PASSALIMANI –

Marina Zeas (also known as Passalimani) is a port for small ships, yachts and boats .

If I translate these words the name Passa means Turkish governor and the word limani means port. In other words,- the port of Pascha. The name Zeas was revived after the Independence of Greece by the Greek government but the people continued using the old name. I really don't know which adjective to use to describe the beauty of the whole area, and for years I was dreaming of coming and spending at least 2 days…so this has come true today and here I am!!

The port of Zeas situated in the eastern coast of the Piraeus peninsula was the main naval base of Athens fleet. Remains of the ship sheds, the walls that protected the basin, the quays and the auxiliary buildings have been located in the area. Most of them have been covered by buildings or modern port installations now. It is from this port that Flying Dolphins and speedboats sail daily to the Saronic Islands.

Yianni is a slow walker due to the small problem of his knee . Thankfully he is having an operation soon, so we separated after 200 metres from the hotel and arranged to have lunch together much later. The hotel is right in the centre of the marina so I decide to walk all the way to the right towards Piraiki first, -another popular area with many ouzeri bars and restaurants and seafood tavernas. What I really want today is just walk, enjoy the day and take photos - nothing else. The marina of Zea is one of the most beautiful places in Piraeus and here I am to enjoy it all.

Indeed what a beautiful morning this is! It seems we are lucky. A huge sun is shinning brightly this wonderful day after all the rain we had yesterday. Seagulls flying above, sitting on masts or lamp posts, people coming and going, the numerous yachts anchored at the dock, fishermen in their little boats next to the yachts taking the fish off their nets, some traffic in the street but who notices it! The smell and aromas in the air alternates at intervals every 5 or 10 metres . There are times when the smell of seaweed is so strong and times when freshly grounded coffee makes me stop and have one. Then again it is this aroma coming from grilled houses….but I have still much way to go until I get really hungry.

There are groups of friends here and there enjoying a cup of coffee or a drink – some students from the Piraeus Economic University which is very close, older people and young ladies with their kids. Everyone seems to be out enjoying this wonderful day and trying to spend as less as possible I am sure. This is the problem of every Greek these days. As I walk pass them I wonder how each might feel, and what problems they might be facing and I try to think of reasons why somebody should be happy these hard times….and believe me I find many. I am sure many of these people are desperate others unemployed, a number of them might have a job but the salary is very little. Each and everyone have a story behind, and the yachts are here all over the marina to remind us of the rich -the owners and the people behind them and I really wonder whether these people are truly happy . Usually they are never pleased or satisfied with what they have and they hardly enjoy life. One thing is for sure. The less you have the happier you feel….at least this is how I feel.

It is noon by now and I notice grey clouds approaching but they are still quite far. This is not bad as long as it does not rain….and luckily it does not. On the contrary a number of photos look more beautiful with the clouds above creating beautiful reflections in the water don't you agree with me?


I walk all the way to the end of the marina and I notice part of the ancient walls of Piraeus accidentally. Then I decide to walk all the way back to where I started and move on the left this time thinking that Mikrolimano is not far. I walk in a faster pace now like when I am exercising. I have the photos I want but when I ask a local he tells me that Mikrolimano is not that near as I think and it is already late so I thought to drop the idea and return to the square, meet Yianni and have some lunch together before returning to the hotel.

We were supposed to spend 2 nights here but we stayed only one. I had an unexpected phone call and I had to change plans. This of course did not make me sad because I had accomplished my visit here so what more to ask for! Anyhow after a week in Athens we have to return home until the coming trip not long from now.

Enjoy the photos….choose the yacht that you like best and start dreaming!!!

Indeed there are some of the most beautiful yachts out here but I am happy that I am not an owner. Imagine how much I had to pay for taxes these days with this economic crisis. Lucky is the one who owes or owns nothing these days in Greece -another reason to be thankful for!!!