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Cruise ships dock at the New Passenger Terminal , one mile from the center of Piraeus and eight miles from Athens. The 3 terminals A- Miaoulos and B- Themistocles and C- Alkimos are less than a half kilometer apart.

Free shuttles, if you are docked further away will drop you off at the main cruise terminals buildings.

Cruise organized shuttles to Athens can run up to 18 euro and only are announced the night before.

Athens Hop-on Hop-off Tour starts at about 200 meters from the cruise terminal. Turn left from the cruise terminal building (lower level) and walk over the parking lot. There is also a little tourist train here, but only travels through Piraeus

Metered taxis are generally available just outside the terminal building. Prepare to negociate.

A new bus service from the cruise terminal to Acropolis and Syntagma is now in place. X80 is the number of the bus, it operates from 7 am to 9.30pm every 30 minutes on a daily basis, you can use the 4.50 euro daily (24 hr) tourist ticket or the 20 euro 3 day ticket that covers transport to the airport as well. There is an X80 bus stop/shelter and manned ticket booth just outside terminal B. Don't forget to validate your ticket on entry to the bus. One of the central Athens X80 bus stops for return to Piraeus is on the western side of Syntagma Square near McDonald’s.

A 20 - 30 minute walk will take you to the Metro, from where Line 1 will whisk you to the center of Athens. It is often faster than taking a taxi. buses to Athens are also available at the Port. A day-pass for public transportation is about 4 euros. A 90 minute ticket is 1.40 Euro. Bus 843 and 859 also will take you to the metro station. Tickets can be bought from the driver, or at the nearby kiosk which is slightly less expensive. Do not forget to validate your ticket onboard by time stamping your ticket in the machines

The Port of Piraeus is an important destination for cruise ships in the Mediterranean Sea. It has 12 places for the simultaneous berthing of vessels and can accommodate even the largest cruise ships.

The airport is connected to and from the city and Piraeus (change at Monastiraki station to Metro Line 1) by Metro Line 3.

If your cruise starts at the port of Piraeus, be sure to fly in a couple of days early. Instead of staying in an overpriced hotel in downtown Athens , you might want to consider booking a room in Piraeus.

Travel instructions from Athens or from the airport

Hotels in Athens and Piraeus .

Map of where you will be docked. Cruise terminals A and B are at the bottom.

Printable map to take along.

Cruise calendar for this port.

Watch a destination video .

Live Nautical Chart with Wikipedia Markers

Port Location on Google Maps

Monthly Climate Averages for Piraeus Athens Greece

Sightseeing:

The Acropolis of Athens Put the best of science, art and philosophy together in one creation and you have the definitive monument of human civilisation. UNESCO calls it the symbol of World Heritage. The world calls it the Athenian Acropolis!

Archaeological Museum The museum is known to have the finest collection of Greek art in the world. Exhibits include the sensational finds from the excavations at Mycenae and the remarkably well preserved frescoes from a 3,000-year-old civilization discovered at Akrotiri on the island of Santorini. There are also classical statuary, pottery, stone carvings and jewelry from excavations throughout Greece.

Acropolis Museum Just footsteps away from the Parthenon, this museum contains a superb collection of sculptures. 5 Euro p.p. Benaki Museum This museum has recently undergone thorough modernization. Its three floors house more than 30,000 items, all illustrating the character of the Greek world. Goulandris Museum Located near Kolonaki, the museum features a fantastic collection of Cycladic and ancient art spanning 5,000 years. The exhibits were assembled by ship owner Nikolaos P. Goulandris. Its treasures include many of the slim marble figurines that fascinated artists like Picasso and Modigliani. Mount Lycabettus Athens' highest hill is only a 10-minute walk from Syntagma Square. It borders the fashionable Kolonaki residential area. A steeply inclined funicular climbs to the summit, which is crowned by a small, white chapel. Pollution permitting, the view from Mount Lycabettus is the finest in Athens. Plaka Stretching east from the Agora, this lovely quarter, with winding alleys, neo-classical buildings, whitewashed, bougainvillea-framed houses and tiny churches, is worth your exploration. Agios Eleftherios The 12th-century Byzantine church and Athens' former cathedral is known for the fanciful figures and zodiac signs that adorn its walls.

Tours Excursions Transportation:

It pays to compare your cruise line tours here .

Nearby Places:

Shopping and food.

There are well priced tax-free shops in the Terminal behind customs, with competitive liquor prices and even better prices on tobacco products, better than the prices onboard. Only if your ship has stopped or will stop at a non EU port.

Upscale shopping is found in the Kolonaki and Monastiraki districts of Athens. Woven bags and worry beads in amber or silver make nice souvenirs. LaLaounis and Zolotas are well known for exquisitely designed gold jewelry. In Piraeus, near the port, you can find a variety of souvenir items.

Communication:

Greek spoken

At the cruise terminal building itself there is free, but slow WiFi. There are also a few internet terminals at the cafe inside the cruise terminal.

If there is only one ship docked it will likely be docked right at the terminal building, where you can pick up de signal at starboard pretty strongly.

Opening Hours and Holidays:

Public Services: open Monday to Friday, 8.00am – 2.00pm. Retail Stores & Specialty Shops: Monday to Friday, 9am – 1.30pm and then again from 5pm – 9pm. Saturdays, 9am – 2pm.     Supermarkets: Monday to Friday, 9am – 9pm, and Saturdays, 9am – 6pm. Tourist Shops and Convenience Stores: most of these do not have official opening hours and are usually open from dawn to well after midnight during the summer months. For public holidays click here

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Athens (Greece) Piraeus Cruise Port Guide: Review (2022)

Everything you must-know about Athens (Piraeus) cruise port: where ships dock, top things to do do, how to explore and get around, excursions, must-know and basics.

By: Editor-in-Chief Updated: July 25, 2022

Piraeus is the gateway to Athens with its UNESCO Heritage Site (the Acropolis), excellent museums, quaint neighborhoods, and wonderful landmarks.

A major port city in Greece, Piraeus has been the port of Athens (the capital of Greece) since Antiquity and most cruise lines list the port on their itineraries as Piraeus-Athens.

Review contents

• Where is Piraeus and Athens

Where cruise ships dock

• The 3 cruise terminals

Shuttle bus

• What to do in Athens (Piraeus)
• Top highlights
• How to explore Athens
• Shore excursions (Shorex)
• How to travel to Athens on your own
• Sightseeing buses
• By bus, train, taxi or Uber
• Spending the day in Piraeus
• What's within walking distance
• Must-know: tourist info, language and currency
• Safety, emergencies, and basics

With over 1 million cruise passengers per year, and around 600 ship calls, Piraeus (Athens) is one of the most visited cruise ports in the Mediterranean itineraries during the Spring-Summer season. Piraeus (with a population of around 164,000) is one of the oldest ports in the Mediterranean and has a very large area exclusively dedicated to cruise ships .

Cruise passengers traveling with families will not discover many sites or attractions that may interest most children. Cruise travelers with disabilities will find it difficult to explore the memorable highlights of Athens on their own, and a carefully chosen shore excursion is advisable.

Piraeus (Athens) is also a homeport (embarking and/or disembarking passengers). With very few exceptions most cruise lines that call for a day at the port also have cruises starting and/or ending in Piraeus.

Where is Piraeus and the cruise port

The cruise port of Piraeus is on the Saronic Gulf on the Southeast coast of Greece, in the Attic peninsula, a historical region where Athens is also located.

Piraeus is a vast port city developed around a natural large basin. Once the navy base of the massive Athenian fleet in Antiquity (and stage of decisive wars) the port of Piraeus is today a major hub for cargo vessels, ferries, and cruise ships, with over 20 million passengers per year (the overwhelming majority on ferries).

How far is Piraeus from Athens?

Piraeus is around 7.5 miles (12 km) southwest of Athens, the capital of Greece, the main attraction for cruise travelers to visit the port. However, cruise passengers should be aware that depending on traffic it may take close to 1 hour to travel by car or bus from Piraeus to Athens.

The vast port of Piraeus is divided into distinctive areas for different types of ships: cargo, ferries, and cruise ships. Cruise ships dock in the southern area of the port.

Cruise port terminal, services and amenities

In the southern area, you will find the piers where up to 11 cruise ships can dock . There are 4 different docking spots with 3 cruise terminal buildings (all have the most services and amenities). These are as follows:

• Terminal A - Miaoulis The closest to Piraeus Center and within walking distance to the metro station - around 1 mile (1.6 km).
• Terminal B - Themistocles The remotest terminal from the historic city center is in a gated area. It has 1 long pier and 1 long quay both for mega-ships (over 3,000 cruise passengers). This is where large cruise ships usually embarking and/or disembark passengers.
• Quay Themistocles Located right across Terminal B, this is one of the docking spots for mega-ships to embark and or disembark cruise passengers.
• Terminal C - Alkimos Terminal C is within the same gated area as Terminal B, but the port gates are just 400 feet (125 meters) away

All terminal buildings have the following essential services and amenities : arrivals, check-in and departure hall with air-conditioning; police, immigration, and customs office; X-ray machines; free Wi-Fi; public phones; restrooms; Taxis outside the terminal buildings.

