LavrioAthens · Greece

All About Lavrio

The ancient coastal town of Lavrio or Lavrion sits on the southeastern tip of Attica in a small bay and its lively port is one of the key departure points for ferries travelling to islands such as Kea, Syros, and Limnos. Taking a Lavrio ferry is easy, just use Ferryscanner to compare companies and book ferry tickets. Famed in the days of antiquity for its rich silver mines, the town experienced a resurgence in the 20th century before the mines were finally closed again in 1982. Lavrio has seen quite a renaissance lately and is once again a bustling commercial center with a very special aura. Take some time to explore the treasures of its influential past and make sure to visit nearby Sounion, home to the glorious Temple of Poseidon, which boasts sweeping panoramic views over the Aegean.
 

Routes and Ferries to Lavrio

Located only 60km from the center of Athens and 25km from Athens International Airport, Lavrio is very accessible and a great place to begin your island escape.

If you are travelling from Athens International Airport, buses leave every hour for Lavrio via the town of Markopoulo or you can enjoy a leisurely 30-minute taxi ride directly to the port.

From the center of Athens, the taxi ride to Lavrio will take about 1 hour and 15 minutes while you can hop on a tram from Syntagma which will take you as far as Voula. From there, you can catch a taxi for the rest of your journey. The bus that leaves from Pedion Areos in Athens center takes about 2 hours so, depending on how much time you have, it’s an economical and comfortable option.
 

The Port Area of Lavrio

After booking your Lavrio ferry tickets with Ferryscanner for your next destination, spend some time getting to know the city, which is a working commercial port with dockyards and a state-of-the-art marina for yachts. Set in a natural amphitheater, the lively harbor offers you an insight into the town’s fishing and trading legacy, with the abandoned mines on the hillside a reminder of its illustrious past. You can even spend a day on the nearby island of Kea, which takes 1 hour with Hellenic Seaways, or hop over to Kythnos with Zante Ferries in 3 hours. On Ferryscanner you can easily compare prices or ferry companies and book your Lavrio ferry.

Central Market

A walk to the agora, or central market, just behind the main waterfront is a truly immersive experience, where you will find many restaurants serving fresh fish accompanied by intoxicating Greek ouzo. Built in 1885, the functional market was an architectural first for its time and used to supply the mineral-laden ships for their long trips to Europe and Turkey. The tradesmen and local characters frequenting the agora today add to the unique feel of this intriguing town.

Central Square

At the central square, known as Plateia Iroon, you will discover some lovely neoclassical architecture, such as that of the 1st Elementary School of Lavrio, built in the early 20th century. The Old Town Hall is one of the oldest buildings that used to run as a hotel named ‘England’ before becoming a civic office from 1894-1987 and the Municipal Cultural Centre once housed the local Philharmonic Orchestra before being used as a school.

The Harbor

Take a stroll along the harbor to admire the noteworthy buildings that were once owned by the French Mining Company which was active in Lavrio. The 19th century Italian J.B. Serpieri, who discovered the mineral-rich soil of Lavreotiki, used to reside in one of the houses and there is even a statue of him at the Central Square. Carefully restored to their former glory, the neoclassical tiled-roof buildings are now coffee shops and offices with wonderful waterfront views.
 

Best Beaches

You are never too far away from numerous fantastic beaches in Greece and some of the best can be found near Lavrio. Sounion beach has to be on your list, where you can bathe in the sandy bay overlooked by the Temple of Poseidon. Other small beaches ideal for a summer swim include Pounta Zeza, which is also the home to a children’s summer camp, Port of Pasa (Posidonia), the sandy Asimaki Beach, the pebbly Vamvakousis, and the long stretch of the popular Legrena.
 

Places to Visit

There is so much history in Lavrio that it is worth spending a day learning more about the town’s heritage. From interesting museums showcasing its industrial past to its links with the wealthy Athenians of ancient Greece, you will enjoy every moment!

Mineral Museum

Located near the town’s high school, the Mineral Museum is housed in the only surviving building (the concierge) of the 19th-century metal-washing plant built by the Greek Mining Company. Check out over 600 rare mineral specimens on show, such as nealite and hematite as well as 4th century BCE silver coins, tools, and casts, and learn about the town’s contribution to the flourishing of the Athenian economy in antiquity.

Archaeological Museum

The small Archaeological Museum was founded in the late 1990s and houses valuable exhibits dating from 5000 BCE or and later. It will give you an insight into the importance of mineral and metal mining in the area of Lavreotiki, as it was known. You can also admire relief plaques from the frieze of the Temple of Poseidon (mid-5th century BCE), with their dramatic scenes depicting the Battle of Centaurs and the Battle of Giants alluding to the victory of the Athenians over the Persians.

Mining Monuments

If you walk to the east of the port, you will find the iron ore loading wharf, known as the French Wharf or Galiki Scala still standing. Built in 1888, the wharf was used to load the ore onto the ships setting sail to other European countries. More remnants of the town’s mining past nearby include the clock tower, once used as an entrance by the Greek mining company to check the arrivals and departures of staff.  The Machine Shop is also close to the port, once used to repair the locomotives that transported the ore, and now an industrial monument and exhibition center.
 

Things To Do

Lavrio Technological and Cultural Park

Formerly known as the French Company, these renovated buildings now belong to the National Technical University of Athens. As you walk around the grounds of this atmospheric complex you can get a complete overview of the 19th-century Greek mining industry. The name Lavreotiki comes from the word ‘lavra’, meaning narrow passage or tunnel, and is so characteristic of the area itself, which is scattered by both ancient and new mining shafts. Today, the old premises are used to hold cultural and educational events as well as to support technology and innovation.

Temple of Poseidon

The imposing Temple of Poseidon at Sounion is only 15 minutes away from Lavrio and is the spot where King Aegeus of Athens lept to his death after seeing the black sail on the ship of his son, Theseus. Hence the name ‘Aegean Sea’, which unfolds before you as you stand at the famous marble temple, built in the Pericles era from 444 to 440 BCE. With its spectacular position on the craggy hillside, the mythical temple boasts a fantastic vantage point and unbelievable sunsets.

Thorikos

Head northeast of the town until you reach the hill of Velatouri, where an ancient theater stands in the archaeological site known as Thorikos. One of the earliest settlements of Attica, at the top, are ruins of an acropolis, with chamber tombs dating back to the Neolithic period. Well worth a trip, you can check out the restored ancient ore washery and gallery entrances, as well as the large marble Doric double portico known as the temple of Demeter and Daughter.

Wine Tasting

The nearby area of Anavysos is well known for producing good wine and a visit to a local winery will convince you of that. Try the Savatiano white which is perfectly adapted to the dry, warm climate of Attica, as well as Malagousia and Asyrtiko. If you are a wine aficionado, you can see how a local producer, Strofilia, bottles and stores wine, and take a wine-tasting tour of the 35-acre grounds.
 

Transportation Around Lavrio

Once you arrive at Lavrio, it’s quite easy to get around the main town on foot as most places of interest are within walking distance. Taxis are relatively cheap if you wish to take one to the Temple of Poseidon or to spend a day at one of the nearby beaches. You can also rent a car or hop on one of the local buses that run from Lavrio to Athens and the surrounding towns.