Votsalakia Beach

Votsalakia Beach is a popular beach in Piraeus, Greece. It is located just 10 km south of Athens. Thanks to its proximity to the neighborhood of Kastella, Votsalakia Beach can become busy, especially during the summer months. The shore of the beach is pebbled and not far from the shore you will find a volleyball court. Around the beach of Votsalakia visitors will find many restaurants and cafes. Getting to Votsalakia Beach is quite easy thanks to the bus and trolley bus service as well as car rentals and taxis. From Piraeus Port to Votsalakia Beach is only 4.8 km and from Syntagma Square to Votsalakia Beach is 10.5 km.

Glyfada Beach

Glyfada Beach is a short drive from the city center of Piraeus and 16 km south of Athens. It’s proximity means it can get busy, but this sandy beach is worth it. Glyfada Beach has become a major seaside resort, so you will have options for watersports and food and drink at the bars, restaurants, and cafes in the area. If you prefer lounging on the sandy beach and soaking up the sun, it’s the perfect beach for that as well. Most of the beaches of Glyfada are public, while others are private.

Varkiza Beach

Located 27 km south of Athens, Varkiza Beach is a lively seaside resort town that is located southwest of central Piraeus. The drive to Varkiza beach is just as lovely as the beach itself. Varkiza Beach is sandy, organized, and popular during the summer months. The beach is home to volleyball courts, a play area for children, and snack bars. You can find more places to eat around the town of Varkiza. Varkiza Beach is only 27 km from the port of Piraeus, 20 km from Syntagma Square, and 20 km from the airport. You can get to Varkiza Beach by rented car or by bus. The closest bus stop to the beach is “Varkiza.”

Voula Beach

Voula Beach is located 18 km south of Athens on the way to Cape Sounion. It is a sandy and organized beach that is known for its party atmosphere. This atmosphere makes it popular with the younger crowd. Voula Beach has been awarded the Blue Flag for its clean waters. This is the ideal beach to visit if you love spending time in the water and lounging on the beach catching sun. Voula Beach is 20 km from the port of Piraeus and 15 km from Syntagma Square. You can reach the beach by rental car or by bus, which stops by the beach.

Spend time at these beaches when in Piraeus, Greece. They give you a great chance to relax and unwind while in Piraeus.

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Archaeological Museum of Piraeus

The first Archaeological Museum of Piraeus was founded in 1935 to showcase the antiquities that were uncovered from archaeological research throughout the city, the western coast of Attica, and the Argosaronikos Islands. The museum expanded in 1966 with the addition of a new building. The new building is the Contemporary Museum that is located at the archaeological site of the Hellenistic Theatre of Zea found behind the building of the Archaeological Museum.

The Archaeological Museum of Piraeus contains collections that include sculptured grave monuments from the 5th and 4th centuries BC, bronze statues of Athena and Artemis, a bronze tragic mask from the 4th century BC, a rare bronze trireme ram, and much more.

Agia Triada Church

Agia Triada Church, also known as Church of the Holy Trinity, was originally founded in 1839, but sadly that church was destroyed during a bombing in 1944. Once the war ended, another church was built on the same site. The church was consecrated in the mid-1960s. While the church is of modern construction, it is still a beautiful church to visit when visiting Piraeus, Greece. It is a large church that features a dome with the image of Christ Pantocrator, which can be see from every area of the church floor.

Nautical Museum

Also known as the Maritime Museum, the Nautical Museum is a must-see when visiting Piraeus. The museum was founded in 1949 and has 9 rooms with exhibits that showcase prehistoric to present times. Exhibits include models of ancient and modern ships, maps, nautical instruments, flags, weapons, and medals.

There are also works of art featured at the museum. These paintings depict seascapes created by Greek painters of the 19th and 20th centuries. The museum also houses a library with 10,000 volumes and archival material. 200 maps from the 16th – 20th centuries and the archive of Admiral Kriezis are also part of the Nautical Museum in Piraeus.

