Travel guide for PIRAEUS

Information

Climate

Piraeus climate is typical Mediterranean with mild winters, short springs, hot and dry summers and long autumns. The main features of the region's weather are the clear blue sky, an average of 250 days of sunlight around the year and the low humidity. Winter, with an average temperature of 10°C (50°F), can reach 6°C (44°F) although this is rather seldom, as is the snow in the city that appears only once or twice a decade. In mid January there are always fifteen sunny days with high temperatures for the season, which called "Alkyonides". In spring temperatures are rising from an average of 12°C (54°F) in March to a pleasantly 19°C (67°F) by May. Summer varies between an average of 23°C (75°F) in June to a hot 27°C (81°F) in July and August with daytime temperatures often jumping over the 35°C (96°F). "Meltemia" are the relieving summer winds, blowing always from the north during August, especially in the islands. Autumn is very pleasant with average temperatures between 23°C (75°F) in September and 15°C (59°F) in November, although rain can be frequent, mostly in October and November.

Location

Piraeus is located at the southwest part of Athens, in Attica region of mainland Greece, in the Southeastern most part of Europe. Comprising its resource to the sea, it has always been the port of Athens - the city with the most ancient and glorious history among European capitals, some 5000 years ago. Set along the magnificent coastline of Attica on the northwest shores of the Argosaronic gulf that opens into the Aegean Sea, Piraeus is only 10 km far from downtown Athens. It's also in close proximity, through numerous sea lines, with the islands of Aegina, Poros, Hydra, Spetses and the eastern coasts of Peloponnese hosting some really attractive tourist destinations like Corinth, Nauplia, Monemvassia etc. Piraeus took its name in the ancient times from the verb "peraioo" which means I pass something on the other side with a ship. And that is what was happening in the prehistoric years, before the island of Piraeus merge with the coastland of Attica, due to illuviations from the river Kifissos. But it was Themistocles, in the beginnings of 6th century BC, who founded the city and built the wall of Piraeus, intenting to provide Athens with a fortified port. Fifty years later and thanks to Pericles, Piraeus came to its prime, developing into the military and commercial center of the Athenian polity. And it was that glorious era that donated modern Piraeus with some impressive monuments of one of the history's greatest times, many of which can be seen at the Archaeological Museum of Piraeus.

Money Issues

From 01 January 2002 the European's Community currency is Euro, which is symbolized with €. It consists of seven banknotes of 5€, 10€, 20€, 50€, 100€, 200€ and 500€, which look the same throughout the euro area. The eight denominations of coins are 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 cents and 1 euro and 2 euros. One euro is divided into 100 cent. The front of each coin has the same design for all countries in the euro area while the reverse side shows individual designs relating to the respective Member State. Euro coins can be used anywhere in the euro area, regardless of their national sides. Banking hours are 08:00 to 14:30 (08:00 to 14:00 on Friday), but there are ATMs in all banks for 24h service.

History

Piraeus has been the port of Athens since ancient times. Themistocles was the discerning politician who not only anticipated to the naval supremacy of Athens, but understood the importance of Piraeus harbors in accomplishing it as well. By a series of historic significance decisions, starting as early as 493 BC with the fortification of the harbor and the building of the ship sheds and dockyards, he managed to build a fleet that laid the foundations for this supremacy. In 480 BC he started the "Long Walls" between Athens and Piraeus in order to protect not only the road that was connecting the two cities but the mainland of Attica as well. However, later they were destroyed by roman Sulla in 86 BC and at Middle Ages Piraeus had lost a big part of its ancient shine. Piraeus was once again revitalized with New-Classical buildings and modern factories, after Athens became the Greek capital in 1834. Later in 1923, one hundred thousands refugees came to Piraeus from Asia Minor, bringing their culture and contributing to the cosmopolitan flavor of this modern port city of our days.

