Pirée

Pirée, also known as Piraeus in English and Pirée in Greek, is a port city and municipality in the Attica region of Greece, situated on the Saronic Gulf about 12 kilometers southwest of central Athens. It serves as the port for the Athens metropolitan area and hosts Greece’s largest passenger port, handling ferries to the Aegean islands and the eastern Mediterranean.

Administratively, Pirée is a municipality within the regional unit of Piraeus, part of the Attica region. It forms the core of the Athens urban area and includes the harbor districts around the main ports, such as the central harbor area and the inner harbors of Zea and Mikrolimano, which are known for residential and commercial activity along the water.

Historically, the area has been inhabited since ancient times and functioned as the main harbor of Athens in classical times, supporting trade and naval power. In the modern era, the port expanded significantly to accommodate growing shipping, industry, and passenger ferry traffic, transforming Pirée into a leading gateway for Greece.

Today, the port is operated by Piraeus Port Authority S.A. and comprises passenger terminals, cargo facilities, and cruise operations. It acts as a hub for ferries to the Cyclades, Crete, the Dodecanese, and other destinations, as well as for international cruise ships. The city’s economy centers on shipping, logistics, commerce, and tourism, with cultural institutions and waterfront neighborhoods contributing to its urban character.

Public transport connections link Pirée to central Athens and the broader region via the Athens Metro and suburban railway networks, along with buses and tram lines.