Bay of Zea

The Bay of Zea in Piraeus has been an important site since ancient times. It is a bay at the eastern coast of the Piraeus peninsula. The Bay of Zea hosted the swimming events during the 1896 Summer Olympics in Athens. At the narrow entrance, you can still see the remains of Piraeus ancient walls and the foundations of shipyards where Athens’ triremes ships were assembled. As you explore the inner area of the harbor, you can admire Piraeus’ cityscape and the yachts on the water. During Ottoman times, the Bay of Zea was where pashas would bathe with their harems.

Piraeus, Greece is rich in attractions that you won’t want to miss if you’re visiting. Whether your interest lies in historical monuments or museums, there is something for you.

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Piraeus is surrounded by the sea. When the town was built, it was taken into consideration how close it was to Athens. Piraeus would become a fortified port for the city. Today, Piraeus is still the main port of Athens and the largest one in Greece. There is plenty to see and do when you’re visiting Piraeus.

Visit a Museum

Piraeus, Greece has no shortage of museums. The Electric Railway Museum of Piraeus is an interesting and fun one. A former employee of the Athens-Piraeus Electric Railways opened the museum in 2005 to showcase the memorabilia he had collected. The collection includes: uniforms, photographs, wagons, signalling equipment, and more.

The museum is home to over 2,000 items and 3,000 books and photographs. There is also the Archaeological Museum of Piraeus, which is dedicated to the history of Piraeus and its archaeological finds. Other museums in Piraeus include: the Acropolis Museum, the Hellenic Maritime Museum, and the Museum of Olympiacos.

Enjoy a Meal

Piraeus is home to a lot of good food. You will find seafood, Greek, European, Mediterranean, Indian, Italian, pizza, and more. If you have any dietary restrictions, you’ll find many restaurants have vegetarian, gluten-free, and vegan options. The lovely thing about eating around Piraeus is that you will often have a seaside view while you enjoy your meal. There are many places that offer outdoor seating as well. Coffee shops and cafés are also easy to find around Piraeus.

Visit the Bay of Zea

The Bay of Zea is the second largest of Piraeus’ three ports. In 1896, the Bay of Zea hosted the swimming events during the Summer Olympics that were held in Athens. At the entrance, you can see the remains of the Piraeus ancient walls as well as the foundations of the shipyards where ships were assembled. During the Ottoman times, the Bay of Zea is where Athens pashas would come to bathe. When you are done walking around and exploring the Bay of Zea, there are other things to do in the area. Up for a game? The Mindtrap Piraeus isn’t far. This is the largest live escape game in Europe.

Go Diving

Piraeus is home to a dive center where you can dive with experienced professionals. This is your chance to explore the bottom of the sea and islets of Piraeus, Greece. If you’ve never been diving before, you can take private lessons. The instructors are friendly and helpful. You will be taken to a dive spot, get in some practice, and go for a dive. Equipment is new and checked regularly for safety.

Visiting Piraeus, Greece is a wonderful experience that will leave you wishing you had more time to spend there.

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The climate of Piraeus, Greece is classified as hot-summer Mediterranean. The climate is warm and temperate. The rain mainly falls during the winter months. The hottest months in Piraeus are typically June – September and the coldest month is January. The driest month in the area is August while December is the wettest.

This weather forecast in Piraeus, Greece, will vary from year to year. The averages that you see below represent historical weather data. Here is the typical weather forecast throughout the year for Piraeus, Greece:

January

• Temperature: 45.14° F (7.3° C) – 56.12° F (13.4° C)
• Precipitation: 51 mm
• Climate: 12 days of rain on average, 9.9 hours of daylight per day, 5.6 hours of sunshine per day, UV-index 3, water temperature 57.2° F (14° C)
• Humidity: 74%

February 

• Temperature: 45.86° F (7.7° C) – 57.2° F (14° C)
• Precipitation: 50 mm
• Climate: 11.1 days of rain on average, 10.8 hours of daylight per day, 6.8 hours of sunshine per day, UV-index 4, water temperature 57.2° F (14° C)
• Humidity: 73%

March  

• Temperature: 50° F (10° C) – 62.6° F (17° C)
• Precipitation: 38 mm
• Climate: 10.9 days of rain on average, 12 hours of daylight per day, 8 hours of sunshine per day, UV-index 4, water temperature 57.2° F (14° C)
• Humidity: 68%

