At Rafina’s central square (N. Plastira 11) there is
one of the oldest family managed hotels of the region, the only one
continuously operating all over the year since 1935. Completely renovated
within 2003, offers 16 rooms with central heating, private bathroom –W.C.,
phone, T.V. & air conditioning at competitive prices. It is located just a
few meters from Rafina’s port, approximately one hour away from down town
Athens and less than 30 minutes from “Eleftherios Venizelos” airport, fact
that makes it the unique gateway to the islands, the ideal spot for
vacations and the right place to stay, even for business travelers that
need to be close to the town, the airport and even close to nature.
Rafina is mainly known as a port near Athens, one of the largest in
Greece, with ferries for Evia & the Aegean islands, offering picturesque
beaches and an active nightlife. Few people, however, know the history of
this community of Asia Minor refugees. Rafina or “Arafinidon Alon” (back
in the ancient times) has its roots in prehistoric times and more
specifically in pre-hellenic times. Just south of Rafina, archaeologists
have discovered a unique vase with a dog painted on it, dated back to 2800
B.C. In Rafina you will also find the ancient temple of Artemis Tavropolos.
The modern history of the port really begun early this century when the
Asia Minor catastrophe forced the Greek government to give land in the
area to the refugees who arrived in Greece from Triglia, a city near
Prousa in Asia Minor. It was early 1924 when the community began to be
built near the plantation of Alexandros Skouze between Rafina and Pikermi.
The memories of that period are bitter as the difficult living conditions
in tents & the diseases have caused vital problems to the refugees. When
cultivating the land and building up has started, things changed rapidly
for the better.
The port has grown dangerously, taking over entire beaches & rocky areas
where the best beaches in Attica were used to be. Nevertheless, the port
of Rafina has not yet lost its picturesque appearance with fish taverns
offering fresh catches from the small local fishing boats. The beautiful
beaches are also not completely lost, despite the development of the port.
There are beautiful beaches with crystal clear water, stretching from
Agios Nikolaos to Ble Limanaki (Blue Harbor) or larger beaches such as Ble
Limanaki itself, Kokkino Limanaki (Red Harbor) to Mati and Marikes on the
road to Loutsa. The best time to visit all these beautiful beaches is on
weekdays, when they are a lot less crowded.
A walk towards “Aghios Nikolaos” (the landmark of Rafina) just before
sundown is something that should not be missed. The small white church
reminds one of the churches in the Cyclades islands and is built where
Aghia Marina (the old Italian fort) was located at the hill overlooking
the harbor. The view from there is impressive during the evening, with
thousands of lights twinkling from Nea Makri & Marathon, to Evia and its
ports Stira and Marmari.
Rafina offers a number of restaurants, fish taverns, cafeterias, bars &
outdoor cinema to pass the time. To reach Rafina, take the bus from
Athens, at Mavromateon 29 (“Pedio tou Areos” Park) and for information
call at 210.821.0872.
For the
ferry boat schedules call the Rafina Port Authority at 22940-22300. The
police in Rafina can be reached at 22940-22100, town hall at 22940-24444
and taxi station at 22940-23101.
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