How to get there

How to Get to Piraeus Piraeus is 45 km. far from Athens airport "Eleftherios Venizelos". All major airlines from the five continents fly directly or via stopovers at world's biggest cities, to Athens airport. Many European charter companies fly also directly to Athens airport from locations such as London, Paris, Amsterdam, Berlin, Milan, Cologne, Budapest, etc Athens is also connected with direct flights from all major Greek destinations such as Thessalonica, Corfu, Crete, Rhodes, Santorini and Mykonos. Peloponnese railway station by the port connects Piraeus with main cities of Northern Greece and Peloponnese, as well as the most European capitals.

Trasportation

Transportation Piraeus - Athens: * Bus No 040, to Syntagma Square from Sygrou Ave., every 7 to 12 min. from 04:30 - 24:50 and every 45 min. from 24:50 - 04:30. Operates 24h. Fee: 0,50 € * Bus No 049, to Omonoia Square from Pireos Str., every 8 to15 min. Operates 05:00 - 24:00. Fee:0,50 € * Electric Railway, to Omonoia Square, every 3 ½ - 15 min. Operates 05:00 - 24:00. Fee: 0,70 € Piraeus - International Airport "Eleftherios Venizelos": * Bus No X-96, express to international airport from Municipal Theatre Square, every 20 min. from 05:00 - 21:00 and every 40 min. from 21:00 - 05:00. Operates 24h. Duration: approximately 75 min. Fee: 3,20 €* Suburban train “Proastiakos” to international airport from train terminal by the port, every 30 to 60 min. (for timetable please click here ). Operates 06:00 - 22:30. Duration: 1hour & 5 min. Fee: 6 € The yellow taxies are another way to move around the city in a more convenient way.

While there

Accomodation On-line hotel reservations in PIRAEUS

A good choice is SAVOY hotel Piraeus, a premium business hotel uniquely located in the city centre. It is in walking distance from the Main Port, Passalimani Yacht Harbour and only 10 km from all historical attractions of Athens. It is also less than an hour from some of Attica's most beautiful beaches and the islands of Argosaronic Gulf. Its location at the heart of the shipping business area and very close to the exhibition centres, the city's main sights and shopping areas, makes it an ideal venue, whether you are on vacation or in a business trip. SAVOY HOTEL 93, IROON POLYTECHNIOY Ave., 185 36, PIRAEUS, GREECE TEL. ( + 30 ) 210.42.84.580 - FAX ( + 30 ) 210.42.84.588 E-mail savoy@otenet.gr - Http://www.savoyhotel.gr

Food

Restaurants & Entertainment Piraeus has numerous fine restaurants well renowned for their cuisine. The majority of them are arrayed along the coasts of Piraiki and the little harbor of Mikrolimano offering plenty of fresh seafood to Epicureans. Other culinary specialties include lobster-pasta, fried mussels, mussel risotto, grilled octopus and crawfishes and scrimp saganaki (with fried feta cheese and fresh tomato sauce). Piraeus is not only famous for the fish taverns, but also for the "swinging rhythm" of its nightlife. Numerous trendy clubs, bars and nightclubs, installed in old warehouses and factories around the port, such as the "Hard Rock Cafe" and the "Silo", offering tones of decibels and fun to capital's habitants. Even in small family tavernas there is always a little band playing Greek music to make dinning more entertaining.

Beaches

Votsalakia beach Public beach of Piraeus. Tennis courts. Tel. 210.40.00.000 (Open daily 08:00 - 21:00)

Activities

Leisure

Although Piraeus is the foremost among Mediterranean ports it is not only a business destination. Many irreplaceable New-Classical public buildings were razed in late sixties but city's face is still attractive. Beside the Municipal Theatre, one can find nice little open-air restaurants and fountains at the shade of building' s New-Classical facades. On the narrow streets behind the main banks and ticket offices that rim the central ferry port, there are smart restaurants and shops. Many are also the samples of inspired New-Classical architecture adorning the city: the Electric Railway' s Terminal and Barclay's bank building by the port, the Municipal Gallery next to the Savoy Hotel, the N.A.T. manor and Bank's of Greece building at Gounari street and many others. At the north and east area of the electric railway terminal lays the lively market area, with an unusual and together seductive combination of activities: fishmongers, fruit and vegetable stalls together with chandlers and hardware stores. On Sunday mornings there is also a bustling flea market, which is centered on the antique shops around Hippodameian Square and also on the proximate streets by the railways. A lively modern port city, Piraeus also has the fascinating quarter of Castella with magnificent view on the Saronic Gulf and a "sui generis" combination of traditional with modern that brings together new classical mansions and old fish taverns with trendy bars and stylish restaurants. Besides numerous sea front snack bars at Passalimani and Mikrolimano - the two yacht harbors of Piraeus - offer relaxing moments by the sea.