April

• Temperature: 53.6° F (12° C) – 69.8° F (21° C)
• Precipitation: 25 mm
• Climate: 9.3 days of rain on average, 13.2 hours of daylight per day, 10.1 hours of sunshine per day, UV-index 5, water temperature 59° F (15° C)
• Humidity: 64%

May

• Temperature: 62.6° F (17° C) – 79.7° F (26.5° C)
• Precipitation: 18 mm
• Climate: 8 days of rain on average, 14.2 hours of daylight per day, 11.3 hours of sunshine per day, UV-index 6, water temperature 64.4° F (18° C), beach/pool score 8
• Humidity: 58%

June

• Temperature: 69.8° F (21° C) – 87.8° F (31° C)
• Precipitation: 14 mm
• Climate: 5.8 days of rain on average, 14.8 hours of daylight per day, 11.8 hours of sunshine per day, UV-index 7, water temperature 71.6° F (22° C), beach/pool score 9.1
• Humidity: 54%

July

• Temperature: 76.1° F (24.5° C) – 93.2° F (34° C)
• Precipitation: 10 mm
• Climate: 2.9 days of rain on average, 14.5 hours of daylight per day, 12 hours of sunshine per day, UV-index 7, water temperature 75.2° F (24° C), beach/pool score 9.1
• Humidity: 51%

August

• Temperature: 77° F (25° C) – 93.2° F (34° C)
• Precipitation: 5 mm
• Climate: 1.8 days of rain on average, 13.6 hours of daylight per day, 12 hours of sunshine per day, UV-index 7, water temperature 75.2° F (24° C), beach/pool score 9.1
• Humidity: 50%

September

• Temperature: 69.8° F (21° C) – 85.1° F (29.5° C)
• Precipitation: 36 mm
• Climate: 5 days of rain on average, 12.4 hours of daylight per day, 9.9 hours of sunshine per day, UV-index 6, water temperature 73.4° F (23° C), beach/pool score 9.1
• Humidity: 58%

October

• Temperature: 61.7° F (16.5° C) – 75.2° F (24° C)
• Precipitation: 48 mm
• Climate: 8.5 days of rain on average, 11. 2 hours of daylight per day, 7 hours of sunshine per day, UV-index 4, water temperature 69.8° F (21° C)
• Humidity: 65%

November 

• Temperature: 53.6° F (12° C) – 66.2° F (19° C)
• Precipitation: 67 mm
• Climate: 11 days of rain on average, 10.1 hours of daylight per day, 6.4 hours of sunshine per day, UV-index 4, water temperature 66.2° F (19° C)
• Humidity: 72%

December

• Temperature: 47.84° F (8.8° C) – 59° F (15° C)
• Precipitation: 82 mm
• Climate: 14 days of rain on average, 9.6 hours of daylight per day, 5.8 hours of sunshine per day, UV-index 2, water temperature 60.8° F (16° C)
• Humidity: 72%

The hot-summer Mediterranean climate of Piraeus, Greece means you will enjoy mild temperatures and slightly more precipitation during the winter and more sunshine and dry periods during the summer.

Find the current weather forecast for Piraeus, Greece here:

Accuweather – Piraeus, Greece Weather Forecast

Weather.com – Piraeus, Greece Weather Forecast

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Piraeus During Ancient Greece

Because of its location, Piraeus was quickly embraced in the 5th Century B.C. as the city-state of Athens’ major port. However, it has been inhabited in some fashion since the 26th Century B.C. There is a major underwater dig site at Piraeus and archaeologists and researchers have been piecing the details together since the various sites were discovered. Amont those things that have been uncovered include Ancient Greek ship sheds, an ancient cave that used to function as a Roman bath, Philon’s arsenal, and other artifacts. Ancient Piraeus helped turn Athens into the naval powerhouse that it was, and the ship sheds housed plenty of Ancient Greek naval war ships, which were essential during the Persian Wars and helped defeat the Persians, especially during the Second Persian Invasion.

Piraeus During Ottoman Occupation

During Ottoman occupation, the port of Piraeus was renamed “Aslan Liman” or “Lion Harbor”. The Lion that stood at the port was also looted during this time and taken to the Venetian Arsenal, where it still stands today. During this time, the area also suffered from a population decline and the Ottoman Empire made some attempts to revive it by bringing inhabitants to the area to live from nearby islands such as Hydra.

