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Piraeus, the central commercial port of the capital, at the shores of southern Attica, is located just a few kilometers from Athens and its famous Acropolis.
Piraeus was known in medieval times as “Porto Leone”, a name due to the enormous stone lion which guarded the port's entrance. Piraeus is Greece's biggest port and third largest city. The harbour of Piraeus is one of the most important in the Mediterranean. The city and its surrounding area constitute an industrial zone of particular importance for the Greek economy. With its important landmarks, wide streets, large squares, tree-lined avenues and parks, Piraeus city centre is dynamic and full of life, offering a large variety of events and cultural activities for visitors and tourists. You will find many fascinating museums, archaeological sites and art galleries, charming tavernas and restaurants (fish and seafood dishes), theatres and year-round entertainment, including dance and film festivals. Piraeus has an exciting nightlife, with numerous bars and nightclubs. Plenty of major shopping areas can be found on the central avenues of Piraeus, Iroon Polytechneiou and Grigoriou Labraki. The Archaeological Museum of Piraeus displays objects from Classical Antiquity found at the area of Piraeus and greater coastal zone, typical of the history and culture of the ancient city. The city also houses the Hellenic Maritime Museum, with exhibits related to the nautical tradition of the Greek nation; the Historical Museum; the Panos Aravantinos Decor Museum; the Georgios Averof Museum Ship and the Museum of Electric Railways, hosted in the Piraeus station. The Municipal Art Gallery and the Municipal Library are also prominent in Piraeus’ culture scene. What to see and do: › Take a walk along the Great Harbour and observe the magnificent yachts in the marina; › See concerts and shows in the Veakeio Outdoor Theater; › From the Hill of Kastella, take panoramic photographs of the Saronic Gulf and of the city of Athens, and don’t forget to see the typical Greek houses on the cliff; › Visit the Greek Maritime Museum and ancient ruins and remains; › Take a ferry or cruise around the Aegean Sea or go to one of the famous Greek islands; |
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Climate in Athens
The Summer in Athens and Piraeus is rather warm: the average air temperature in mid-July is 28°C (with 2° std. deviation). |
