Neighbourhood guide · Athens, Greece
Piraeus
Far more than a ferry port: Piraeus has a harbour of fish tavernas at Mikrolimano, a marina of yachts at Zea, the stepped lanes of Kastella and some 2,500 years of seafaring history.
About Piraeus
Piraeus has been the port of Athens since antiquity – Themistocles began fortifying it in 493 BC – and today it is one of the largest passenger ports in the world. Beyond the ferry quays lies a city in its own right, with a neoclassical Municipal Theatre, a shopping district of pedestrian streets south of Korai Square and three harbours, each with its own character.
Marina Zea, also known as Pasalimani, was the shipbuilding heart of the ancient port, where sheds housed the Athenian warships; today it is lined with yachts and cafés, with the Archaeological Museum of Piraeus and the Hellenic Maritime Museum close by. Mikrolimano, the ‘little port’, sits beneath the hill of Kastella, its quay a horseshoe of fish tavernas.
Climb the stepped lanes of Kastella to the church of Profitis Ilias for views over the Saronic Gulf, then come down to Mikrolimano for a long seafood lunch by the water. Later, walk the Peiraiki coastal path, about an hour, with views of passing ships and the islands of Salamina and Aegina. On Sunday mornings, the flea market near the station is worth an early visit.
Where Piraeus is
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The best of Piraeus
Six of the best restaurants in Piraeus
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Classic since 1932
Dourabeis
One of Piraeus’s oldest fish tavernas, serving simple, superb seafood since 1932.
Akti Dilaveri 29, Piraeus 185 33Explore View on map
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7 photos
Since 1996
Jimmy’s Fish
A Mikrolimano favourite since 1996: retro Côte d’Azur décor and fresh fish by the yachts.
Akti Koumoundourou 52, PiraeusExplore View on map
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7 photos
The Papaioannou flagship
Papaioannou Mikrolimano
Chef Giorgos Papaioannou’s flagship: classic Greek fish cookery on the Mikrolimano quay.
Akti Koumoundourou 42, Mikrolimano, 185 33 PiraeusExplore View on map
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10 photos
New Piraeus fish bar
Peiraiopoula Fish Bar
A bright fish bar near Marina Zeas, with fresh fish daily and modern seafood plates.
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14 photos
Michelin Guide
Varoulko Seaside
Lefteris Lazarou’s celebrated seafood restaurant on the pretty Mikrolimano harbour. Inventive fish cookery with the yachts bobbing just beyond your table.
54 Akti KoumoundourouExplore View on map
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9 photos
Harbour-view dining room
Zorbas Mikrolimano
Freshly caught fish and Greek seafood above the Mikrolimano yachts, with a seasonal menu.
14 Akti Koumoundourou Street, Piraeus, 18533Explore View on map
More from our lists in Piraeus
Walks in Piraeus
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6 photosPiraeus by the sea
Kastella, Mikrolimano and the Peiraiki shore
Hilltop Kastella, the little harbour of Mikrolimano and the rocky Peiraiki shore of Piraeus.
Experiences in Piraeus
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Video 8 photosClassic gulet day
All Day Cruise
Wooden gulet days from Marina Zeas to Agistri, Moni and Aegina, plus sunset and dinner sails.
Marina Zeas, PiraeusExplore View on map
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Video 9 photosAgistri, Moni, Aegina
Cruise in Athens
All-inclusive wooden-yacht day trip from Marina Zeas to Agistri, Moni and Aegina.
New Developments in Piraeus
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6 photosReborn landmark
Piraeus Tower
The port’s landmark tower, reborn as Greece’s first green, digital high-rise above the ferries.
2 Akti Posidonos, Piraeus 185 31Explore View on map
Transport in Piraeus
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Cyclades & Dodecanese
Blue Star Ferries
One of Greece’s largest ferry lines, running big, comfortable conventional ferries from Piraeus to the Cyclades, the Dodecanese and other islands. Good value, with cabins on longer routes.
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Saronic islands
Hellenic Seaways
Ferries and fast boats from Piraeus to Aegina, Poros, Hydra and Spetses.
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5 photos
Main ferry port
Port of Piraeus
Greece’s biggest port, with ferries to the Saronic islands, the Cyclades, the Dodecanese, the North Aegean and Crete. Reach it by metro (Lines 1 and 3 to Piraeus), the suburban railway or the X96 bus from the airport. Check which gate your ship leaves from.
Piraeus portExplore View on map
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VideoOur sister guide
To the Greek Islands
Ferries and short flights from Athens to the Cyclades, Crete, Rhodes and Corfu.
See the full list: Getting Around Athens: Airport, Metro, Taxis, Ferries & Day Tours
Greek Islands in Piraeus
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How it works
Island hopping from Piraeus
Ferries and flights from Athens to the Cyclades, and how to combine islands in one trip.