Rafina

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Ancient Period – The Deme of Arafin

In antiquity, Rafina was known as Arafin , one of the 100 demes created by Kleisthenes in his great administrative reforms around 508 BC. The deme was part of the Aigeis tribe and was strategically situated near fertile land, natural harbours, and routes leading inland toward Athens and Marathon.

Archaeological findings—including pottery, graves, and architectural remains—indicate that the area was inhabited as early as the Bronze Age. Its proximity to the sea made Arafin a small but active coastal community engaged in fishing and coastal trade. The nearby hills, rich with clay deposits, helped develop local pottery workshops, while the fertile plains supported agriculture.
During the Classical Period, Arafin played a supporting role in the maritime and political network of Athens. Although not a major urban centre like Marathon or Rhamnous, it contributed to the Athenian navy and religious festivals and maintained its own local cults. Several inscriptions mention citizens from Arafin serving in civic and military positions in Athens.

Hellenistic and Roman Times

The decline of classical Athenian power after 404 BC and the rise of Macedon shifted the political landscape of Attica, but Arafin continued as a rural coastal deme. During the Hellenistic and Roman periods, large villa estates appeared in eastern Attica, and many local inhabitants likely worked in agriculture, viticulture, and fishing. Rafina’s coastline, with its calm coves and gentle hills, became attractive for holiday villas of wealthy Athenians in the Roman era. Ceramic fragments, roof tiles, and architectural pieces discovered in the area suggest rural estates, storage facilities, and small sanctuaries.

Byzantine and Medieval Period

During the Byzantine era, Rafina was part of the rural hinterland of Athens. Small Christian communities and farmsteads existed across the region. Several small rural chapels, many rebuilt over later centuries, trace their origin to this period. The coast was exposed to pirate raids, particularly from the 9th to the 12th centuries AD, prompting residents to settle further inland or fortify their homes.

In the medieval period under Frankish and then Ottoman rule, Rafina remained sparsely populated. The coastline was used mainly for seasonal fishing and the shipment of agricultural products from the Mesogeia plain—wine, olives, figs, and grains.

The Refugees of 1922 – Rafina Reborn

The decisive moment in Rafina’s modern history came after the Asia Minor Catastrophe of 1922. Thousands of Greek refugees were forced to leave their homes in Ionia and Pontus, and many were resettled in eastern Attica. In 1924, families from Triglia in Bithynia founded the settlement of Nea Triglia, which later evolved into today’s Rafina.

The refugees brought with them a strong maritime tradition, skilled craftsmanship, and a vibrant cultural identity. They built homes, schools, churches, and small industries. Their influence shaped Rafina’s character: its urban layout, local festivals, cuisine, and early economy all reflect the Asia Minor heritage. Many family names and neighbourhoods still preserve this legacy.

The Development of the Port

From the 1930s onward, Rafina’s natural harbour began to develop into a regional port. The interwar period saw the construction of basic infrastructure, and by the 1950s and 1960s, Rafina was expanding rapidly. The port became an increasingly important gateway to Andros, Tinos, Mykonos, and other Cycladic islands.

During the 1950s–1980s, Rafina shifted from a refugee town to a coastal transport hub. Fishing boats, caiques, and early ferries transformed the waterfront into a bustling port. Tourism from Athens grew as Rafina’s beaches, tavernas, and quiet pine forests attracted weekend visitors.

Today, Rafina is the second-largest port of Attica, handling millions of passengers each year. Yet despite its modern infrastructure and busy ferry schedules, it preserves a strong local identity. The Asia Minor heritage remains central, while archaeological sites, scenic promenades, and nearby natural landscapes root the city in its deep history.

Why visit – Sights and nearby places

In Rafina

• Rafina Port Waterfront
  Stroll along the harbour where fishing boats and ferries blend old and new maritime life. Ideal for seafood restaurants and sunset views.
• Agios Nikolaos Church (On the Hill)
  A landmark chapel overlooking the Aegean. The panoramic view of the Cyclades-bound ships is one of Rafina’s classic scenes.
• Marikes & Artemis Beaches
  Organised and free beaches with clean waters, ideal for swimming and wind-related sports.
• Refugee Heritage Sites
  Walk through the older neighbourhoods built by Asia Minor refugees, with traditional houses and small family chapels.

Nearby

• Vravrona (Brauron) – Archaeological Site One of Attica’s most atmospheric ancient sanctuaries, dedicated to Artemis, with marshland paths and a superb small museum.
• Marathon Tomb & Museum – The burial mound of the 192 Athenian soldiers who died in the Battle of Marathon in 490 BC. Nearby museum with finds from the battlefield.
• Marathon Lake & Dam – A beautiful artificial lake built in the 1920s with the only marble-clad dam in the world.
• Penteli Mountain Monasteries – The historic Monastery of Penteli (founded 1578 AD), surrounded by pine forests and trails.
• Attica Zoological Park – A major zoological park for families and wildlife lovers.