Floating Neraida museum

Did the name “Neraida” ring a bell? Here at Flisvos Marina, the Floating Neraida Museum is more than just a ship. It’s a time capsule. The Neraida, meaning “fairy” in Greek, began her life in 1939 as the Laurana, an Adriatic ferry. Imagine her sailing those waters, before being commissioned as a hospital ship during World War II. She even spent time as a British Fleet captive. The Neraida survived all of that. In 1949, John S. Latsis bought the ship and renamed her after an onboard vote. The Neraida spent the next 25 years as a luxury passenger vessel. She sailed the Argosaronic Gulf, carrying everyday passengers, politicians, and even celebrities. She graced the silver screen in Greek and foreign films. Her route included Piraeus, Aegina, Methana, Poros, Hydra, Hermioni, and Spetses. She even visited Leonidion, Monemvasia, Salamina, Nafplion, and Epidaurus. In 1974, the Neraida retired. She remained dormant until 2007. Then, a project began to create an archive of John S. Latsis’s life. The Neraida was chosen to house part of this collection. She journeyed to Croatia for a three-year refit, returning to Elefsis in 2010. Now, the Neraida Floating Museum shares two stories. Her own journey from 1939 ferry to 2010 museum. And the story of John S. Latsis’s business life, from his birth in 1910 to the mid-1990s. The main museum is in the former passenger lounge. The ship’s corridors showcase her own history. Even the former dining room plays a role. It shows introductory films and hosts events. The Neraida Floating Museum, docked at Flisvos Marina, invites you to step aboard. Explore her decks. Experience a piece of maritime history. And discover the life of a man who shaped the shipping industry.