Shopping

Shopping Piraeus has an impressive variety of goods for those looking for a bit of shopping therapy. From the Flea market on Sundays and fine antiques to the most sophisticated boutiques and craft studios. Some of the most known international firms can be found here together with all top Greek fashion designers, at the streets around Municipal Theatre Square. Major shopping areas include the streets Sotiros Dios, Georgiou, Kolokotroni and the avenues of Iroon Polytechniou and Gregoriou Labraki.

Monuments

Galleries

Municipal Gallery Iroon Polytechniou 91, Tel. 210.41.94.585 / 210.41.94.587, Opening Hrs: Daily 10:00 - 13:00 & 17:00 - 21:00 / Sunday 10:00 - 14:00, Closed: Saturday, Entrance: free Next to the SAVOY hotel, the new-classical building of Municipal Gallery hosts many exhibitions around the year. Famous Greek and foreign painters, great photographers and special events dedicated to renowned art creators compose a very interesting puzzle for art-lovers.

Museums

Archaeological Museum of Piraeus Charilaou Trikoupi 31, Tel. 210.45.21.598, Opening Hrs: Daily 08:30 - 15:00, Closed: Monday, public holidays, Fee: 3 € (2 € for students and overages). This museum is home to some stunning bronzes. Found by workmen in 1959, these large stakes of Artemis with her quiver, Athena with her helmet decorated with owls, and Apollo reveal the great expressiveness of Greek sculpture. The Piraeus Kouros of Apollo, dating from 520 BC is the earliest full-size bronze to be discovered ever. There is also a seated cult statue of the earth goddess Cybele and a fine collection of Greek and Roman statues and gravestones. Next to the museum are the remains of the 2nd century BC Theatre of Zea, which also includes a well-preserved orchestra. Hellenic Maritime Museum Akti Themistocleous - Freattida, Tel. 210.45.16.264 / 210.42.86.959, Opening Hrs: Daily 09:00 - 14:00 / Saturday 09:00 - 13:00, Closed: Sunday, Monday, public holidays. Fee: 2 € (1,5 € for students) On the quayside of Marina Zeas, an old submarine marks the entrance to this fascinating museum. Its first floor is build around an original section of Themistocles' Long Walls. More than 2.000 exhibits, such as models of triremes, ephemera from naval battleships and paintings of Greek trechantiri (fishing boats), explore the world of Greek navigation. From early voyages around the Black Sea by trireme, to 20th-century emigration to the New World by transatlantic liner, the museum unravels the complexities of Greek maritime history. Exhibits include models of ships, maps, flags, uniforms, and pictures. Municipal Theatre Agiou Konstantinou 2, Tel. 210.41.22.339 / 210.41.21.732 / 210.41.94.583 / 210.41.94.550. Opening Hrs: Mon, Tue, Wed, 16:00 - 20:00 / Thu, Fri & holidays 09:00 - 14:00, Closed: Sat, Sun, Entrance: free The New-Classical facade of this imposing building is one of the Piraeus' highlights. Designed by Ioannis Lazirimos (1849-1913), who based his plans on the Comedy Opera of Paris, it has seating for 800, making it one of the largest modern theatres in Greece. It took nearly ten years to complete and was finally inaugurated in 1895. Today, the magnificence of the building reflects the cultural, theatrical and musical dimension of the city. Besides it houses the Panos Aravantinos Museum of Stage Decor. The Museum contains a rich collection of displays from set designs by the stage designer Panos Aravantinos who worked with the Berlin Opera in the 1920' s.