Founded in 1949, the Hellenic Maritime Museum has operated since 1971 from its current location at the edge of the Freatida Cove. Its primary purpose is to restore and showcase Greek maritime history, dating back thousands of years.

Ancient shipbuilding techniques, the evolution of Aegean vessels, the Revolution of 1821, and the subsequent struggles of the military and merchant navy are just a few of the topics covered. In addition to thousands of artefacts, the museum also features extensive archives, photographs, rare maps and publications. It includes a comprehensive maritime library, the richest in the Mediterranean.

Visitors are encouraged to visit the museum’s art collection, which displays works from major Greek painters of the 19th and 20th centuries, including Volanakis, Hatzis and Prosalentis.