Piraeus is home to the largest port in the eastern Mediterranean and has played a crucial role in Greece’s storied history. Following the Greek victory in the Persian wars, it replaced Faliron as the main military and commercial port of ancient Athens. Known then as Kantharos, or ‘Beetle’, it has also been called the Harbour of Piraeus.

During the years of Ottoman occupation, its name changed again, this time to Porto Leone, because of the marble statue of a lion decorating the harbour. Though the original statue is now in Venice, a copy still graces the current port. Yet another name, Porto Draco, was used during the pre-Revolutionary era.

Today, Piraeus is one of the busiest ports in the world, especially during the summer. Connecting the capital with the islands of the Aegean Sea and the world’s major ports, Piraeus has long established itself as a major player in maritime transportation.