Terminal A (Miaoulis) also has the following services and amenities: a coffee shop; exchange office; duty-free shops and souvenir stores. Once outside the terminal, turn left, around 850 feet (260 meters) from the exit you will also find: 3 different sightseeing hop-on-hop-off buses; express public bus X80 to Athens; and the fun train sightseeing of Piraeus.

Terminal B (Themistocles) also has duty-free and souvenir shops.

All docking spots have shuttle buses to the closest Cruise Terminal provided by the Port Authority.

Things to do in Athens (Piraeus) cruise port

Without a shadow of a doubt, the sole reason why cruise ships call at the port of Piraeus is for passengers to explore the numerous wonders of Athens. Be it a visit to the Acropolis and its Museum or to merely enjoy meandering through historical and quaint neighborhoods.

For those that typically enjoy exploring cities on your own, Athens is a very easy city to get to, where you will find an incredible choice of pleasant places to have lunch or just a quick bite. If shopping is on your to-do list, in Athens you will discover stores ranging from the most basic souvenirs shops to high-end fashion.

Top highlights, sights and attractions

Athens has so many highlights that it is impossible to visit all top attractions in one day. In one word, the cruise traveler will need to select what to see and do.

Athens Acropolis and other archeological sites

Cruisers that have not been in Athens must visit the Acropolis, but there are also a few other archeological sites not to be missed.

• Acropolis Must-see: The Parthenon, the Erechtheion with the 6 caryatids porch, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Theatre of Dionysus, the Propylaia, and the Odeon of Herodes Atticus. Visiting time: 2 to 3 hours.
• Ancient Agora What to see: The Stoa of Attalos, the Museum of the Ancient Agora, and the Temple of Hephaestus or Theseion. Visiting time: 1 to 2 hours.
• Roman Agora or Forum What to see: The Tower of the Winds, the Gate of Athena Archegetis, and the Hadrian's Library nearby. Visiting time: less than 1 hour.
• Temple of Olympian Zeus and Hadrian’s Arch Two must-see monuments across the street from the ramp gently leading to the principal entrance of the Acropolis.
• The Old Olympic Stadium (Panathenaic Stadium) Built on the historic site where the Panathenaic Games were held in Antiquity, the stadium was where the first modern Olympic games took place in 1896. Visiting time: up to 1 hour.

The museums of Athens for cruise travelers

It is impossible for the cruise traveler to explore the most notable museums in Athens in one day. But, amongst the top 5 museums listed below, a visit to the Acropolis Museum is an absolute must.

• Acropolis Museum This museum features the best of ancient Greek sculptures, paintings, and artifacts from ancient and classical civilizations. Where: 0.7 mile (1.2 km) south of Syntagma square. Visiting time: at least 2 hours
• National Archaeological Museum This museum features the best of ancient Greek sculptures, paintings, and artifacts from ancient and classical civilizations. Where: 1.2 miles (1.9 km) north of Syntagma square. Visiting time: at least 2 hours
• Benaki Museum Over 20,000 pieces housed in 36 rooms. Sculpture, painting, jewelry, tapestries, and more from as far back as the Neolithic time period up to the 20th Century. Where: Kolonaki neighborhood, 500 meters east of Syntagma square. Visiting time: at least 1 hour.
• Byzantine and Christian Museum A comprehensive collection of Christian art from Byzantium (4th-15th century AD) to the Modern Era. Where: Kolonaki neighborhood, 0.5 miles (850 meters) east of Syntagma square. Visiting time: 1 to 2 hours.
• Museum of Cycladic Art A valuable collection of Cycladic sculpture, an art form that flourished between 3200 BC and 2200 BC. Where: Kolonaki neighborhood, 0.4 miles (700 meters) east of Syntagma square. Visiting time: around 1 hour.

Athens neighborhoods and landmarks

Cruise travelers visiting Athens should not miss the rare opportunity to walk by and around some of the most characteristic streets, squares, and neighborhoods of the historic capital city.

• Syntagma (Syndagma) Square The most famous square in Athens facing the Parliament Building and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
• Plaka Quaint neighborhood with winding streets located between the Acropolis and Ermou Street. The Athens Cathedral, or Mitrópoli, is at the heart of Plaka.
• Monastiraki Monastiraki is a beloved square filled with flea market-type stores, located on the northwestern edge of the Plaka district.
• Thission The historic Thission neighborhood enjoys an excellent location with a view of the Acropolis and easy access by metro. It is a bustling restaurant area of Athens.
• Ermou Street This main street in Athens is best known today as a shopping haven, where both tourists and locals come for everything from souvenirs to high-end clothing, jewelry, and shoes.
• Kolonaki North of Syntagma, this affluent neighborhood is where high-end shopping and 3 major museums (Benaki Museum, Byzantine and Christian Museum, and Museum of Cycladic Art) are located
• Mount Lycabettus (and Funicular) At 300 meter, Mount Lycabettus offers incredible vistas of the city. A funicular (teleferique) takes you to the top.

Beyond Piraeus and Athens

Cruisers planning to disembark or embark in Piraeus, should consider staying overnight before or after the cruise. This will allow you to visit interesting sites close by. If you have been in Athens repeatedly and your cruise ship is calling at Piraeus port for the day, keep in mind that some of these sites are offered on shore excursions.

• Corinth What to see: Ancient Corinth, Corinth canal, and Corinth Museum. Distance: 53.6 miles (86.3 km) west of cruise port, slightly over 1 hour by car or tour bus.
• Cape Sounion What to see: the temple of the Sea God Poseidon at a breathtaking location. Distance: 53.7 miles (86.4 km) south of the cruise port, around 1 h 20 minutes by car our tour bus.
• Kaisariani Monastery The stunning domed cruciform church and monastery surrounded by a pristine natural setting dates back to the 11th century, though an original church on the site was built in the 6th century. Distance: 12.3 miles (19.4 km) north of the cruise port, around 40 minutes by car or tour bus.
• Vouliagmeni Lake Lake Vouliagmeni is a mineral spa located 10 miles south of the city, known for its high mineral content and healing powers for a number of ailments. Distance: 16.2 miles (26.1 km) south of cruise port, around 40 minutes by car or tour bus.
• Marathon What to see: site of the famous battle and the beginning of the Marathon Road. Distance: 38.5 miles (61.9 km) north of the cruise port, slightly over 1 hour by car or tour bus.
• Delphi What to see: The archeological site of Delphi, and the Museum. Distance: 119 miles (191 km), west of the cruise port, around 2 hours 15 minutes by car or tour bus.

How to explore Piraeus (Athens) on a cruise

Due to the Coronavirus pandemic cruise travelers may only be allowed to explore Piraeus and Athens if booked on a shore excursion. Regardless of public health concerns, shore excursions are advisable in many cases.

In fact, shore excursions are particularly suitable when a good guide is required or to properly explore sites that can be time-consuming to discover on your own with public transportation. Even so, cruisers should also consider traveling to Athens independently. There are a few possible and good ways to discover Piraeus and Athens:

• Book a shore excursion
• Sightseeing services to and around Athens
• On your own with public transport (bus and train) to Athens
• By taxi, Uber or Lift
• On foot to the attractions of Piraeus port city
• Sightseeing services in Piraeus

Shore excursions and tours

Obviously, all cruise lines offer many and diverse shore excursions in Piraeus (Athens). Celebrity Cruises and Royal Caribbean offer as many 19 shore excursions . Carnival lists 12 shore excursions . Norwegian Cruise Line has available 16 shore excursions . Oceania Cruises organizes 27 shore excursions , and Princess has 37 excursions available.

There are also excursions offered by the following reputable private online services and local tour operators:

• Shore Trips
• Shore Excursions Group
• Tours by Locals
• Cruising Excursions
• Private Shore Trips

How to travel from Piraeus to Athens and explore on your own

There are 6 convenient ways to travel from Piraeus to Athens: sightseeing hop-on-hop-off buses, public buses, metro, taxi, Uber, or Lift.

Sightseeing hop-on-hop-off buses

Cruise travelers will be happy to know that there are 3 different sightseeing hop-on-hop-off buses starting by the port and touring the Greek capital.

• City Sightseeing
• Sights of Athens
• Athens Open Tour

Public buses from Piraeus to Athens

The best option for cruise travelers is the express bus X80. It offers a day ticket for €4.50 (euros) and takes around 30 minutes to the stops by the Akropolis or the Syntagma Square.

Metro from Piraeus to Athens

The fastest way to get from Piraeus to the center of Athens is the metro. The ticket costs €1.40 (euros) and the train takes you right into Monastiraki square in less than 20 minutes. Be aware that the metro station is over around 1 mile (1.6 km) from the cruise terminal.

Taxis from Piraeus to Athens

There are taxi ranks right outside all the cruise terminals. The price for a taxi from Piraeus to the center of Athens should be around €25.00 (euros).

Uber and Lift in Athens

At the time of writing both Uber and Lift were operational but it is advisable to double-check before embarking on a cruising to Greece.

