Athens Metro Line 1
The Athens metro line 1 first opened in 1869 connecting the port of Piraeus to Thiseio, close to the town centre. This was by far the fastest way for Athenians to reach the coast for day trips. The line was further extended in the first part of the twentieth century, before being integrated into the metro network in 2000. Although the trains are often in poor condition and riddled with graffiti, the line is mostly overground and there are many interesting sights to see along the way. Frequency of the trains can be often every 10 minutes during off peak periods.
Piraeus / Πειραια
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The terminal station is in the centre of Piraeus which is the port city close to Athens. Across from the station is the main ferry terminal for sailing the many Greek islands. The town itself has a vibrant port atmosphere and is well worth a half day trip or as part of a longer day using the coastal tram. There are two very pleasant bays nearby with lots of yachts to gawk at. There is now a tram extension that also allows you to see more of the town. The metro station is also a five minute walk to the regional railway station that heads east.
Faliro / Ν.Φαληρου
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This stop is the main interchange with the tram that runs along the coast east of Piraeus. It also serves the stadium of Olympiacos, one of the most successful football clubs in the country. Apart from changing trains there is little reason to visit this station.
Moschato / Μοσχατο
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There are a few places near the station to eat and drink in a fairly busy residential area. Generally, it is not worth stopping off here. Not be confused with the tram line with the same name but a long way away.
Kalithea / Καλλιθεας
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Another stop in a busy suburban area with some cheap restaurants and small coffee shops in the vicinity. A Lidl supermarket is a minute’s walk.
Tavros / Ελ.Βενιζελου
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A rather unattractive location and little to detain the visitor.
Petralona / Κατω Πετραλωνων
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A fairly pleasant area with a small pedestrian street with a number of tavernas on either side including the highly regarded Pezodromos. The location seems to be in the process of becoming gentrified. It is also around a kilometre walk to the Athens Heart Mall which is a small and somewhat barren shopping centre.
Thissio / Θησειου
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This station was the original terminus for the Piraeus – Athens line which opened in 1869. It is one of the nicest neighbourhoods in Athens with excellent views of the Pantheon and a wide range of good quality restaurants and cafes. The immediate area is also quite open with a feeling of spaciousness. The station is also located on the popular Apostolou Pavlou a pleasant, pedestrianized street that takes you south towards Filopappou Hill. The next stop is only a short walk away passing through many great dining options. In fact the whole area is great for simply wandering around and seeing the ancient sights as well as soaking in the vibe.
Monastiraki / Μοναστηρακι
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This station is right in the heartland of the tourism centre of Athens. The square in front of the station is vibrant and to the north is the Plaka district with its labyrinth of boutique shops and restaurants. Also close by is the interesting flea market. If you use the metro regularly then you are likely to use this important interchange with metro line 3.
Omonia / Ομονοιας
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This interchange with line 2 is located in a busy area which is regarded as the centre of Athens. There is little by way of historical buildings but instead during the day is a no-nonsense commercial area. The area serves as a hub for drug dealing and prostitution and can be a rude awakening for more sensitive souls. Although not as dangerous as it appears the neighbourhood is best avoided in the late evening. There are many cheap places to eat and drink and also a place to find bargain clothes at Chinese shops along Agiou Konstantinou. There are also many budget hotels in the vicinity.
Victoria / Βικτωριας
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There are many short-stay apartments on booking.com and Vrbo and some budget hotels in the area around the station. So there is a chance you may be staying here. Sadly, the location gets a bad rap for being a little intimidating. Many immigrants stay in the area and the atmosphere, especially Victoria Square, is rather vibrant and friendly with many great options for Greek and foreign dining including a couple of Afghani restaurants. In recent years the area has been a spillover for Omonia’s woes although these can only be found on some smaller side streets. Victoria station is five minutes walking distance from the National Archaeological Museum of Athens.
Attiki / Αττικης
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The station is unfortunately named as the Greek term for Athens. This is due to its previous incarnation as a hub for the Attiki railway service. Nowadays the area is run down and defined by its squalid graffiti. It is a busy hub for buses and has quite a few places to grab a coffee or bite to eat. There is also a connection to metro line 2 although you will need to exit the station, including ticket barriers.
Aghios Nikolaos / Αγ.Νικολαου
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Not worth stopping for. Very little of interest and rather run-down area with very limited facilities. A Orthodox church in in the vicinity.
Kato Patissia / Κατω Πατησιων
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This is southern part of Patissia. It is a fairly busy crossroads with plenty of places for a coffee. The Church of Agios Andreas (Patisia) is a prominent historical structure nearby.
Aghios Eleftherios / Αγ.Ελευθεριου
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The immediate location has limited facilities but is only a few minutes short walk to the main road.
Ano Patissia / Ανω Πατησιων
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Busy area of the northern section of Patissia with many restaurants and cafes in the vicinity.
Perissos / Περισσου
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Very little to attract the visitor with a few scattered shops and not so appealing cafes. Some construction work is taking place next to the station which may offer something in the future.
Pefkakia / Πευκακιων
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Very little to interest the visitor with few shops or cafes. There is a small retail area with two supermarkets and a Jumbo toy store.
Nea Ionia / Ν.Ιωνιας
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The stop is in a reasonable neighbourhood with a few decent cafes to while away the time during a pleasant day. Many of the area’s population descended from Antalya in Turkey. Generally it is not worth stopping here.
Iraklio / Ν.Ηρακλειου
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A reasonably pleasant area with an array of cafes and restaurants serving a middle income residential community.
Irini / Ειρηνης
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This station serves the main venues for summer Olympic Games in 2004. The event was deemed a great success and created the incentive for significant infrastructure improvements for Athens including metro line extensions and the tram system. However there have been criticism that the costs contributed to the financial crisis in 2010-2018. Nowadays this expansive area provides a recreation spot for families. Most of the venues are closed off to the public except during events but you still peek through some windows to take a glimpse of the “unforgettable dream games”.
Nerantziotissa / Νερατζιωτισσα
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The main attraction at this stop is the Mall of Athens which is the largest mall in the city. Generally, Athens is poorly served by modern malls, but this is the exception with a wide range of shopping outlets as a top floor dedicated to many restaurants and coffee shops as well as a cinema. You can also connect with the suburban railway network which heads for the international airport in one direction or Piraeus in the other.
Maroussi / Αμαρουσιου
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A pleasant, refined suburban area which is nice to walk around and while away an hour or two. There are plenty of options to eat and drink in varying price ranges. A couple of streets are pedestrianized.
KAT / ΚΑΤ
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The station serves the hospital of the same name. Unless you are visiting the hospital there is no reason for alighting from this station.
Kifissia / Κηφισιας
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This district is one of the wealthiest in the city and little graffiti of other signs of urban blight can be found here. The station is situated in the main shopping area with plenty of narrow streets to wander around catering to designer clothes shops and high-end restaurants. This effete location is worth a visit at the end of the line.
