Sport in Piraeus

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"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?

History

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.

Culture

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.

Check the calendar for events in our region.

Gastronomy

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!

Sports

Piraeus has traditionally been a core of sporting activity, with its clubs promoting the values of sport and bringing unique distinctions at national and international level. Piraeus is home to a number of sports clubs active in various sports, the Olympic Association of Piraeus Fans, the National Association of Piraeus-Faliro Fans, the Peace Friendship Sailing Club, the Greek Yacht Club, the Naval Athletic Association, the Eretos Club, etc.

"My Piraeus, my Piraeus, with your Saronic Gulf, you have your Olympiacos as your pride", says the well-known folk song, but the truth is that Olympiacos is not only the pride of the largest port, but also the pride of the whole of Greece. From the very first moment of its foundation, Olympiacos, in March 1925, was much more than a sports club. It was the reason why the economically disadvantaged walked down the street with their heads held high. Proudly. It wasn't just their team, it was a way of life.

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.

Entertainment

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!

Shops

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.