What to do in Piraeus when calling at the port for one day

Cruise travelers that enjoy staying close to the port will find a few things to do in the port city of Piraeus. Depending on where your cruise ship docks, there are a few sites to explore on foot. There is also one fun sightseeing train. And of course, you can get on a taxi to get to farther away places like Mikrolimano or Castella.

What's within walking distance and nearby

Unless your ship docks at the Terminal A, most attractions in the port city of Piraeus are not within walking distance.

Main attractions in Piraeus

Here is a list of all main attractions in Piraeus ordered by proximity to the port:

• Archaeological Museum
• Piraeus Municipal Theatre - City Center
• Freatida Beach
• The Cathedral of Agia Triada (Holy Trinity)
• Municipal Gallery
• Electric Railway Museum
• Hellenic Maritime Museum
• Votsalakia Beach
• Mikrolimano

Blue fun train in Piraeus

You will find in Piraeus a small (fun) train with the main stop right by the cruise port. It costs €4.00 (euros) for a 30-minute tour.

Must-know: tourist info, language, and currency

Tourist info.

There are Tourist Information kiosks outside all cruise terminals in Piraeus port.

Greek is the official language but English is widely spoken. Piraeus and specially Athens are such tourist magnets that the English speaking cruise passenger will easily communicate with locals pretty much everywhere.

The legal tender in Greece is the Euro (€) (EUR). US$ dollars or any other currency are NOT accepted in Greece.

Safety, US travel advisory and basics

For comprehensive and updated information about traveling to Greece see the U.S. Department of State website page evolving advisory. The US Embassy in Greece also has useful COVID-19 Information for travelers.

Coronavirus advise for cruisers to Piraeus (Athens) in Greece

For updated coronavirus (Covid-19) information and travel advice to Greece and Piraeus (Athens) visit the website of the U.S. Embassy in Greece . For more Traveler's Health advice to Greece see the CDC Website .

Piraeus (Athens) Cruise Port Basics

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Welcome To Piraeus, Athens Cruise Port: What You Need To Know

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The bustling port of Piraeus is the largest passenger port in Athens Greece. As well as many ships per day going to and from the Greek islands (mainly the Cyclades and Saronic Gulf but other destinations too) Piraeus Athens is also one of Europe’s major cruise ports.

Cruise lines dock their ships at Piraeus all year round although over winter it tends to be smaller cruise ships. As one of the largest cruise ports, Piraeus Athens can berth 11 cruise ships at a time from these small ships with a few hundred passengers up to the biggest ships from Royal Caribbean cruise line.

Some days there’s just one cruise ship at the port. On busy days I’ve seen up to 9 cruise ships scheduled in.

Athens is a frequent stop for many cruise operators’ Mediterranean cruises. In fact, Piraeus Port is often the home port for Eastern Mediterranean cruises.

It’s normal for a cruise line to arrange a one-day stop at Piraeus although some ships dock overnight. Most cruise ships tend to arrive in the early hours of the morning and then leave late in the evening. But have a good long day for you to explore the city.

Some of the best cruise lines in the world stop in Athens Greece. You’ll often see large ships at the port from companies like:

• Princess Cruises
• Norwegian Cruise Line
• Oceania Cruises

• Celebrity Cruises

• Hellenic Cosmos
• Cunard Line Ships

Here I’m going to help you navigate Piraeus Cruise Port specifically . The advice is slightly different if you’re using the Port of Piraeus and you’re not a cruiser because the ferries dock in a different area . But if you’re amongst the cruise passengers whose cruise visits, starts or finishes at this port of Athens then read on.

Arriving at the Port of Piraeus Cruise Terminal by Cruise

Cruise ships arrive at gate E11 and gate E12 (Lion’s Gate) and there are three docks you could stop at.

The three terminals at Piraeus are some way apart from each other and from the Piraeus city centre so you might need to plan your exit when you get off the ship.

Cruise Terminal A Miaoulis is the main Terminal . Cruise terminal A is the closest to the ferry port but still about a 20 minute walk to Piraeus Metro station.

Cruise Terminal B Themistocles – the Terminal B building is the furthest pier from the Metro and ferry port. It’s also about a five-minute walk from where your cruise ship docks (if that’s the pier you arrive on).

Terminal C Alkimos is between terminals A and B, close to terminal B and the lion statue of Lion’s Gate fame.

If your cruise ship is the only one at Port Piraeus when you arrive you’ll likely be close to the terminal building. But if your cruise is one of several in Athens that day you could be quite a distance from the terminal.

Luckily there is a free shuttle service to move you between the ship and the terminal building.

Services available at the cruise port

• tourist police
• customs office
• check-in desks

• currency exchange
• duty-free shops

Athens Airport Bag Drop

There’s now a mini airport terminal at the Port of Piraeus. It’s the ferry port, not the cruise port but I’m including it here as it’s likely to be useful to many of you.

If you’re departing Athens by flight, you can check in your luggage between 1 day and 120 minutes before your flight.

You’ll be given a boarding pass and luggage tag. Then, while you explore the city, your luggage is taken to the airport. The hub you need to go to is called In Town Check In and you’ll find it at the passenger terminal at Gate Ε3.

Transport Near the Cruise Port

Public transportation near Piraeus cruise port includes:

Athens Metro is pretty reliable and easy to navigate . The Piraeus – Athens line 1 is the oldest but you can now use the blue line 3 from a brand new station. Both take about the same amount of time into central Athens.

On either, be aware that the Metro in Athens Greece is second in the world for pick-pocketing . So keep your valuables zipped away and be vigilant for scams like someone dropping something on the floor. Don’t help, just walk away.

Tram – the tram lines to and around Piraeus are new. They’re a handy way of getting around the various parts of Piraeus city if you’re staying to explore that. And also a straightforward way of getting to Athens riviera if you want to visit that or have a hotel stay located there.

Hop on – Hop off buses

Mini train for tours around Piraeus

Spending Your Day in Athens City Center

If you’re heading to central Athens there are a number of options for you to get there.

Cruise Line Shuttle Buses

First off, check whether your cruise line is running dedicated shuttle buses to get you into Athens. If they are, it’s normally a free service and it’s probably useful to take advantage of them if you’re happy to get off the ship when they’re running.

Shore Excursions

Your cruise line will no doubt offer a number of shore excursions for you to choose from. As well as going into the city you might also have the option to explore ancient Greece via the Temple of Posideon at Cape Sounio or a day trip to Delphi .

If you prefer, you can book independently for specific tours that take into account cruise ship itineraries . For shore excursions not booked through your cruise line, you’ll need to coordinate with the group organisers/ tour guide to get to and from your tour.

Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour

Not the quickest mode of transport but a good way to get the lay of the land and see a lot in a short space of time . There are several hop-on hop-off buses that come past the cruise port .

Some of the Piraeus Lines start later in the day (often around noon). There’s a stop outside terminal A with information about the current timetable that you can check. But also check company websites for your arrival date as the City Sightseeing Buses run from outside the passenger terminals every 15 minutes from earlier in the morning for cruise passengers.

To see the main sites like the ones below you’ll need to change from the Piraeus line to an Athens line unless you get one of the buses that goes directly to Athens.

Acropolis & Acropolis Museum

(including Temple of Athenian Nike)

Arguably the most famous of the Athenian landmarks the Acropolis will no doubt be top of your list the first time you visit Athens. If you’re visiting in the summer then the 17:30 tour can help avoid some of the crowds and heat.

If you have time, choose to visit the Acropolis Museum. Some tours include the museum. If yours doesn’t you can head there before or after for a good overview of Greek history and culture.

National Archaeological Museum

The National Archeological Museum is the biggest in Greece. You’ll find artefacts from all over Greece housed here. Together these items give you an excellent picture of ancient Greek culture.

Opening times and entry fees vary seasonally so check on the museum’s site .

National Library

The National Library has moved to a futuristic new building that makes up part of the complex at Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center along the coast.

The Stavros Niarchos Park is a pleasant space to walk through and the centre holds concerts and various vents throughout the year.

National Gallery

If you’re interested in visiting the National Gallery it’s close to Kolonaki (high-end shopping), the Benaki Museum and the Museum of Cycladic Art. Closed on Tuesdays it’s open from 10am – 6pm the rest of the week.

Temple of Olympian Zeus

Another of Athens’ most distinctive landmarks is the Temple of Olympian Zeus, along with Hadrian’s Arch.

Panathenaic Stadium / Ancient Olympic Stadium

Run around the track at the ancient Olympic Stadium, pose on the winners’ podium for photos or just hit your entire daily step count goal walking to the top of the seating area! It’s steep, and the marble is slippery when wet so take care.

Syntagma Square

Syntagma Square is a huge square in the centre of Athens. Hellenic Parliament is housed in a large neoclassical building in the north that faces the famous shopping street of Ermou.

Below, on a wall around the building, you can see the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. It’s guarded by the Evzones /Presidential Guard. These ceremonial soldiers stand motionless in their elaborate and symbolic uniforms until it’s time to be replaced.

You can watch the changing of the guards at Syntagma Square on the hour every hour.

But if your cruise stops in Athens on a Sunday you’ll get an extra special display . On Sundays at 11am , the soldiers wear traditional dress and it’s quite a sight to see.

