 Palio faliro
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Palaio Faliro is a coastal suburb in the southern part of the Attica region. All these areas are washed by the waters of the Saronic Gulf and are popular “hangouts” for Athenians, as the coastal road is lined with numerous nightclubs, cafés, and restaurants.
It is just 10 km from the center of Athens and, until a few decades ago, was a beautiful seaside suburb. Today, the municipality of Palaio Faliro is one of the most densely populated and bustling areas of Attica. Only a few stone mansions remain, hinting at the glamour and charm of past times when the distinguished Athenians strolled along its beautiful beach.
Faliro has a long history intertwined with that of Athens, as it served as the city¢s port before the creation of the Piraeus harbor. The area is named after the local hero Phaleros, its founder. Historical records indicate that in 50 AD, Apostle Paul landed in the Faliro bay and preached Christianity.
In 1883, the first transportation system, the horse-drawn tram, was inaugurated, connecting Palaio Faliro with central Athens. By 1890, horses were replaced by steam engines, and in 1910, electric trams—known to all as the “TRAM”—were introduced.
It is also worth noting that in 1900, Greece¢s first zoo was established in Faliro, which remained open until 1916 due to World War I. During that period, the first villas were built, some of which survive today, as the beauty of Faliro and the charm of the sea attracted wealthy Athenians who established their residences there.
1925 marks another milestone in Faliro¢s history. By presidential decree, the community of Palaio Faliro was established, and at the same time, the settlement of Vourlopotamos was renamed Amphithea. In 1942, Palaio Faliro was officially recognized as a municipality. Since then, it has been on a continuous path of development, benefiting from its advantageous geographic location and excellent infrastructure as a modern city. Notably, in 1976, the municipality of Palaio Faliro was designated a “Tourist Destination.”
Furthermore, during the 2004 Olympic Games, Palaio Faliro served as an Olympic municipality. Its coastal zone and the Olympic facilities hosted events such as beach volleyball, taekwondo, and the preliminary rounds of handball.
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