Towns & Villages

Piraeus

The main port and the third largest city in Greece , and is one of the largest in the Mediterranean . Piraeus lies 10km to the south of Athens.The city has always been important to Greece since classical times, as a strategic base. About 450 BC a defence wall was built which stretched from Piraeus to Athens remains of these walls can be still seen today. Other ruins from the past can also be found in the city. As well as being one of the busiest ports, Piraeus is also the centre of industry in Greece , with metal working factories, warehousing and shipping companies. The city is well planned, with wide tree lined avenues and small charming parks. The shops in Piraeus offer a wide range of goods, enough to please the most ardent of shoppers. After shopping you can relax at one of the many open air cafes. Travellers to the Greek islands are well catered for, though during the high season it can seem to be a bit chaotic. If travelling by boat to the islands, make sure you have plenty of time to find the correct ferry.

In and around Piraeus

The Archaeological Museum of Piraeus houses some artefacts discovered from the ancient theatres of Zea and Munichia. Pride of place in the museum is the bronze statues of Apollo, Athena and Artemis discovered in 1958.

The Maritime Museum contains objects and models of ships, and other exhibits relating to the nations maritime history.

The Veakeio Theatre situated on the Kastello hill, here performances take place during the summer months.

The Daphni Monastery 11km from the city along the Athens – Corinth road. This beautiful Byzantine Monastery built in the 11th century, is adorned with some of the finest mosaic art from the Byzantine era. The annual Athens Wine Festival is held nearby at the tourist pavilion.

Exploring Attica

To explore more of the region, hire a car or go bus and discover for yourselves variety of beautiful villages. Visit Messoghia its countryside is typical of the region, with its rolling hills and small villages, where you can always find a taverna and enjoy a good meal, and sample the local wine. Also worth visiting are Paenia and Lavrion once famous for its silver mines.

Oropos

The sanctuary lies peacefully on the left bank of the river Cheimarros; it is dedicated to Amphiaraos a hero whom according to legend had the power of healing. He was rescued by Zeus from a battle were he was injured, it is said that the ground swallowed him when he was out driving his chariot, then miraculously reappearing through the sacred springs at this site. The sanctuary became popular, with people coming from all over Greece to take the healing waters. The ruins on the site include marble thrones that were used by the priests, during the sacrificial ceremonies, on the right bank there is a water clock dating from the 4 th century.

Mararatonas

It was here after the Battle of Marathon in 490BC when the Greeks were victorious over the Persians. The news of the victory was taken back to Athens 41km away, by a soldier running in full body armour, after giving the news he dropped dead of exhaustion. It is from this feat that the modern marathon arose.

Sounio

At the most southern tip of the mainland is Sounio here you will find the 5 th century Temple of Poseidon, standing on the headland facing the Aegean Sea, with its remaining 15 white columns of the original 34, it has been a landmark for mariners through the centuries. Here in the evening glorious sunsets can be enjoyed. Sadly to say the temple is has been vandalised by tourists carving the names into the stone, we can thank Lord Byron whom in 1810, scrawled his name on one of the columns and started precedence.

Porto Rafti

A small holiday resort and takes its name from the small island of the headland. On the island is a very large statue, built during the Roman period, it depicts a lady sitting. He area around Porto Rafti is rich in archaeology history, many ancient graves have been found around the town