Mount Lycabettus

Lycabettus Hill is the highest peak in Athens and a leafy escape from the crowds. There’s a cable car that’ll transport you up and down. But if you’re feeling sporty you can hike up the trail.

There’s a church at the top along with a cafe/restaurant. So you could always cable car up and then work off your treats by walking back down.

Express Bus

The X80 Piraeus-Acropolis-Syntagma Express bus line will get you to central Athens (Acropolis, Syntagma Square) in about 30 minutes . Main stops include Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center, Sygrou-Fix Metro, Acropolis and Syntagma.

This is quite a convenient way for cruise travelers to get into the city since it picks you up directly at the cruise port exits. Note that it only runs between May and October and from around 7am – 9pm . You can check the ticket price here .

In the picture above, you can see this is also a stop for the OLP port shuttle bus that goes to the cruise terminals where the ships dock.

There’s also a public bus, the 040 , that runs between Piraeus and Syntagma. It’s cheaper than the X80 but it stops at a lot of places and can get crowded . The X80 is generally better for tourists unless you arrive overnight. The 040 runs 24 hours so you can get into Athens at any hour. (Take a taxi if you’re a solo traveller arriving overnight.)

Piraeus Metro station / train station is about a 20 minutes walk from terminal A . Most likely you’ll have to walk because the drivers get a bit stroppy if you ask them to take you just a short distance from the port.

In my experience, they’ll take you if there’s no one else about. But the drivers will dump you for a better fare if someone else wants to go to the airport or the city centre for example.

If you’re walking look for Piraeus 3 on Google Maps . That will take you to the new station (2022) with the blue metro line 3.

Both that line and line 1 from the station below will take you into Athens in about the same amount of time so you can take either.

If you get the Metro line 1, take a moment to admire the architecture of the station . Buy your ticket from one of the machines (cash or card) and then get onto the green line.

Get off the Metro at Thissio for a meal with a view . The Acropolis from this neighbourhood is spectacular and there are rooftop restaurants you can enjoy it from. Then wander around the historic sites on your way to touristy Plaka .

If you stay on an extra stop you can explore Monastiraki and the famous Monastiraki Flea Market . The proper market stalls are only out on Sunday but there’s an eclectic mix of small shops all week .

From there, walk up Ermou , the main street for high-street shopping , until you get to Syntagma . There you can jump on one of the hop-on, hop-off bus tours or stay a while and watch the changing of the guard .

Spending Your Day in Piraeus City Centre

This ancient Athenian port is worth exploring if you’ve already been to Athens and/or just want to stay closer to your ship. The city of Piraeus is often overlooked . But as an ancient city with strong ties to maritime history, there’s plenty to see and do within walking distance.

Places you might enjoy visiting include:

Hellenic Maritime Museum

This is the largest marine museum in Greece and great if you’re a maritime enthusiast. The museum will take you through the history of the Hellenic Navy from prehistory to the present day.

It’s situated at Zeas Marina close to the cruise port. The marina itself is lovely to walk around too (see below).

Archeological Museum of Piraeus

The tourist mini-train will drop you right outside if you want to get your dose of Greek history without traipsing all the way into Athens city centre.

This museum has lots of sculptures and will give you an in-depth look at the Pireaus area which was a busy place during antiquity.

Municipal Theatre

The Municipal Theatre is a large neoclassical building that houses a variety of productions. Visit here to see what’s on. While you’re there pop into the new metro station outside. It houses some interesting historical exhibits that are worth a look.

Holy Cathedral of Agia Triada

This is a beautiful building both inside and out. It’s also a quiet haven from the busy city. Remember to dress respectfully to enter this Orthodox Church. That means no shorts or uncovered shoulders.

Piraeus Train Station

The metro station that houses green line one is another piece of architecture you might like to see. If you’re a train enthusiast the elegant station leads to the museum below.

Electric Railway Museum

There’s an entrance to the railway museum at the Metro platform before you go through the barriers. The museum is open 8am – 2pm Monday to Saturday.

Piraeus is also a good city for normal shopping with chains like H&M, Marks and Spencer, Hondos Centre as well as lots of others, and specialist shops, too.

Of course, you can find souvenir shops in the city and stores with local produce if you want to pick up some bits and pieces to take back.

Marinas for Food and Drink

On top of that, you’re right by the sea and in a great place for traditional Greek food , particularly seafood .

Take the number 20 (yellow) tram from Akti Posidonos to the Limhn Zeas stop at Mikrolimano and have a walk around the marina .

It’s a buzzing place day and night with plenty of coffee shops and restaurants . For a real treat, stay on the tram until Skalakia and enjoy an exciting meal at the Michelin-starred Varoulko Seaside Restaurant.

Accessing Public Transport from the Cruise Port

For the Metro, tram, mini train and hop-on hop-off buses come out of your cruise exit and head down the hill in front of you (to your left if you’re at terminal A).

The train and buses stop where the main road splits to go off to terminal A. You’ll see the signs , it’s quite obvious.

Keep walking around to your left on the main road and you’ll come to the tram stop .

5 minutes beyond that you’ll come to the Metro stations on your right. The one for line 1 is opposite Piraeus Port just before ferry gate E6. The other for line 3 is a little beyond the same gate.

I recommend downloading the offline version of Google Maps because you can find these spots easily on there.

Getting to Piraeus Cruise Port from Athens Airport

Thanks to the opening of a brand new station and stretch of railway, from10th October 2022 you can now get the metro directly from Athens airport to Piraeus port . The journey to Piraeus 3 Metro station takes about 55 minutes .

Note that the metros that run all the way between the airport and port only run every 36 minutes so account for that time too.

Taxis Or Private Transfer

Athens International Airport is about 40 minutes from Piraeus by taxi. Taxis are easy to get directly outside of the airport terminal. The cost is a flat rate of 54 euro during the day and 70 euro after hours.

For peace of mind, you could also choose a private transfer service for a stress-free and easy transfer that you arrange and pay for in advance. The price should be similar to the taxi rates.

Taxis and transfers are the easiest and probably the best option for getting to the port.

There’s also the public bus service X96 . The journey time is around 90 minutes from the airport to the ferry port (gate E1). From there it’s a bit far to walk to your departure point with luggage. So either jump in a cab or get a second bus round to the cruise terminals.

Getting To Athens Cruise Port From Athens City Centre

If you’re planning to spend some time in the capital of Greece before or after your cruise then you can choose between getting a cab or taking the metro. The best way to get to the port from “downtown Athens” will probably depend on how many of you there are and how much luggage you have.

Again, a private transfer is an option or just ask your hotel to arrange a taxi for you. Prices from central Athens hotels are around 20 – 30 euro.

Travelling by metro is quite straightforward from the centre . Get on (or change to) the blue Metro Line 3 at the central metro stations of Monastiraki or Sygntama and head straight for the port. It’s a short ride of just under 20 minutes to Piraeus.

However, as I said above, it’s a bit of a trek (30 minutes or more) to the actual cruise port of Piraeus (depending on which pier you need). So you’ll need to get a taxi or a bus round from the station.

Enjoy Your Cruise!

I hope this info helps you know more about what to expect when you arrive at the port of Piraeus, Athens’ cruise port. Whether it’s one of your ports of call or where you’re embarking on or disembarking your cruise, I wish you a wonderful trip.

Suzie Young

Suzie writes informative posts for solo, nervous or first-time travellers to Greece, Turkey and other countries on her 50-before-50 bucket list. She became a Greek resident in 2020 and intends to visit every inhabited island (13 down!).

Thanks! This was very informative and helpful. We’ve booked a hotel (one night) in Piraeus so that we are near the cruise port. The hotel says that it has baggage transfer service – does that mean that we could have them deliver our luggage to the cruise port? Is it reliable?

Hi there. I’d just check they come along to the cruise port but I’m sure they will since it’s not far by car from the main port. I’d imagine it’s pretty reliable as they’re probably back and fourth with transfers. Perhaps look up the hotel on Google Maps or somewhere like booking. com and see if any of the reviews are from people who’ve specifically used that service.

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Guide to Piraeus Cruise Port in Athens: Terminals, Ferry Routes, Timetable

Piraeus is located about 10 kilometers south of the city center of Athens. 

Each year, the Cruise Port Piraeus handles 20 million passengers, making it the largest port in Greece and the largest passenger port in Europe.

In this guide, we'll introduce you to the Cruise Port Piraeus and give you helpful information about the terminals, the ferry routes and timetable, access and more.

Let's begin with the best things to do !

