Port of Piraeus luggage storage

About Port of Piraeus

Piraeus port is the biggest in Greece. It's the largest passenger port in Europe and the second biggest in the world. It's also an important European port for cargo shipping and is one of the economic drivers of Athens. While the city of Piraeus is separate from Athens proper, it has been absorbed by the capital's metropolitan area and is usually considered a part of Athens.

The city of Piraeus was formed way back in the early 5th century BC and was intended from the beginning to serve as a port for Athens. The Golden Age of Athens in the 4th century BC saw the construction of the famous Long Walls which protected the city and the port from attack by other Mediterranean powers. But as the chief port of ancient Greece, the fortunes of Piraeus were tied to those of the country as a whole. As ancient Greece began to be eclipsed and eventually annexed by the Roman Empire, Piraeus declined in importance as a center shipping.

Things changed in the 19th century. Once Athens was declared the capital of the newly independent Greece, Piraeus once again became a vital port. The city of Piraeus grew along with the port, and this growth was bolstered by the steady increase in tourism throughout the latter half of the 20th century. Now, 20 million passengers pass through the port of Piraeus every year, heading to or from Athens, other Greek islands, and international destinations across the Mediterranean.

Things to do in Port of Piraeus

For many people, Piraeus is a means to an end. A large portion of Athens' millions of annual tourists arrive by boat and pass through Piraeus on their way to the capital. Additionally, Piraeus is popular as an embarkation point for tours to other Greek islands. But in the harbor city itself, there's more to do than a casual glance might suggest.

• Explore the history of the port at the archaeological museum. This institution houses relics from the remotest chapter of ancient Greece right through to the Roman period. Next to the museum itself, you'll find the ruins of the theater of Zea, built in the 2nd century BC. It’s a great place to get a handle on the way this port grew and developed in ancient times.
• See a glamorous side of Greek life at Mikrolimano. This gorgeous natural harbor was Athens' naval port in ancient times. Now, the houses that climb the hill above the port are holiday homes for the wealthy, and fantastic seafood restaurants line the promenade along the water's edge.
• See the legacy of the regeneration of Piraeus in the Kastella neighborhood. As Piraeus started to find its feet again in the 19th century, this neighborhood became popular, and now the historic buildings give it a unique charm. Of course, the ocean views from this hilltop neighborhood don’t exactly hurt.
• Experience the more recent history of Greece on the battleship Averof. This armored cruiser was launched in 1910 and was the flagship of the Greek Navy at the start of the 20th century. It was involved in the naval battles that help to liberate Greece from the control of the Ottoman Empire and also served in the Second World War. Now, the ship serves as a floating museum and a tribute to the men who served Greece on this vessel.
• Get a toe in the water at Votsalakia. The largest beach in Piraeus, this rocky cove has surprisingly clean water given the presence of the port. There’s even a small island you can swim out to and enjoy views back toward Athens in the distance.

Transit options at Port of Piraeus

• Line 1 of the Athens Metro serves Piraeus. The journey to the center of Athens by Metro takes around 16 minutes.
• Bus X96 connects Piraeus port with Athens International Airport. The biggest airport in Greece, Athens International connects the city with every major city in Europe and beyond.
• Trolley bus route 20 connects the Port of Piraeus to the Kastella neighborhood and terminates at the Metro station.

Luggage storage near Port of Piraeus

Blessed with reliably great weather and stunning views of the Saronic Gulf, Piraeus is just about perfect to explore on foot. Wander for a while among the charming streets of this ancient city, and you find yourself falling in love with the beautiful scenery and the lively street life of this suburb of Athens.

However, walking is a lot easier when you don't have heavy bags to carry. Drop off luggage or other parcels at Bounce location near Port Piraeus and know that they will be safely stored while you’re out and about.

Activities and attractions near Port of Piraeus

• Athens: No prizes for guessing that Athens is one of the main attractions near Piraeus. Reachable by a 15 minute Metro ride, the bustling Greek capital is like a living museum. Filled with ancient monuments that bear witness to the glorious past of the city, Athens is also a very vibrant and lively place. Shop for unique souvenirs at the Monastiraki flea market, enjoy fabulous cuisine in some of the country's best restaurants, or admire the classical Greek architecture of the Parthenon and its surrounding temple complex. To make your trip easier, don't forget to drop off any heavy bags at a luggage storage service in Piraeus before you head into the city.
• Island hopping: Ships leave from Piraeus to legendary Greek islands such as Santorini and Crete, and also to Turkey, Croatia, and other Mediterranean destinations. But you can get a taste of the island life on a short day trip from Piraeus.  Visit Aegina to admire ancient temples that date back to the 6th century BC or to enjoy its family beaches. Or make the 90-minute journey to Hydra, where all cars are banned and donkeys are the preferred method of transportation. Ferries run throughout the day to these and other islands, so you can easily spend a day or more island hopping without straying too far from Piraeus.
• Crete: Explore the magical island of Crete on a six-hour ferry ride from Piraeus. After such a long journey, you'll want to stay for a couple of days. Luckily, you'll need at least that to fully enjoy Crete. This island was once the center of an ancient civilization that predates classical Greece, and you can still see the remains of this culture at several archaeological sites across the island. Crete is also home to some of the most spectacular beaches you'll ever see. Plus, as with just about everywhere in Greece, the food is absolutely exceptional. Make sure to leave any heavy bags behind at a Port Piraeus luggage storage shop before you make the trip to this unforgettable island.