RAFINA
Rafina is a port town located on the eastern coast of Attica in Greece with a population of around 13,000 inhabitants. The harbour hosts ferry services to all over Greece and Rafina is often used a cheaper alternative to busy and chaotic Piraeus.
A brief history of Rafina
Inhabited since prehistoric times, the oldest evidence in Rafina dates back to the Neolithic Period and the Bronze Age, around 3,000 years B.C. In ancient times, Rafina was one of the 100 'demes' or areas of Athens. At that time, the town was called 'Araphen', named after its first rulers, Arafinas, who was one of the 100 heroes of Attica.
Moving forward to modern times, after the defeat of the Greek army in Asia Minor in 1922, many refugees arrived in Greece from the Turkish town of Trigliaon on boats owned by a local man who was helping them. The refugees were given sanctuary on Tenedos for a year before being brought to Rafina, where they set up a refugee camp on a piece of land given to them. The settlement grew, and small shops developed around a square, finally in 1929 Rafina became a recognized community. Pantovasilissa's church, built in the 1950s is in remembrance of the Byzantine church in Triglia which held the same name. A statue of a man the Turks killed him during the fighting was erected. He was called Chrysostomos Smyrniwas, and a little church was also built in his memory. During the Second World War, during the German Occupation, German and Italian armies were installed in Rafina. In 1994, Rafina became a municipality of Athens and elected its first mayor, in the past few years, the town has developed significantly, and its population has reached about 12,000 people, which climbs to around 30,000–50,000 during the summer.
Things to do in Rafina
Attica Zoological Park is fun for the whole family, the zoo covers an area of 20 hectares and is home to about 2000 animals and 400 different species; it is open all year round. The church of Saint Nicolas is a beautiful historical blue and white building perched at the top of a cliff overlooking the port and the sea in front, the views from up there are amazing. There is a little waterfall to visit called Ntrafi – Penteli, you have to climb a few minutes down quite a steep hill to reach it, and you should be sure to wear appropriate footwear. When you reach the waterfall, it's a real hidden gem and a very peaceful place to swim in the cool, fresh water. Around 11 km north of Rafina is the Sanctuary of the Egyptian Gods, an archaeological site that was a sanctuary for the Egyptian deities of Isis and Osiris. It is relatively small but free to enter but closed on Tuesdays.
Beaches around Rafina
Paralia Marikes is close to Rafina and has golden sand and transparent waters. Paralia Rafinas is a clean sandy beach, and on windy days the beach becomes one of the best surfing and windsurfing spots in the country where the waves sometimes reach 3 or 4 meters in height! Marikes beach is rocky and has a few rock pools for children to explore; when the wind is not strong, it is a beautiful place to spend the afternoon. Sant'Andrea is a relatively small sandy beach with easy access to the sea and a large parking area, the sea-soul café with umbrellas and sunbeds for rent, along with two tavernas. For families, Paralia Artemidos is a good option. This bustling beach features swimming, sunbathing, picnicking facilities, as well as a playground and some restaurants.