Piraeus, Port settlement in Athens Metropolitan Area, Greece
Piraeus is a port city in the Athens Metropolitan Area that stretches along a rocky bay with three natural harbors. The largest complex sits on the eastern edge and contains ferry terminals, container cranes, and long quay walls, while smaller bays with yachts and fishing boats lie to the west.
In the fifth century before Christ, Themistocles transformed the natural bay into a fortified military harbor with shipyards for Athenian triremes. The Long Walls connected the harbor to Athens and formed a protected corridor for troops and goods during wars against Sparta.
The name comes from ancient Greek Peiraiás, which refers to the rocky peninsula jutting into the bay. Today you see tavernas with blue chairs and fishing nets along the waterfront, keeping their traditional role between modern cargo terminals.
The green metro line runs from central Athens directly to the harbor and stops near the ferry terminals, where signs indicate different departure points. Visitors exploring on foot find calmer bays with waterfront promenades and small restaurants west of the main port, suitable for walking.
At the small harbor of Mikrolimano, fishermen dock their boats in the early morning and sell the catch directly on the quay. Visitors also see remains of old shipyard facilities from the nineteenth century, recalling the time when wooden sailing ships were repaired here.
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