When Alkistis Protopsalti, a few years back, sang “Come on, let’s go to Rafina and drown in retsina…“, one of the most important cities of East Attica . Everyone had in mind a holiday resort that wont to visit on your holidays for the food the taverns or for the ferries from its port that leads you to half of the Aegean islands . Rafina is not only that but even more as it is an ideal destination for a summer walk from morning to evening.
Summer walk in Rafina
The first and most important is that Rafina is one of the closest destinations in Attica starting from the center of Athens. In just 28 km you will find a place where you can have a good time from morning to evening in different ways. You will first see the beach of Rafina, a permanent attraction of tourists and residents. They choose it firmly in the summer time for their cool dips.
Life here starts early in the morning with all kinds of shops that expoxe the… morning catch. It is the stuff that has just arrived and spread on the benches to the delight of passers-by. Mostly, though, the would-be gourmets for the the daily fish eating table.
A stop in the shops of the square for your morning coffee, with peace and quiet An ideal stop before climbing to the emblem and trademark of Rafina, the picturesque church of Agios Nikolas. It is located there between two blues, the sea and the sky.
Rafina and her story
Photo Source: Hansueli Kkopf
In an old house with tiled roof, blue shutters and a mugnificent garden with aromatic flowers, you can visit the Folklore Museum of the Association of Triglians – Small Rafina. Inside this house is the modern history of the city formerly called Nea Triglia as residents of Triglia from Asia Minor had settled there. When the persecution took place, many of them were transferred to Greece by the ships of their saviour Triglian shipowner Filippos Kavounidis. Many of the Triglians settled in Rafina in 1923.
A tour of the interior of the Museum, connects you with the past lost in those years in the tragic persecution, with the modern history of installation in a place where the spatial similarities were cause to create a triglian nayborhood in this particular area.
The beaches of Rafina
Rafina and its history may be very important, but its beaches are… another story. You’ll find small or large beaches, depending on where you want to take your dives.
With confidence we distinguishing the Marikes, which used to be a secret only of the inhabitants of the area. An oasis of nature and history, full of sand dunes, coastal and hanging rocks.
From there starts other paths that lead to different hidden beaches. This places allow you to enjoy and relax the summer landscapes and areas so close to the capital. and not have to board on a ship for a destination away from it.
Your walk is worth finishing by eating corn on the coastal road and gazing at the sea and the sunset.
Read also:
Beaches with easy access and comfortable parking in Attica
Asimaki: The beautiful pure beach in Attica
Four beaches of Attica with shallow and clear waters
Frequently Asked Questions
Rafina is one of the closest destinations from Athens, located just 28 km away from the center of the city. This makes it an ideal spot for a day trip or summer stroll without requiring a long journey.
Rafina was formerly called Nea Triglia, named after residents from Triglia in Asia Minor who were persecuted and relocated to Greece in 1923. Many were transported by shipowner Filippos Kavounidis, creating a Triglian neighborhood in the area. You can learn about this history at the Folklore Museum of the Association of Triglians.
Rafina offers various beaches including the main Rafina beach, popular for summer swimming, and Marikes beach, a more secluded oasis with sand dunes and hanging rocks. Hidden beaches accessible from Marikes provide peaceful spots for relaxation near the capital without needing to take a ferry.
Rafina offers a full day of activities including swimming at the beaches, shopping for fresh fish catch in the morning at the harbor shops, enjoying coffee at the square, visiting the iconic blue-domed Agios Nikolas church, exploring the Folklore Museum, and finishing your day watching the sunset while eating corn on the coastal road.
Yes, Rafina is famous for its excellent taverns and fresh seafood. As a major port city, it offers daily fresh fish catches displayed in morning shops. The town is renowned for its gourmet dining options and is a popular destination for food lovers visiting East Attica.