Modern Era of Piraeus

After the Greek War for Independence, around the time when the new Hellenic Republic was created, Piraeus was still called “Porto Leone”, or “Lion’s Harbor”, which is the Greek translation of the name it held during the Ottoman Occupation. As part of this new era for the port, city planners created a vision of what they wanted modern Piraeus to look like. King Otto approved the plan but it was never fully put into practice. Meanwhile, people were arriving from Piraeus in large numbers from the Greek islands because they were attracted to the new opportunities this budding city was presenting them. The municipality of Piraeus, renamed to the ancient name, was created in 1835.

Because of this, Piraeus eventually became one of the largest ports in the Mediterranean Sea, if not the world. Over time, traffic to the port increased. In 1911, the Greek government established the Port Committee and then in 1930, the Piraeus Port Authority was established. The goal of the Port Authority was to help manage the increasing traffic that was coming in and out of the port.

Today, the Port of Piraeus has a passenger terminal, automobile terminal, cargo terminal, and a container terminal. It is the largest port in Greece and one of the largest in the Mediterranean.

Source

Wikipedia – Piraeus

Wikipedia – Port of Piraeus

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About the Hellenic Maritime Museum

The museum is located at the central port of Piraeus. It was established in 1949 by distinguished citizens as a foundation operating as a non-profit institution. In 1952 the foundation was officially recognized as a museum and administered since then by the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Islands. In 1978 the museum was awarded the European Museum of the Year Award, given to outstanding museums all over Europe, and in 1984 it became a member of the International Council of Museums.

The museum is housed in a purpose-built building designed by Patroklos Karantinos. The structure was completed in 1974 and is part of a larger complex that includes a shopping center, restaurants, and other facilities. The museum’s main exhibit is its collection of historic ships. This includes a reserve collection of over 100 ships and boat models. The museum also hosts several research and educational programs.

It’s got a fascinating collection of more than 100 ships and boat models, dating from 1800 up to the 21st century. The best part? All of these boats are preserved in their original form—no fancy replicas here. The museum also often holds special exhibitions throughout the year.

What to Do at the Hellenic Maritime Museum

The museum is packed with hundreds of great ships and models. But there are still plenty of ways to enjoy it. There is a small café here you can grab a bite to eat or grab some lunch before heading back to your hotel with a full belly.

The museum hosts several events throughout the year, including festivals, exhibitions, workshops, movies, lectures, and concerts. There are also temporary exhibits in rotation which you can use to discover the latest trends in the world of maritime history.

If you’re traveling with kids or are just an enthusiast yourself, then check out the museum’s interactive exhibits for all ages. These desktop computers allow visitors to learn more about everything from shipbuilding to sailing.

Getting to the Hellenic Maritime Museum

It’s helpful if you start your journey in Athens. If that is the case, then getting to the museum is as simple as hopping on a bus or taking a train from the nearby metro station. Otherwise, you can take a taxi from your hotel.

If you’re planning to take a taxi from your hotel, make sure to hop on one going with the flow of traffic and not one sitting at a standstill containing passengers. This will minimize your fare and make things faster for both of you.

Take the metro to Piraeus Station (green line) and then take bus route 13 or 92. You can also take a tram from Syntagma Square. You may also walk north along Tositsa Street until you reach the small harbor. It’s just a few hundred meters from there.

If you’re planning on visiting Piraeus, then the Hellenic Maritime Museum is a must. It’s filled with hundreds of great ships and boat models that will transport you back in time to when Greece was the most advanced civilization in the world. It also makes for a great day trip from Athens.

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About the Archaeological Museum of Piraeus

The Archaeological Museum of Piraeus was founded in 1887 and housed an extensive and essential collection. The museum is located in an annex building near the harbor and not far from famous places such as the Ancient Agora, Hadrian’s Arch, and the Keratsini Gate. Today it belongs to the Ministry of Culture-Heritage and Tourism, with the main headquarters in Athens.

Due to its very convenient location, most of the artifacts from Keratsini and other archaeological sites from Attica are displayed in this museum. It is one of the biggest collections in Greece, with over 100 000 exhibits since its foundation. In 1887 when archaeologist Konstantinos Kourouniotis collected artifacts from the region, he decided to found a private museum in his house.

