Rafina
The port of Rafina mainly serves the islands located in the northern and central Cyclades.
If you are still searching for the most suitable starting point for this year’s vacation, then we have the best solution for you.
Whether you live in Athens or mainland Greece, or are coming from abroad by plane to the Cyclades, the fastest way is via the port of Rafina.
Rafina is a town located approximately 25-30 kilometers east of Athens and home to the second largest port in the Greek capital after Piraeus.
Since ancient times, Rafina has flourished thanks to its port, which provided sea routes to the nearby Cycladic islands, promoting the development of shipping and trade. In the Athens of Cleisthenes, the area of Rafina was known as “Arafin,” and it seems that this name comes from Arafin, a mythical hero from the 100 of Attica, who was also its first ruler. Lignite deposits and evidence of the Roman period have been found in the area. In more recent times, after the Asia Minor catastrophe, refugees from Asia Minor were settled in Rafina on ships owned by the shipowner Filippos Kavounidis, specifically from the area of Triglia.
Sightseeing
The Rafina area is surrounded by rare natural beauty, hills, and beaches, with significant ecological importance and a long history. You can enjoy a panoramic view of the Mediterranean coastal flora from an acropolis built in 3000 BC among the Mediterranean coastal vegetation.
An interesting attraction is the Rafina Folklore Museum “The House of Triglia,” which is a representation of a refugee dwelling with household items collected from donations.
The Roman Baths are Roman baths that were developed in Greece during the Greco-Roman period, and recent excavations have revealed details about the lives of the people of that era.
The “Ochyro” hill is a pine forest where the Germans kept shelters and warehouses during the occupation, and when they left Greece, they blew up most of the fort. Today, the “Ochyro” area is considered a place of historical memory. It is worth noting that the Municipality of Rafina-Pikermi has built the “Ochyro Park,” a modern multi-purpose entertainment, sports, and cultural center.
West of Marikes Beach is Askitario, an archaeological site of great historical importance dating back to 3,000 BC. Askitario, shaped like an isosceles triangle and similar in morphology to that of Mount Athos, is a natural fortification that provides rich information about the settlements in the area and the lives of the inhabitants of the prehistoric period.
The picturesque little church of Agios Nikolaos, overlooking Euboea, is undoubtedly the symbol of the city of Rafina. In its basement is the chapel of Agia Marina, and outside the church is a bust of Captain Filippos Kavounidis, benefactor and savior of Greek refugees from the Triglia region of Asia Minor, thanks to whom they were rescued and settled in the Rafina area in 1922.
Beaches
As a seaside destination, Rafina has beaches with crystal clear waters and golden sand, ideal for swimming. Right next to the port of Rafina is the beach of the same name, which has modern amenities such as sunbeds, cafes, shops, and showers. The most famous beaches for their crystal clear waters are Marikes and Kokkino Limanaki.
Marikes Beach, also known as “Nereus Beach,” is located 1.5 km south of Rafina. It is a 700-meter sandy beach surrounded by rocks. It owes its name to Marika Hilbert, an Austrian vacationer who arrived with her family in 1920 and built her house on the edge of the beach, a building that still stands today. Worth mentioning is the Askitario, located west of the beach, which is an archaeological site of great historical importance dating back to 3,000 BC. The Askitario, shaped like an isosceles triangle and similar in morphology to that of Mount Athos, is an attraction that provides rich information about the settlements of the area and the life of its inhabitants in prehistoric times.
Kokkino Limanaki is 1.5 km north of the port of Rafina. It is a sandy and pebble beach protected from the wind by the rocks that surround it, forming a natural cove. Nearby, you can find a café and an organized campsite.
The neighboring towns of Vravrona and Porto Rafti, a short distance from Rafina, also have wonderful beaches that are easily accessible.
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