Our hotel

Completely renovated in 2003, it offers 15 rooms with central heating, private bathroom and WC, phone, TV and air conditioning at competitive prices. It is located just a few metres from Rafina’s port, approximately one hour from downtown Athens and less than 30 minutes from “Eleftherios Venizelos” airport. That makes it the gateway to the islands, an ideal spot for holidays and the right place to stay for business travellers who need to be close to the town, the airport and nature.

Rafina is mainly known as a port near Athens, one of the largest in Greece, with ferries to Evia and the Aegean islands, picturesque beaches and an active nightlife. Few people, however, know the history of this community of Asia Minor refugees. Rafina, or “Arafinidon Alon” in ancient times, has its roots in prehistoric, pre-Hellenic times. Just south of Rafina, archaeologists discovered a unique vase painted with a dog, dated to 2800 B.C. In Rafina you will also find the ancient temple of Artemis Tavropolos.

The modern history of the port began early in the last century, when the Asia Minor catastrophe led the Greek government to give land in the area to refugees from Triglia, a city near Prousa in Asia Minor. In early 1924 the community began to be built near the plantation of Alexandros Skouzes, between Rafina and Pikermi. The memories of that period are bitter: life in tents and disease caused great hardship for the refugees. Once the land was cultivated and building began, things changed quickly for the better.

The port has grown a great deal, taking over beaches and rocky stretches that were once among the best in Attica. Even so, it has kept its picturesque character, with fish taverns serving fresh catches from the small local fishing boats. The beaches are not lost either: there are beautiful beaches with crystal-clear water from Agios Nikolaos to Ble Limanaki (Blue Harbour), and larger ones such as Kokkino Limanaki (Red Harbour), Mati and Marikes on the road to Loutsa. They are at their quietest on weekdays.

A walk to Agios Nikolaos, the landmark of Rafina, just before sundown should not be missed. The small white church recalls the churches of the Cyclades and stands where Agia Marina, the old Italian fort, once was, on the hill above the harbour. In the evening the view is impressive, with thousands of lights twinkling from Nea Makri and Marathon to Evia and its ports, Styra and Marmari.

Rafina offers plenty of restaurants, fish taverns, cafés, bars and an outdoor cinema to pass the time.