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Best Things to do in Piraeus Cruise Port

Wondering what to do at Piraeus Cruise Port? Here is a list of activities to make the most of your visit:

• Hop on Hop Off Tour: Explore the beautiful port of Piraeus at your own pace during a Hop-On Hop-Off Tour! With one single ticket, you can discover Piraeus, Athens, and the Athenian Riviera.  Book here for a seamless experience!
• Explore the Archaeological Museum of Piraeus:  Go to the center of Piraeus and gain insight into the cities maritime legacy and historical significance by exploring the interesting collection.  More:   Archaeological Museum of Piraeus
• Visit Agistri Island:  Embark on a delightful ferry journey from Piraeus to the enchanting Agistri Island, where you can unwind on its pristine beaches. Book your ferry ticket online in advance or opt for   a guided boat tour  to make the most of your island adventure.
• Go Island Hopping:  From Piraeus, embark on a fun island-hopping cruise and explore the gems of the Saronic Gulf. Book here a guided tour from Piraeus and discover hassle-free the charm of islands like Aegina, Moni and Agistri.
• See the Highlights of Athens: If you are arriving from a cruise ship and have limited time to see Athens, then you may want to consider  booking a transfer to the city center to get there faster. A more stress-free alternative is booking a guided tour to see the best of Athens , including the Acropolis and round trip transfer from the Port of Piraeus and back.
• Sample Local Food: Piraeus, with its seafront location, offers numerous restaurants serving delicious Greek cuisine centered around fresh fish and seafood. For an authentic culinary experience, book the 3.5-hour Piraeus Food Walking Tour, where you'll savor local tastings while exploring the city's lesser-known areas.

Read more:  10 Things To Do in Piraeus near Athens

Description of Piraeus Cruise Port

The port has approximately a U-shape , the sides of which are several kilometers long. The entrance gates to the port are numbered from E1 to E12. Gate E1 is located in the northwestern part of the port, while gate E12 is located in the very south. Around the port area runs a multi-lane road, over which a modern pedestrian bridge equipped with escalators leads to the metro station across the street.

Piers of Piraeus Cruise Port

There are a total of 12 departure and arrival gates in the Port of Piraeus; ferries to the Greek islands depart from gates E1 to E10, and cruise terminals are located at E11 and E12.

There are three cruise port terminals , a total of 11 cruise ships can dock at the port of Piraeus simultaneously. All cruise terminals are air-conditioned, offer free Wi-Fi and have duty-free stores. Passport and customs checks are handled at each terminal.

1. Terminal A Miaoulis

Terminal A Miaoulis is the main terminal, with most cruise ships docking here. Of all three terminals, Terminal A is closest to Piraeus city center.

36 check-in counters spread over 6 halls can handle up to 1,200 passengers per hour.

2. Terminal B Themistocles

Terminal B Themistocles was completed in 2013. It has 2 berths where even very large ships with 4,500 passengers or more can dock. It mainly handles cruise ships whose voyage starts in Athens.

3. Terminal C Alkimos

Terminal C Alkimos was built back in 2003 and was thoroughly renovated in 2016. However, due to it s tent-like construction , it always seems a bit improvised.

The terminal has 20 check-in counters that can handle up to 700 passengers per hour.

Piraeus Cruise Port: Good to know

• Shuttle Bus Within the Port:  Within the port, there is a free shuttle bus that connects Gate E7 with Gates E1, E2 and E3 depending on the arrival and departure of ships. The bus runs every 20 minutes.
• Piraeus Metro Station:  The Piraeus Metro Station is located at Gate E7, and the shuttle bus departs directly across the street.
• Port Police: The Port Police can be found near Gate E8.

Timetable with Arrivals and Departures

For the current arrival and departure times of the ferries, please refer to the website of the respective provider.

• Information about cruise ships calling at Piraeus can be found at this link .

Ferry Companies

The major ferry companies in Greece include Blue Star Ferries, SeaJets, Aegean Speedlines, Ionian Group, Golden Star Ferries, ANEK Lines and Minoan Lines to name a few.

Ferry Routes

Greece has about 200 inhabited islands and there are ferry connections to many of them. Many islands are served from Piraeus. The best known of these are Crete, Lesvos, Samos and the islands in the Saronic Gulf.

Ferries to Crete depart from gates E2 and E3, those to Samos from E9 and E10, and those to the Cyclades from gates E6 and E7.

• More details can be found on our page:  Ferries and Ferry Ports near Athens: Piraeus, Rafina & Lavrion .

Tickets for the Ferries traveling from/to the Port of Piraeus

You'll find 10 ticket offices in the port area selling tickets for all ferries. Most of these offices are conveniently located at gate E7 and E8.

Additionally, you have the option to   purchase some ferry tickets online in advance, saving you from standing in lin e or missing your desired ferry.

Popular Ferry Ticket Options:

• 1 Way Ferry Ticket to Santorini
• 1 Way Ferry Ticket to Aegina Island
• 1 Way Ferry Ticket to /from Agistri Island
• 1 Way Ferry Ticket to/from Poros Island
• 1 Way Ferry Ticket to/from Methana

Public Transportation to the Port of Piraeus

• Metro:  Line 1, marked in green , goes to the port of Piraeus. Piraeus is the only one of the three ports in Athens that can be reached by metro. The Piraeus stop is the terminal stop, from here the metro continues through the center of Athens, stopping at Omonoia Square, to Kifissia. In Athens, the metro lines run between 5:30 in the morning and midnight.
• Bus:  Bus line 049 goes to Piraeus from Omonoia Square and line 040 from Syntagma . The bus stop is in the center of Piraeus and is called Kotziaplatz . From there it is about 10 minutes walk to the port.
•   Suburban Train:  In Greek, the suburban train is called Proastiakos. Line 1203 runs from Athens Larisa main station to Piraeus. The trip takes about 20 minutes. The same line also goes to Athens airport.
• Transfer: As an alternative to public transport, consider booking a hassle-free transfer service to travel to/from Piraeus Port and your hotel in Athens city center.  Secure your spot in advance for a worry-free journey!
• Taxi:  From the center of Athens, a taxi ride to Piraeus takes about 30 minutes , depending on traffic. The price is about 25 euros during the day and 45 euros at night.

Transfer to Eleftherios Venizelos Airport

You have several options to get from the cruise port of Piraeus to the airport in Athens and vice versa:

• By Airport Transfer: The most convenient option to get to Athens Airport is by a reliable Athens Airport transfer to/from Piraeus. The journey lasts around 1 hour . Book here! 
• By Airport Bus:  Airport bus X96  runs around the clock from the airport to Piraeus and vice versa. The journey time is about 90 minutes. During the day, the buses run every 20 minutes, and between 22:30 in the evening and 5:00 in the morning, they run every 40 minutes.
• By Taxi: The taxi ride from Piraeus to the airport is charged at a flat rate, 54,-- Euro during the day and 70,-- Euro at night.  Book a taxi transfer online in advance!

Hop On Hop Off Tour

There are three providers of Hop-On Hop-Off tours for Piraeus and Athens, with buses of different colors. Most of the time, the buses wait near the cruise terminals when a ship docks.

As it can get very crowded during high season, it is recommended to purchase tickets online in advance.

Popular Ticket Options:

• 2-Day Ticket: Athens, Piraeus, and Coastline by Sights of Athens (recommended)
• 1-, or 2-Day Ticket: Athens, Piraeus, and Riviera by Athens Open Tour
• 1-, 2-, or 3-Day Ticket by City Sightseeing
• Find a  detailed overview  of the three Hop-On Hop-Off bus tour providers in our article:  Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours in Athens | Compare Tickets, Routes & Stops

There are taxi stops near almost all gates within the port.

The basic taxi fee is 1.29 euros, and the price per kilometer is 0.74 euros. For standing and waiting time, 11.81 euros per hour is charged.

Between 24:00 and 5:00 the night tariff applies. The basic charge here is also 1.29 euros, but the price per kilometer is 1.29 euros.

Car Rentals

Both in the port of Piraeus and in the immediate vicinity are numerous car rental providers available, i ncluding Sixt, Budget, Alma and Avis to name a few. Of course, you can book your rental car online in advance. The vehicle will then be at your disposal immediately upon arrival.

There are numerous ATMs within the port of Piraeus. Most are located at Gate E3, between Gate E5 and E6, at Gate E7, E8 and E9 and at Gate E11. 

Food, Restaurants and Cafes

The gastronomic offer at the Port of Piraeus is very wide. Both in the port and in the immediate vicinity there are numerous restaurants , cafes and snack bars in all price ranges. Seafood and fish are often offered, the price level is as high as the offered view of the harbor. The localities within the harbor often have a daring price-performance ratio.

Shopping, Stores and Businesses

In the immediate vicinity and around the harbor there are countless stores, stores and shopping opportunities. In the port area itself, there are smaller souvenir stores, especially near the cruise terminals.

Parking and Parking Garage

There are numerous parking facilities in the immediate vicinity of the port. It is allowed to enter and drive around the port by car, even short stops are allowed. There is a 130-space parking lot in the harbor area between gates E7 and E8.

Opening Hours

Although the harbor area is fenced, the harbor is open 24 hours a day , numerous entrances are open day and night.

Free Wi-Fi is usually offered at each gate and in front of it. The cruise terminals all offer free Wi-Fi.

Hotels at Piraeus Cruise Port

Within the vicinity of the port and in the town of Piraeus, you'll find a wide selection of hotels, guesthouses, and bed & breakfast accommodations catering to various price ranges. 

However, it's essential to note that some accommodations near the port may be overpriced and not consistently well-maintained and clean.

We have listed below three recommendations for each category: luxury, midrange, and budget. Feel free to click the link to benefit from the best deals.

