Lavrio is a port town on the southeastern coast of Attica, Greece, facing the Aegean Sea. Its harbour handles ferries, fishing vessels and recreational boats, while the surrounding hills contain extensive traces of mining. Unlike many coastal towns in the region, Lavrio is strongly defined by its industrial landscape, with old workshops, processing plants and workers’ districts standing alongside neoclassical buildings. The town is also a gateway to nearby Cape Sounion and the islands reached by ferry from its busy port.

Mining is central to Lavrio’s identity. The surrounding Lavreotiki district contains ancient galleries, shafts and ore-processing sites where silver, lead and other minerals were extracted. Silver from these mines became an important resource for ancient Athens and was used in its coinage. Mining later returned on an industrial scale, bringing workers from Greece and other countries and shaping the modern town.

Lavrio’s harbour supports a strong seafood tradition, with local tavernas serving grilled fish, octopus, squid and shellfish alongside vegetables, olives and other familiar dishes of Attica. The town is also internationally known among geologists and mineral collectors.