical buildings, and an organized beach for swimming; all of these unfold along this 2.5 km route, running alongside the Piraeus Peninsula, right next to the water.
Weekend in Piraeus. This is your chance to get to know Piraeus as a travel destination and not just as the port you arrive at or depart from for the islands!
Like any modern city, Piraeus has become a small shopping paradise, especially in recent years, evolving into a travel destination. It welcomes not only ship and cruise passengers but also visitors from all over the world who stay in hotels and engage in tourism.
Take some time to explore the city's markets following our tips: What will you find in Piraeus' markets? Everything! Clothes, shoes, accessories, cosmetics, gift items, jewelry, toys, home goods, and decor, stores with technology products, and much more.
What... whets your appetite? Fresh fish, appetizers, seafood? Souvlaki and meat dishes? Traditional Greek cuisine? Gourmet or vegan flavors? What kind of cuisine and atmosphere do you prefer? By the seaside? With modern music accompaniment or perhaps with folk and rebetiko music?
Mikrolimano and Kastella. Pasalimani and Marina Zeas. Trouba. City center The nightlife in Piraeus offers endless choices, with entire streets filled with establishments that have left their mark on the city's entertainment scene for quite some time. Follow your instincts, dress according to your mood, and choose where to go tonight in this city-port that never seems to sleep!
Every May, we have one more reason to visit Piraeus: the Days of the Sea . Concerts with famous artists, street parties, guided tours, film screenings, dedications, photography and painting exhibitions, conferences, sports events, and many more educational, cultural, and sports activities make up the event program.
Christmas in Piraeus. Unique and imaginative are the ideas for celebrating Christmas in the city - every year, in fact, there are more and more surprises.
It is rare for a city to have beaches for swimming and recreation, so take advantage of it! Just as they did in the past decades and continue to do so, not only the people of Piraeus but also people from all over Attica who came for a swim at the beaches of Piraeus with their families.
Canoeing, kayaking, sailing, inflatable boat rides, skiing, windsurfing... Starting from Piraeus, you can explore the Saronic Gulf and the Athenian Riviera by sea.
Are you coming or going? Are you welcoming or bidding farewell? To which island will you journey today? To which city for business or leisure? Did you arrive by cruise ship and are you ready to stroll through Athens and explore the beauties of Piraeus? I wonder what thoughts cross your mind as the ship drifts away, and you take photos and bid farewell to Piraeus, with the sea breeze ruffling your hair and the sun bathing the decks.
Silver Moon, Silver Explorer, Norwegian Spirit, Lirica, Resilient Lady, Jewel of the Seas, the Riviera... As you set sail or return from the islands, your attention will be drawn to the impressive multi-story cruise ships anchored at the cruise terminal in Piraeus.
At the edge of the promontory embracing Mikrolimano lies the Nautical Club of Greece with its clubhouse (www.ycg.gr). This historic sailing and yachting club was founded in 1933 with the goal of developing the skills of its athletes and their participation in sports competitions. The club's facilities house the sailing vessels of its athletes, as well as triangle and open-sea boats.
Traveling or taking a stroll in Piraeus with your kids? Absolutely! The city is safe and ideal for families. Depending on their age, you'll find different interesting activities to do together.
From the balcony of your hotel, you can see the sea and the city. Neoclassical buildings alternating with modern ones. Plazas. People strolling on pedestrian streets or sitting in cafes. The tram. Streets with famous shops...
"Alone is powerful," as the saying goes. In your case, it's also a unique opportunity to explore the city of Piraeus on your terms and adjust your schedule throughout the day as you please.
Many travelers are not content with merely visiting a place's landmarks. They want to experience authentic moments and gain a deeper understanding of its culture and the lives of its people. Piraeus, this port city with a captivating history that dates back to antiquity, possesses a multicultural character that makes it truly unique. It's an ideal destination for those who wish to dive deeper and discover the treasures hidden beneath its surface.
A few hours in Piraeus are enough to get a taste of the sea and enjoy fresh fish and seafood, or have coffee with a view of the Saronic Gulf and the piers with boats. The scene here is always cheerful and feels perpetually summery!
In this case, you'll have time to see the main attractions and get a taste of Piraeus. Here's what we recommend
This is your chance to get to know Piraeus as a travel destination and not just as the port you arrive at or depart from for the islands!
With a three-day vacation trip to Piraeus, you will have the opportunity not only to admire the sights but also to become a part of the city's life and experience the unique atmosphere it exudes, thanks to its long history and multicultural identity.
