Rafina: Your Faster Gateway to the Northern Cyclades
Often overlooked in favor of Piraeus, Rafina is actually the second busiest port in Attica and the preferred choice for savvy travelers heading to the Northern Cyclades. Situated on the eastern coast of Attica, it offers a more relaxed, ‘village-like’ atmosphere while providing significantly shorter ferry times to popular destinations like Andros, Tinos, and Mykonos.
Things to know about Rafina
Rafina is a historical town that saw major growth in the 1920s when refugees from Triglia (Asia Minor) settled here. Geographically, it is much closer to Athens International Airport (Eleftherios Venizelos) than Piraeus, making it the ideal port for travelers landing and wanting to hit the islands immediately. An ideal stay is 1 day, especially if you want to enjoy fresh seafood at the port before departing. It is famous for its lively fish market and its direct, high-speed connections to the Cyclades.
Top attractions in Rafina
The Port and Fish Market
The heart of the town is its port. Unlike the industrial feel of Piraeus, Rafina’s port is lined with traditional taverns where you can watch the catch of the day being brought in. The fish market here is one of the best in Attica, supplying many of Athens’ top restaurants.
Agios Nikolaos Church
Perched on a hill overlooking the harbor, this small white church is the iconic landmark of Rafina. It offers the best panoramic views of the Euboean Gulf and is a peaceful spot to watch the ferries glide in and out.
Marathon Archaeological Site
Just a short drive from Rafina lies the historic plain of Marathon. Here you can visit the Tomb of the Athenians, marking the site of the famous 490 BC battle, and the Marathon Museum, which provides deep context into this pivotal moment in Western history.
Schinias Beach and National Park
Located near Marathon, Schinias is one of the few remaining coastal pine forests in Greece. The sandy beach is enormous and shallow, perfect for families, while the surrounding wetlands are a haven for birdwatchers.
The Sanctuary of the Egyptian Gods (Brexiza)
An unusual archaeological find located on the coast of Nea Makri, just north of Rafina. This Roman-era sanctuary was dedicated to Isis and Sarapis, reflecting the multicultural influences of the era.
Blue Flag Beaches
Rafina is surrounded by several award-winning beaches, including Marikes and Kokkino Limanaki. These spots are locals’ favorites for their clean water and relatively quiet atmosphere compared to the southern suburbs of Athens.
The Technological Cultural Park of Lavrion (Nearby)
While technically closer to Lavrio, many visitors combine a trip to Rafina with a tour of the industrial heritage sites along the eastern coast, showcasing the area’s 19th-century mining history.
Local Gastronomy
You cannot visit Rafina without eating. The town is famous for its ‘Triglian’ cuisine. Focus on local seafood, particularly the red mullet (triglia), which gave the original settlers’ home its name.
Hiking Mount Penteli
For the active traveler, the eastern slopes of Mount Penteli are accessible from the Rafina area, offering trails that pass by ancient marble quarries—the same source used for the Parthenon.
Attica Park (Nearby)
For those traveling with kids, the Attica Zoological Park is only 15 minutes away. It is one of the largest in Southeast Europe and makes for a great ‘mainland day’ before heading to the islands.
Island-hopping from Rafina
Rafina is the primary hub for the ‘Circle of Athens’ route. Most ferries from here go directly to Andros (1-2 hours), Tinos, and Mykonos. During the summer, there are also frequent high-speed connections to Paros, Naxos, and Ios. Because it is on the east coast, you avoid the long sail around Cape Sounion, saving you 1 to 2 hours of travel time compared to departing from Piraeus.