1. Luxury Choice: Piraeus Theoxenia Hotel

Piraeus Theoxenia Hotel, the only 5-star deluxe hotel in Piraeus, offers a boutique charm, fine dining, gym, and conference facilities. With 76 spacious rooms and suites, it's conveniently located near the main port and shopping area. Don't miss the top-floor pool and Jacuzzi whirlpool, with stunning views of the lively port.

• This Hotel Is For:  Couples, Families, Honeymooners, Groups, Solo Travelers, Business Trips
• Price Range:  High
• Address:  23, Karaoli ke Dimitriou Street, Piraeus 185 31, Greece
• How To Book Online:  On  booking.com

2. Midrange Choice: The Port Square Hotel 

A luxurious and stylish 4-star hotel right on the port of Piraeus , just 20 meters from the new metro and train station. Ideal for ferry travelers and explorers alike, guests can savor culinary delights at the hotel's restaurant-bar and explore nearby shops and eateries. Business travelers will appreciate the meeting room, while leisure travelers will love the proximity to Votsalakia Beach, just 2.1 km away. 

• This Hotel Is For:  Families, Couples, Business Trips, Solo Travelers,
• Price Range:  Medium
• Address:  Geor. Kasimati 6, Piraeus 185 31, Greece

3. Budget Chocie: Gallery Suites & Residences

Gallery Suites & Residences offers modern comfort and a homey ambiance. Situated in the heart of Piraeus, it provides bright units of different categories, some with stunning city views. Designed for modern travelers, the hotel features amenities like a business center, sauna, terrace, and a paid airport shuttle service to Athens Airport (41 km away).

• This Hotel Is For:  Couples, Business Trips, Families, Solo Travelers
• Price Range : Low
• Address:  Kapodistriou 26, Piraeus 185 31, Greece
•  For more recommended hotels, check our comprehensive list featuring  the 13 best hotels near Piraeus Cruise Port.

Rent a Bus at the Port of Piraeus

We will be happy to help you rent buses for all occasions, be it for group trips, company outings, class trips, events or otherwise.

Visit our Group Travel page or contact us through our form .

Seminar Rooms and Conference Hotels

We will be glad to assist you in renting seminar rooms for your events or in choosing your conference hotel that will exactly meet your expectations and demands.

Visit our page with the best conference hotels in Athens  and contact us for the best deals.

Contact & Map

• Address: Port of Piraeus, Akti Miaouli 10, Piraeus 185 38
• Telephone: + 30 21 0455 0100
• Website: olp.gr/en/

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11 Best Things To Do In Athens Cruise Port (Piraeus) + Port Guide

Nestled in the Saronic Gulf in the southeast of Greece, the port of Piraeus is the gateway to the ancient city of Athens, the capital of Greece and the birthplace of democracy.

With its majestic Acropolis, numerous museums, centuries-old sites, and historic landmarks, Athens is one of the most ancient cities in Europe and a frequent stop in Mediterranean cruise itineraries. In this Athens travel guide, read about:

• Athens cruise port (Piraeus cruise terminals, local transportation, how to get from Piraeus to Athens)
• 11 best things to do in Athens port (including shore excursions)
• What to explore in the city of Piraeus (within walking distance from the port)

If your homeport is Piraeus and you are staying in Athens before or after your cruise, I made a list of the 15 Best Hotels Near the Port of Piraeus (Athens) that you may find helpful!

Visit also our cruise port guides to Mykonos , Santorini , Rhodes ,  Crete (Heraklion) , Chania , Kusadasi

Athens Cruise Port (Piraeus)

Port of Athens is located in Piraeus, an old city located approximately 10 km/6 miles (a 25-30-minute drive) from Athens city center. It is the largest Greek port and one of the largest passenger cruise ports in Europe.

Piraeus is attractive due to its proximity to the Greek capital; it is a major hub for passenger cruise ships, ferries, and cargo ships, and it is also a home port for several ships starting and ending the cruises in Piraeus.

The port of Piraeus has a large ferry terminal offering roundtrip cruises to Greek islands such as Crete, Santorini, Rhodes, Lesbos, Zakynthos, Kefalonia, Samos, and other Mediterranean destinations. In case you are coming on a cruise to Athens, you should come earlier to explore the wonderful sites and attractions this city has to offer.

Piraeus cruise port has 3 passenger cruise terminals that can accommodate up to 11 cruise ships, and each terminal has its own terminal building.

Major cruise lines sailing to Athens Greece include Celebrity Cruises, Royal Caribbean International, Windstar Cruises, Oceania Cruises, Holland America Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, Seabourn Cruise Line, Virgin Voyages, Azamara, and Viking Ocean Cruises .

1. Terminal A (Miaoulis)

Miaoulis is the main terminal and it can accommodate up to 12.000 passengers (2 or 3 ships simultaneously).

It has a terminal building with modern facilities including free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, duty-free stores, public phones, cafes, souvenir shops, ATMs, currency exchange, customs office, immigration, police, and check-in/departures.

The terminal has a taxi rank and large parking that can accommodate up to 80 buses.

Terminal A is the closest one to the town of Piraeus. You can reach Piraeus downtown within a 15-minute walk, as well as the metro station where you can catch line 1 to go to Athens.

As soon as you leave the terminal you will see buildings of the city and there is a nearby waterfront lined with some restaurants, shops, and cafes.

2. Terminal B (Themistocles)

This terminal is the furthest one from the city and consists of 2 long quays able to accommodate mega cruise ships (4.500+ passengers).

The terminal building is situated across Quay Themistocles and is primarily used for turnarounds (for passengers embarking and disembarking in Piraeus).

The terminal building consists of facilities including an arrivals/departure hall, customs office, immigration, police, air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, public phones, and a duty-free shop.

There is a parking area and a taxi rank available next to the terminal.

3. Terminal C (Alkimos)

Cruise ship terminal C is located along the quay between Terminals A and B and can accommodate up to 3000 passengers at a time.

The terminal building features facilities including check-in, arrivals/departure hall, customs office, police, immigration, air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, a taxi rank, and a parking area for buses and taxis.

Hop on Hop off buses are available in front of each terminal, ready to take you to Athens city center.

Watch my Athens (Piraeus) Cruise Port Guide YOUTUBE Video!

How to Get to Athens from the Port of Piraeus?

• ON A SHORE EXCURSION – If you are coming to the Greek capital for the first time, the best way to get the most out of your day in Athens is to book a shore excursion. You can book it through your cruise line, or an independent tour operator if you opt for a more flexible schedule and tour flow.
• METRO – The fastest way to get from Piraeus to Athens downtown is by metro. A 90-minute ticket costs 1.20€ and the train station is located approximately 20-30 minutes walk from terminals B and C. The metro ride from Piraeus to Athens city center (Monastiraki metro station) lasts only 15 minutes. To save time, you can take a taxi to the metro station which usually costs no more than 10€ per vehicle one way.
• TAXI – Due to the congested traffic, a ride to Athens can take anywhere from 20-40 minutes. Taxis are metered, however, be ready to negotiate. If you take a taxi from Piraeus to Akropolis, Akropolis Museum, Monastiraki Square, and Syntagma Square, the cost is around 30€ per vehicle one way for each route.
• PUBLIC BUS – Although it is one of the cheapest ways to go to Athens, a bus can be very crowded and time-consuming. To go to Athens, the best option is to use  line 040 . There is also bus line X80 (Piraeus-Akropolis-Syntagma Express) that connects Piraeus and Athens city center, however, this bus doesn’t run regularly (at least it was out of service when I last visited in June 2023), so I highly suggest you take line 40. The ticket costs 1.50€ and the journey to Athens lasts around 1 hour as there are many stops along the way. The bus stop is near the cruise terminal buildings (OLP cruise terminal gate bus stop is the starting point) and they are quite easy to catch.
• HOP ON HOP OFF BUS – Athens Hop on Hop off sightseeing buses are available at cruise terminals A and B, and there are several different companies offering rides. There are several different routes (Athens route, Piraeus route, Beach and Riviera route) and the buses stop at the major Athens highlights including the Temple of Zeus, Syntagma Square, Monastiraki Square, Acropolis and Parthenon, Acropolis Museum, Panathenaic Stadium, National Archaeological Museum, National Library, Ancient Olympic Stadium, and many others. Check the Athens Hop on Hop off bus tours on Viator and Get Your Guide .

Getting Around Athens Cruise Port

• Get more public transport info at https://www.piraeus.org/
• Athens is an old city with lots of cobblestones and Acropolis is on a hill, which may be challenging for people with walking difficulties.
• The official currency in Greece is EURO (€). Local currency and credit cards are widely accepted. ATMs are available at cruise terminals and in the city.
• Athens International Airport is located about 43 km/27 miles (a 50-minute drive) east of Piraeus cruise port. The port is well connected to Athens International Airport by Metro Blue Line 3 and the ride takes 55 minutes.
• Explore Athens tours and activities
• Book a private transfer to/from the port of Piraeus
• Search the best hotels in Piraeus (Athens)

11 Best Things to Do in Athens Cruise Port

Before I share the best things to do in Athens (Piraeus) cruise port, I invite you to grab your copy of the “ Mediterranean Cruise Port Guide” , the most comprehensive guide to 45 Mediterranean cruise ports (including Athens, Piraeus) , packed with practical information, expert tips & unforgettable experiences! (PDF format/200 pages)

1. Ancient Acropolis

For first-time visitors, Acropolis Hill is definitely the top pick! Built on top of the hill dominating the historic heart of Athens, Acropolis ranks among the world’s most stunning ancient ruins.