So, in 1890, when Athens began to be the capital city of Greece, he needed to transfer all of his collection there. That is how one of the most important museums in Piraeus came into existence.

What to Do at the Archaeological Museum of Piraeus

The main goal of the Archaeological Museum of Piraeus is to display all the findings which were made in Attica, especially those from Keratsini and its horizon. These include sculptures, vases, coins, and jewelry which date between 3000 BC until 100 AD. One can also see marbles that depict gods, sea heroes, or warriors adorned with golden armlets, helmets, and swords.

Greek temples are also well preserved in the museum. Visitors can admire the famous Temple of Poseidon at Isthmia, which dates back to the 5th century BC or its northern wall transported to this museum for protection since it is part of the temple’s remains. The most important exhibits are sculptures from the Temple of Apollo at Bassae.

Another good thing about this museum is that it acquires new exhibits every year by offering a prize for its visitors to find artifacts from all over Greece. This also encourages them in their research and in protecting the Greek culture. Visitors who come here can watch archaeologists work in some places, which is very interesting.

Getting to the Archaeological Museum of Piraeus

The Archaeological Museum of Piraeus is located in a large area near popular places such as the Ancient Agora, Hadrian’s Arch, and the Keratsini Gate. As a result, it can be easily accessed by other modes of transportation other than using a car or motorbike. Visitors can arrive at this museum from the city center using the Athens metro, easily accessed at Piraeus Station. Others can take the nearby blue mini-bus line 434 that stops right in front of the museum or use buses that run on Egaleo Street or Athanasiou Diakou Street.

The Archaeological Museum of Piraeus is a museum that displays all the findings from the region of Attica. It was founded in 1887 by archaeologist Konstantinos Kourouniotis and featured exhibits from different eras such as ancient Greece, the Hellenistic period, Roman Period and Byzantines. It also has a prize that is offered to visitors who find artifacts from all over Greece.

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Hellenic Maritime Museum

Conveniently located by the main harbor, the Hellenic Maritime Museum celebrates Greece’s impressive naval legacy. Topics such as war strategy and trade from both the Ancient and Modern Greek eras are covered here. If you are interested in Greek naval history, this is a great place to visit.

Seaside Cafes and Restaurants

Even if you’re just passing through, perhaps you could find time to visit a seaside café or restaurant? Some of them are nicer than others, so use your judgment. The best feature great food and even better views. The Vosporos Grill Restaurant, for example, is known for its seafood and is located right in the water. Some of the best restaurants, however, are located in the Mikrolimono area in Piraeus.

Flea Market

If you happen to visit Piraeus on a Sunday, visiting the popular Piraeus Flea Market is an excellent cultural experience. Every bit as hectic as the port itself, this market features venders from all over Greece. They typically sell things like pottery and jewelry, but the market is different every week. If you feel like haggling, this can be an excellent place to buy a souvenir! The flea market is located near the metro for easy access.

Akti Themistokleous

The Akti Themistoleous is an intimate street in the city that boasts great views of the harbor. While walking along the ancient walls, keep your eyes open for small bays, which will give you an opportunity to enjoy the sun and warm seawater.

Archaeological Museum of Piraeus

Several important archaeological findings are on display at the Archaeological Museum of Piraeus. The museum itself is located on the Theater of Zea, an ancient theater that was modeled after the Athenian Theater of Apollo. Also on display here is an impressive sculpture of both Apollo and Athena.

Yacht Club

If you want to be amongst Europe’s elite, the Yacht Club of Piraeus is a must-see. Because of its breathtaking islands and beautiful weather, Greece is a premier destination for boat. Even if you don’t have a boat, consider having lunch in the rooftop café.

Kastella

This neighborhood in Piraeus is filled with pastel colored homes and affords great views of the harbor and of the “Mikrolimeno” section of the city. If you are in the mood for a walk, this is a great place to explore. Even though it is in the heart of Piraeus, it does have a small-town feel.

As you can see, Piraeus is a vibrant place. If you are planning on using Piraeus as a gateway to the Greek islands, consider giving yourself time to explore the city!

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