For many travellers, Piraeus is simply the gateway to the Greek islands—a place to rush through on the way to Santorini, Naxos, Paros or Crete. But if your ferry departure leaves you with a few spare hours, there is a surprisingly rewarding urban exploration waiting just a few kilometres from the port.

Instead of spending your time in a crowded café near the terminals, head towards Drapetsona and discover two fascinating locations that showcase a different side of Athens' maritime history: the historic Hellas Liberty ship and the regenerated waterfront of Lipasmata (both of them have free entrance).
(Bonus tip: the tomb of Themistocles is located within the Lipasmata area.)

A Different Side of Piraeus

Most visitors know Piraeus for its busy harbour, ferries and seafood restaurants. Few venture west of the passenger terminals towards Drapetsona and Keratsini, an area that has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years. What was once an industrial landscape of factories, warehouses and fertilizer plants has gradually become one of the most interesting waterfront promenades in the Athens metropolitan area. A photograher’s paradise!

S.S. Hellas Liberty (ex. S.S. Arthur M. Huddell)

Stop 1: S.S. Hellas Liberty

Standing proudly near the waterfront is Hellas Liberty, one of the few surviving Liberty Ships in the world. These cargo vessels became legendary during the Second World War, transporting supplies across dangerous Atlantic routes and playing a crucial role in the Allied war effort. More than 2,700 Liberty Ships were built, yet only a handful survive today. The Hellas Liberty was originally launched as the S.S. Arthur M. Huddell in 1943 before eventually being transferred to Greece and transformed into a floating museum.

Visitors can explore:

The bridge and navigation areas
Crew accommodation
Engine room exhibits
Historical displays on wartime shipping
The story of the Greek merchant marine

Even if maritime history is not normally your thing, standing aboard a vessel that crossed the Atlantic during wartime offers a powerful sense of connection with the past. For photographers, the weathered steel, maritime details and harbour backdrop provide excellent opportunities for both documentary and travel photography.

Stop 2: Lipasmata Waterfront Park

Just a short walk away lies one of Athens' most unexpected urban spaces. The former fertilizer factory complex of Lipasmata Park has been transformed into a vast coastal promenade stretching along the Saronic Gulf.

The area combines:

Industrial heritage
Contemporary public art
Sea views
Walking and cycling paths
Open-air cultural spaces

Old industrial structures have been preserved as reminders of the area's working-class history, creating a striking contrast between rusting steel frameworks and the blue waters of the gulf.

A Photographer's Perspective

For photography enthusiasts, the Lipasmata area offers an unusual combination of subjects. The preserved factory structures create strong geometric compositions and dramatic lines; cargo ships, ferries and tugboats constantly move through the harbour, while locals walk, cycle and gather along the waterfront, providing authentic urban scenes away from Athens' tourist hotspots.

Practical Information

Getting There

From the Piraeus Metro Station, it’s a 20 min. walk to Hellas Liberty and another 20-25 min. walk to the Lipasmata area. Alternatively, you can take a taxi, or bus (429, 703, 859, 20) to the Lipasmata area and then walk back towards Hellas Liberty and the port.

How Much Time Do You Need?

Hellas Liberty: 45–60 minutes
Lipasmata waterfront walk: 60–90 minutes
Coffee stop and photography: 30–60 minutes

Perfect for travellers arriving early for their ferry departure.

Final Thoughts

Piraeus is often treated as a place to pass through rather than a destination in its own right. Yet a short detour to Hellas Liberty and Lipasmata reveals a compelling story of maritime heritage, industrial transformation and urban regeneration.

Next time you find yourself waiting for a ferry to the Greek islands, consider stepping beyond the port gates. You may discover that the journey begins long before the ship leaves the harbour.

Have you visited Hellas Liberty, or explored the Lipasmata park? Share your experience in the comments below:

How to spend a few hours in Piraeus before your Ferry