The iconic symbol of the entire archeological complex is the Parthenon , the largest temple of the classical antiquity period dating from 438 BC. With its massive Doric columns and monumental sculptures, the Parthenon is dedicated to the goddess Athena, the city’s patron.

Acropolis consists of several other ruins worth visiting, including the Temple of Athena Nike , the Odeon of Herodes Atticus (the ancient theater built in AD 161), Propylaea (the entrance to the Acropolis), and the famous Erechtheion  complex that features the Porch of the six caryatids, one of the most photographed ruins on Acropolis.

If you are visiting Acropolis, make sure you come early in the morning to avoid crowds and hot weather. The entrance ticket to Acropolis costs 20€ (price from 2024) and I highly recommend you book skip-the-line tickets ahead of time to avoid lines and crowds at the entrance.

However, by the entrance to the complex, there are instructions on how to book a skip-the-line ticket on-site and the whole process takes 5 minutes, assuming you have internet of course.

If you are coming on a shore excursion , the ticket is normally included in the price. The terrain is uneven and it’s not recommended for guests with walking difficulties.

Explore Acropolis tours and skip-the-line tickets

2. Acropolis Museum

The visit to Acropolis wouldn’t be complete without the Acropolis Museum which contains one of the most valuable collections of ancient Greek art in the world.

It is located below Acropolis Hill, around 300 meters from the archeological site, and is flat and walkable so guests with walking difficulties can easily explore it. The Acropolis Museum is also wheelchair accessible.

The museum covers a vast area and the facility itself takes at least a couple of hours to explore. Bright halls, modern architecture, and over 4000 priceless objects, paintings, artifacts, and art from the Acropolis archeological site await you in this fantastic museum.

The entrance ticket is 15€ (price from 2024) and is bought separately from the Acropolis complex. If you are planning to visit both Acropolis and the museum, keep in mind that it will take half of your day.

Check out Acropolis Museum skip-the-line tickets 

3. Temple of Olympian Zeus

Also known as the Olympieion, the Temple of Olympian Zeus was the largest temple in ancient Greece. It was dedicated to “Olympian” Zeus, a name originating from his position as head of the Olympian Gods.

The temple is not as preserved as Parthenon, and you cannot get very close to it.

The famous site once consisted of 104 massive marble columns, but today only 15 columns remain standing. Despite being only the remains, the ruins give you an idea of how grandiose the site used to be in the past.

The Temple of Olympian Zeus is part of the larger Archaeological Site of Olympieion , which also includes the Temple of the Delphinian Apollo and the Law Court at the Delphinion, the gates of the Themistoclean Wall, public baths, and Hadrian’s Arch dating back from AD 131.

The Temple of Olympian Zeus is wheelchair accessible. The site is open daily from 8 am to 3 pm, and the admission fee is 8€.

Explore the Temple of Olympian Zeus tours and activities

4. Plaka Neighborhood

For those of you who cannot walk uphill to the Acropolis or simply prefer shopping and taking in the local atmosphere, the Plaka neighborhood located between the Acropolis and Ermou Street is a perfect spot to spend a couple of hours.

Plaka is a picturesque historic neighborhood that resembles a Greek island village with its charming mansions with colorful facades, sidewalk cafes, narrow pedestrian streets, small squares, taverns, and authentic shops. Here you can find some great restaurants where you can taste traditional Greek food – a must-do when in Athens!

The neighborhood is flat and easy to walk around, so in case you have difficulty climbing the Acropolis, you can stay and admire the Parthenon from the bottom (it’s visible from the foot of the hill). The majority of Athens sightseeing tours  include some free time, and the Plaka quarter is where the tour guides usually drop you off.

Explore Plaka tours and activities

5. Monastiraki Quarter & the Flea Market

Located right next to the Plaka quarter, the Monastiraki neighborhood is one of the most famous shopping areas in Athens, known for its old flea market where you find everything your heart desires!

Look up and you’ll be blown away by the beauty of the hilltop Acropolis overlooking the neighborhood and Monastiraki Square, a central area near the flea market.

Monastiraki is a more casual district than the neighboring upscale Plaka quarter, and here you will find jewelry, clothing, authentic souvenirs, specialty stores, everyday goods, and a lot of restaurants where you can grab gyros or any other traditional Greek dishes.

You will find that prices here are cheaper than in most places in Athens, however, beware of pickpockets as the area is quite crowded and chaotic.

Here you will find the main shopping street in the city – Ermou Street , a shopping paradise offering a wide range of stores, from authentic handicrafts and souvenir shops to high-end designer stores and internationally recognized brands.

Monastiraki Subway station is located at Monastiraki Square, so you should get off here if you want to explore Ermou Street and the historic heart of Athens on your own. Monastiraki’s major attractions include:

• Tzisdarakis Mosque
• Church of the Pantanassa
• Hadrian’s Library
• Roman Agora
• Ancient Agora

Check out Monastiraki tours and activities

6. Syntagma Square

The iconic Syntagma Square is the central square in Athens facing Ermou Street (the main shopping street) on one side, and the Hellenic Parliament and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier (The Changing of the Guards every day at 11 am is an interesting sight) on the opposite side.

Syntagma Square is a common location for public gatherings, protests, and celebrations, and serves as a major transportation hub in Athens. The Syntagma Metro Station, located beneath the square, is a central interchange point for the city’s metro system.

Hop on Hop off buses as well as a tourist train depart from here. The square and its surroundings come to life in the evening, with numerous bars and restaurants offering a lively atmosphere for both locals and tourists.

Explore Syntagma Square tours and activities

7. Panathenaic Stadium

Only 10 minutes walk from the Plaka neighborhood and Acropolis, this stadium was ancient Athens’s largest structure that could accommodate 60.000 spectators.

Today, visitors can visit a replica of the original stadium which was rebuilt for the first modern Olympic games in 1896. It is a popular spot hosting ceremonial events and live concerts.

The entrance fee is 10€ and it also includes the entrance to the museum dedicated to the Olympic Games.

Check out Panathenaic Stadium tours and activities

8. Athens City Sightseeing by Hop on Hop off Bus

Athens has so many archeological sites, historic landmarks, museums, and attractions that one day is simply not enough.

However, if you are staying for a limited time in Athens and you want to make the most of your visit without joining a guided shore excursion, Hop on Hop off buses give you the flexibility and access to the main city sights in a short time.

The buses depart every 15-30 minutes and a few different companies offer the service. You can board Hop on Hop off bus right at the cruise terminals, or even book a shore excursion if offered by your cruise line.

Some of the stops include Syntagma Square, Benaki Museum, Museum of Cycladic Art, Acropolis & Acropolis Museum, National Library, National Archaeological Museum, Panathenaic Stadium, and Temple of Olympian Zeus.

9. Athens Bike Tour

Although it might not be considered a highlight, Athens bike tours are very popular for those who love active adventures and rank among the bestselling tours in this port of call.

If you prefer an action-packed vacation, go for an amazing bike ride through Athens with many stops along the way to hear the stories of the city’s wonderful sights such as Hadrian’s Arch, Temple of Zeus, Acropolis, and the Parthenon.

These tours require comfortable shoes and as a recommendation, lots of water and sunscreen since the city gets warm in the later mornings.

Explore Athens bike tours and activities

10. Mount Lycabettus

If you want to capture the most breathtaking pictures of Acropolis, the city of Athens and its coastline, head over to the city’s highest point – Mt Lycabettus (Lykavittos), a limestone hill rising 886 feet (270 meters) above the Greek capital.

The best way to get there is to take the funicular that runs daily from 9 am to 2:30 am. The base station is on the corner of Aristippou and Ploutarchou streets, and funiculars run every 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the season and time of the day.

Each can accommodate up to 34 passengers, and the ticket is 10€ round-trip/7€ one way per person (price from 2024).

On the cable car top station, you can visit St. George Church (Agios Georgios) and enjoy the view from the terraced restaurant and observation point.

For adventurers and those of you in good shape, you can also hike to the top, but in that case, make sure you wear appropriate clothing and bring a lot of water.

Explore Mount Lycabettus tours and activities

11. Ancient Corinth & Canal Cruise

If you have already been to Athens, this day trip might just be the perfect option for you! This tour will take you on a 1-hour drive along the coast highway to the famous Corinth Canal which is one of the biggest man-made canals in the world dating from the 19 th century.

The canal connects the Gulf of Corinth (Ionian Sea) and the Saronic Gulf (Aegean Sea) and separates the Peloponnese from the Greek mainland.

Corinth Canal is 76 feet wide and 26 feet deep, which makes it difficult to navigate for large ships. Carved into a massive rock, the canal is today mainly used for recreational activities and as a tourist attraction.

