Piraeus, the port of Athens, is the largest port in Greece and one of the largest in Europe. However, Piraeus Town is not only its port, with the crowds of people and ships, the traffic jam and the industrial scenery. Piraeus Town is an ideal escape from Athens, an interesting city by the sea, which can offer you moments of relaxation and entertainment. Piraeus is located 15 km from Athens Center, and you can go there by train in 20 minutes from Monastiraki or Omonoia Square.
View of Piraeus Port
1. Mikrolimano
Mikrolimano (=small port) is the best nightlife spot in Piraeus. Elegant restaurants (some of them internationally awarded, like Varoulko), taverns, bars and clubs by the sea create a perfect scenery for walking, drinking and eating like being on an island.
Mikrolimano
2. Kastella
Kastella is the district on the cliff above Mikrolimano. Here, are located luxury neoclassical buildings, which are the residences of some of the richest people in Piraeus. Small, narrow, pedestrian streets and the beautiful view of Mikrolimano and the Argosaronic Gulf on the top of the cliff make Kastella the best spot for a promenade in the urban scenery of Piraeus Town.
View of Kastela
3. Freattida
Freattida is a district, which includes the beach of Piraeus (Votsalakia) and also some nice cafés by the sea. The most interesting thing with this beach is that it is the closest beach to Athens Center and more importantly, that behind the beach, are located the ancient ruins of the walls of Themistocles, the walls that protected ancient Athens from its enemies.
4. Peiraiki
Near Freattida, is located the district of Peiraiki, an area with nice apartments with breathtaking view of the sea. In Peiraiki, you will find many traditional Greek taverns to eat seafood and fresh fish by the sea and also a wonderful marina (Zea) with luxury yachts and many cafés. A small church at the edge of the peninsula make you literally feel like being on an island.
5. Pasalimani
Pasalimani is the centre of Piraeus Town, and it is a popular spot for a promenade by the sea and the yachts. In Pasalimani, there are also many bars mostly with Greek music, which are calmer than Mikrolimano, but are also nice places to have fun and relax.
6. Iroon Polytechniou
Iroon Polytechniou is the central street of Piraeus Town, where you will find many shops and boutiques. In addition to shopping, you can admire the Piraeus Municipal Theatre, a cultural jewel that will impress you with its architecture and style.
7. Trouba
Trouba used to be a disreputable district near Piraeus Port, but the last years, it turned into a vivid nightlife spot, which attracts visitors from all over Athens. It is the best place in Piraeus for bar-hopping and meeting young people.