RafinaAthens · Greece

All About Rafina

Rafina is the second largest port in the Attica region after Piraeus and is only 23 kilometers away from Athens. It is also very close to Athens International Airport, making it a sound option for those wishing to travel to the Greek islands without having to go via the city center. Most major ferry companies operate from Rafina, such as Fast Ferries, Seajets, and Golden Star Ferries, allowing you to sail to destinations like Evia, Mykonos, Paros, Naxos, Ios, Santorini, Andros, Tinos, and Koufonisia. You can easily book your Rafina ferry tickets to any one of these incredible islands using Ferryscanner. Rafina is also a quiet stop-off if you need an overnight stay before catching your ferry and offers a nearby beach, lots of family-run seafood taverns, and a very laid-back feel. You can even visit a well-run private zoo in nearby Spata and an ancient sanctuary dedicated to Egyptian gods just nine kilometers away in Nea Makri.
 

Routes and Ferries to Rafina

Upon your arrival at Athens International Airport, you can find numerous taxis available to take you to the port, which is a 40-minute journey. If you choose to use the public bus network (KTEL) to Rafina, you will need to get to the city center first. You can do this by taking one of the regular shuttle buses from the airport or by taking the blue-line train to Syntagma.

From the Athens center, catch the public bus from Pedion Areos, which will get you to Rafina economically in about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Or travel there by taxi, which is more expensive but only takes 30 minutes.
 

The Port Area of Rafina

On Ferryscanner you can easily compare prices or ferry companies and book your Rafina ferry. While in Rafina, you will already feel like your vacation has already started, although there are just a smattering of hotels and holiday homes. The port area has a slight island vibe, with both ferries, high-speed catamarans, and small fishing boats sharing the waterways, as well as private yachts mooring at the harbor.

The main square sits behind the harbor and is full of restaurants, shops, and cafes, with little streets leading off where you can enjoy a quiet wander. Take a look inside the beautiful church of Panagia Pantovasilissa with its ornate frescoes before enjoying a delicious fresh fish lunch at one of the welcoming taverns as you take in the warm ambiance of this small seaside town.
 

Best Beaches

There is a long sandy beach next to the port which can get quite busy during the summer months, so if you have time, head for one of the smaller beaches to the north and south of the harbor. On the northside, you will come across the picturesque Agios Nikolaos church if you walk up the hill, with lovely sea views. Marikes beach is not too far from the port and is surrounded by shady trees. Another option is Kokkino Limanaki (Red Harbor) which is also a tranquil place to enjoy total bliss.
 

Places To Visit

Most people visit Rafina on their way to the islands, but there are plenty of places of interest in the surrounding area that you can visit. Whether you want to explore archaeological sites or check out some of the local beauty spots, it is well worth extending your stopover to make the most of your holiday.

Municipal Amusement Park of Rafina

The Municipal Amusement Park (also known as the Swimming Pool) is a small oasis of shady pine trees and other indigenous flora just perfect for an afternoon stroll. If you have kids, they will love the open-air swimming pool and playgrounds while you can relax with a cool drink in the park’s cafe. Concerts and events are often organized here in the summer months and there is also a small chapel where weddings and baptisms take place.

Penteli Waterfall

Just 14km inland from Rafina you will discover the Waterfall of Drafi at Penteli. If you go by car, which will take about 20 minutes, you will need to park and then follow a rough track for about 5 minutes until you find an enchanting pool with crystal-clear cascading waters. Take your swimsuit and enjoy a refreshing dip in one of the region’s best-kept secrets!

Marathon

Head north of Rafina and after 16 kilometers you will reach Marathon, where the legendary Battle of Marathon took place in 490 BCE. Check out the Marathonas Monument or tomb next to the ancient battlefield that is dedicated to the 192 Athenian soldiers who died during battle. It is of course also the birthplace of the modern, running marathon, which is a re-enactment of the victory run carried out by the soldier Pheidippides to Athens. Marathon is also distinguished for its beautiful setting amongst vineyards and olive groves, plus an immense artificial lake and impressive marble dam.

Brexiza Archaeological Site

The small islet of Brexiza lies just off Marathon and is also known for once being the summer residence of Herodes Atticus, the remains of which still exist today. Built in 160 CE, the complex even featured a heated pool warmed up by the adjacent thermal springs. Statues of the Egyptian gods Isis and Osiris were discovered on the site and are now housed in the Marathon Archaeological Museum, which you should also visit.

Ramnous (Kato Souli)

If you have time, make an excursion to the archaeological site of Ramnous in Kato Souli, about half an hour’s drive north of Rafina. Once a thriving port and castle, the site had two temples dedicated to Nemesis, the ancient Greek goddess of retribution, and Themida, the goddess of justice. Once there, you will also be awestruck by the scale of the excavations and the expansive views across the Evoikos Gulf to Evia.

Schinias

One of the most popular seaside resorts in Attica, Schinias has a very long sandy beach ideal for sun lounging and watersports such as windsurfing. Schinias is also a National Park where you can enjoy bird watching, canoeing or rowing, cycling, and walking, amongst wetlands and coastal pine forests. It is very close to Marathon so you can combine both sight-seeing and relaxation in one day!

Attica Zoological Park

Take the opportunity to visit the Attica Zoological Park in Spata, which is only a 20-minute drive from the port and very close to the Athens International Airport. The privately funded institution also practices conservation programs and is set in an area of 20 hectares. You can get very close to many of the animals, with more than 2000 from 290 different species, including elephants, leopards, and even dolphins.
 

Transportation Around Rafina

It’s easy enough to get around Rafina on foot as it is a very compact town. If you want to explore some of the destinations listed above, you can either hire a car or take a taxi. The KTEL bus service also runs regularly between Rafina, Spata, Marathon, and Athens throughout the year.