Piraeus is the beach city you need to visit! A long time ago, Piraeus was a separate island that was eventually united with the mainland. The best way to get acquainted with the city is to take a stroll around the port.

During ancient times, Piraeus was an autonomous city which was linked to Athens via the Long Walls. The main purpose of the walls was to secure the connection between the city and its vital port. Because of its strategic point, it suffered a lot of attacks, that were aimed at disconnecting Athens from its impressive naval force.

In the medieval ages, the name Porto Leone was attached to the city by the Venetians. The name was due to a huge lion statue that stood at the port’s entrance. It is still used today to describe the city and the careful onlooker will notice the name on cafes and hotels in the area. During the Ottoman rule, the town was deserted and it was only rarely used as a commercial port.

The port of Piraeus is the biggest in Greece and one of the biggest not only in Europe but also in the world, Piraeus links the mainland to the many islands of the Aegean and ports all around the Mediterranean. It has also created plenty of work posts, that contribute to the development of the region.

The city has a very artistic side. Two famous theaters can be found in the city center. The first one, Piraeus municipal theatre, opened its doors for the first time in 1895. It operated till the 90s. In 2013 after a lot of renovation works, the newly modified building was restored to its past glory and is now a true jewel of the city. Actually, it presents and produces, some of the most prestigious plays in Greece.

The second one is called Veakeio after a great actor, Emilios Veakis, who has origins from the city. It is a summer theatre that has the classic Greek ancient architecture, built on the top of Kastella hill. It is very common after the play or the concert, to hang about and take a moment to gaze out the Aegean sea. On a clear day, you can see out towards the Acropolis, the Lycabettus hill and the Athenian Riviera. All with your naked eye!

Today Piraeus is a big city, the third largest in Greece. Yet many people seem unaware of it. While it is often confused for a suburb of Athens, this not so little city has a population of 165,000. Piraeus has its own university, the University of Piraeus, which mostly attracts students that are interested in economics and maritime studies. Students come from all over Greece as well as abroad.

As a former island it is normal that Piraeus has many small natural ports. Mikrolimano (small port) or Tourkolimano (the Turkish port) is one of them. Located in Kastella, it has many high-quality restaurants that mostly serve seafood. Another one is Pasalimani, that is found downtown. It is a yacht port, ideal for long walking tours with small squares and coffee places to rest at! Last but not least, Peiraiki (the coast of Piraeus) is another beautiful route to walk. This one offers a rocky landscape and a clear view of Salamina island in the Aegean.