Piraeus port Athens is usually considered a big passenger and cargo port – which is more than true – but is it the only value this small and historical town can limit itself to?
Allowing yourself lazy strolls on the marvelous banks of Piraeus port you can see it has actually much more to offer. If you are blessed with the abundant sunshine as I was when taking a walk there, you are lucky to notice that the area is easily measuring up to the most beautiful promenades in the world.
The small private yachts in Mikrolimani (transl. the Small Port), beaming in sunlight in the embrace of the Saronic gulf, are sure to catch your eye and evoke you to dreaming of owning one or at least making a tour on those shiny waters.
Piraeus Port Athens
After taking some unforgettable pictures, you can proceed on to Pasalimani (transl. the Big Port), a broad bay at the eastern coast of Piraeus port which hosted the swimming events at the 1896 Athens summer Olympic Games. By the way, if you feel like swimming, the pool is still there. And if the weather allows, you can pamper yourself in the soft waves in the picturesque beach of the Piraeus port.
Walking up the pretty slopes of the city of Piraeus serves for an exercise but the view over the bay on the viewing platform is really worth the effort. The neoclassical houses from the 1950-s, scattered on the slopes of the crooked streets give you a notion as if being in a nice and cosy Greek village instead of just a Piraeus port of Athens.
When strolling in the port and taking in the view, you can take a break in one of the several tavernas and restaurants and enjoy the delicious Greek cuisine. While peaceful at daytime, it can be really buzy and buzzling at golden hour and at nighttime.
While in Piraeus port Athens, take a short drive to Piraeki, where you can once again enjoy a walk on a marvelous promenade admiring the Athenian crooked coastline. You can also take a look at a tiny blue-roofed chapel right on the waterfront and go inside and lit a candle. Right on the coast you can see a wall of Konon – the section of the fortification running along the coast of Piraeus port Athens, which is one of the most impressive monuments of the city today and one of the most magnificent fortifications of the ancient world. It belongs to the era of Konon, getting its name after the naval battle of Knidos (394 B.C.). It has survived in good condition in the length of 2,5 km. This fortification in Piraeus port of Athens which is the work of Themistokles, marked the foundation of the city. Themistokles’ strategy led to a shift which put an emphasis on the naval empire.
Other Piraeus port Athens attractions
While in Piraeus port Athens, don’t miss the vast area of the new Concert Hall and a National Library – Megaro Mousikis. The Athens Concert Hall is home to a huge library of works on music and other arts, designed and organized to international standards. Go inside and admire the majesty of the elegant and modern architecture – massive yet ever ever so airy.
Take an elevator to the top floor of the building to enjoy the view of the Saronic gulf with all its bays – Mikrolimani, Pasalimani, the passenger port and the cargo port on one side and the Lyabettus Hill on the other. In the distance you will also see the military boats, several yachts and a Taekwondo sports hall. Admire the sun coloring the mountains and the sky, while giving this additional touch to all that beauty. Notice the clouds playing hide-and-seek with the mountains which is all adding up to the very special touch of the area.
When descending, you can take a walk on the promenade, unravelling the overwhelming beauty of the site and its surroundings.