Once you come to Corinth, guests normally board a boat in the Greek village of Isthmia for a 45-minute ride through the canal. Make sure you bring a good camera , as the sights of the rising sheer rocks are truly impressive!

This day trip normally includes a visit to the ruins of the town of Corinth, known for one of the oldest Doric temples in Greece – the Temple of Apollo , built around 560 BC.

You will visit the Archeological Site with the Archeological Museum of Ancient Corinth, marvel at the ancient buildings, temples, archeological findings, and artifacts, and learn about this important ancient city in Peloponnese.

Check out Ancient Corinth & Canal Cruise tours from Athen s

What to Explore in the City of Piraeus

• Archeological Museum of Piraeus – This museum is a true hidden gem of Piraeus and a perfect place to explore if you want to learn about the history of the town which used to be one of the major commercial centers of the Eastern Mediterranean and an important naval base of ancient Athens. Housed in a two-story building, this impressive museum has several different sections including a naval dockyard, pottery, archeological findings from everyday life, the bronze statues of Piraeus, religious life, plastic art of Hellenistic and Roman periods, and more. You can walk to the Archeological Museum (a walk from Terminal A takes 20-30 minutes), or you can take a Hop on Hop off bus (Piraeus route) that normally stops there.
• Hellenic Maritime Museum – Anyone interested in maritime history will love to visit this lovely museum, situated only a 10-minute walk from the Archeological Museum of Piraeus. Founded in the mid-20s, this small museum boasts an attractive location overlooking the Zea Marina and features more than 2500 exhibits and charts dating even from the prehistoric era. Discover the naval and nautical history of Greece and admire a large collection of ship models, artifacts, paintings, and thousands of naval books and charts that were preserved and kept in this museum.
• The Church of Saint Nicholas is one of the most beautiful Greek Orthodox churches in Piraeus and an iconic landmark of the town. This remarkable architectural gem and an important religious site will enchant you with its beauty and is super close to the port itself (a 15-minute walk from Terminal A). The facade of the church, the elegant staircase, as well as the bright blue dome, really stand out from its surroundings, and it’s a location worth visiting.
• Another religious jewel is the Agia Triada Cathedral (Holy Trinity). Situated in the heart of Piraeus, this neo-Byzantine Greek Orthodox Cathedral dates from the 18th century and boasts marvelous architecture from both exterior and interior.
• Electric Railways Museum – Located at the main train station of Piraeus, this tiny museum displays an impressive collection of old railway equipment, photos, pamphlets, and authentic conductor costumes.
• Taste Local Seafood – Although traditional Greek cuisine is mostly known for its delicious meat specialties (gyros, souvlaki…), the city of Piraeus boasts a wide variety of seafood restaurants where you can taste some of the freshest and tastiest seafood in the world for reasonable prices. You can find numerous restaurants, taverns, and cafes on the city’s waterfront where you can taste all sorts of dishes (If you come across a pan-fried fish coated in butter – go for it, as that’s one of the local specialties!). For the best harbor views, Mikrolimano Bay and Zea Marina offer spectacular views of luxury yachts, picturesque fishing boats, and old houses lined with the coast.
• Piraeus Fun Blue Train – The best way to explore Piraeus highlights is to hop on a local sightseeing train that waits for you at cruise terminals. They stop at the major city attractions including Pasalimani (Zea Marina) – the main marina of the town, Piraeus Municipal Theater , the Archeological Museum , the Maritime Museum , and many others.

Check out Piraeus tours and activities

If your cruise itinerary includes Athens, I strongly advise you to carefully plan your day to maximize your port experience.

If you are embarking or disembarking in Athens, I definitely think you should consider staying a couple of days more so you can get the most out of the wonderful Greek capital.

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2 thoughts on “11 Best Things To Do In Athens Cruise Port (Piraeus) + Port Guide”

After reading that some of the sites are only accessible by many stairs, can you please tell me which sites would not be advisable for someone with an extreme fear of heights?

I am also extremely afraid of heights 🙂 But don’t worry, Acropolis is on the hill but it’s ok, generally in Athens there are no “dangerous”/high places I can think of… Enjoy your trip!

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Piraeus-Athens cruise port

Mediterranean - black sea.

• Coordinates 37.944, 23.639
• LOCODE GRPIR
• Local Time 2024-09-06 00:09

Piraeus-Athens cruise ship schedule

• Temperature

CRUISE PORT GUIDES

Piraeus – Greece

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Cruise Port Guide Piraeus – Greece: docked

There are about 12 different docking locations in the port of Piraeus.. Most cruise ships dock at cruise terminal A or B. See map above for its exact location. At the cruise terminal you will usually find shops, currency exchange and a tourist information booth although it is not always open. There are often maps that can pick up in the cruise terminal. Depending on where you dock exactly your dock is about 1 mile ( < 2 km) from the centre of Piraeus and 7 mile / 12 km from the city centre of Athens. Your ship might provide a shuttle service. Check this with the front desk on board of your ship. There are also plenty of transportation options to find on shore side. Find your options underneath:

Taxi from Piraeus to Athens The official taxis in Piraeus are yellow and they have a meter. A taxi from the port of Piraeus to Athens should cost you no more than 15 or 20 euro one way. Especially if you share a taxi it will save you a lot of hustle, bustle and time to get into Athens. Do take into account the taxi will take at least 30 minutes to get into the centre. A great place to be dropped off would be at the Plaka (the historical neighbourhood right in between all the mayor sights). Please make sure the driver puts on the meter or might end up with a much higher price. Please find an estimation of the taxi prices underneath:

To city centre: 15 to 20 euro one way

To airport: 45 euro one way

Sightseeing: 25 euro per hour

Metro from Piraeus to Athens One of the ways to get into the city centre of Athens is by metro. Keep in mind that the metro station might be up to 30 to 40 minute walk. Alternatives are to either take a taxi or public bus 40 from the cruise terminal to the metro station. At the metro station you can take line 1 (green line) into Athens. Buy your tickets at the counter or at the machine. The metro goes straight into the historical district of Athens. A convenient stop to get off is at Monastiraki. See the location of the metro stop Piraeus and Monastiraki marked on the map above.

Hop on hop off bus There is a hop on hop off bus in Athens. It has a blue and a red line. One of those lines will come by your dock in Piraeus. Find the hop on hop off bus at the exit of the terminal or close to it.

Sightseeing train For those not interested in going into Athens, you might be interested in taking the Piraeus sightseeing train. This is a quick tour through Piraeus on one of those trolley trains. First departure is at 8 am and they should depart every 30 minutes. Find the train at the exit of the terminal of close to it.

Wi-fi The terminals in Piraeus have free wi-fi and besides that you will find a lot of cafe’s and restaurants that provide wi-fi when you purchase a cup of coffee.

Luggage storage There is a luggage storage at the metro station and you will also find several offices surrounding the metro building that can store your luggage.

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The plaka is the neighbourhood that developed around the ruins of the Acropolis. This 17th century neighbourhood is a maze of streets that lead you to one of the most scenic streets of Athens. Pick up your souvenirs here or try some Greek specialities.

Plaka, Athens

You will find many sites like this throughout the city centre of Athens. This one is the temple of Olympian Zeus. It was completed by emperor Hadrian in the 2nd century BC. It took 8 centuries to build and that point it was the largest temple in Greece.

Temple of Olympian Zeus

Athens 105 57, Greece

The acropolis is the eye catcher of Athens and one of the most famous buildings in the world. The Acropolis was born around 440 BC. It was the highlight of Greece, a centre of creativity in an era when writing, theater and art would flourish. 25 centuries is still stands proudly on the hill overlooking the modern day city of Athens. Combo ticket deal! If you buy a ticket for the Acropolis you basically buy a combo ticket that is valid for 4 days for 7 sites (one visit per site). This ticket of 12 euro is valid for the Acropolis, Theater of Dionysos, Archeological site and museum of ancient Agora, Roman Agora, Temple of Olympia, Keramikos and Adrian’s Library.

Athens 105 58, Greece

The new Acropolis Museum opened its doors in 2009. To get the full picture of what the Acropolis was all about you simply have to visit this museum. It houses lots of artefacts and archeological finds from the site and it completes the story of these mysterious times.

Acropolis Museum

15 Dionysiou Areopagitou Street, Athens 11742

The port of Piraeus offers several docking locations for cruise ships. This is cruise terminal A which is one of the most commonly used cruise docks. You will find tourist information, souvenir shops and a taxi stand at the cruise terminal. Learn more about ways to get to Athens from the cruise terminal in the full Piraeus cruise port guide.

Piraeus cruise dock

This is without doubt the best museum of Greece. The exhibition displays art and archeological findings of thousands of years of Greek history here in 1 building. It is immense and it sometimes feels like they have an unlimited amount of sculptures here.

National Archaeological Museum

28is Oktovriou 44, Athina 106 82, Greece

The Agora might be the most important place in Athens if not Europe. It formed the political heart of old Athens from 600 BC onwards. Imagine this was place where you could find theaters, schools and shopping centres. A place that was the political and social heart of Athens and this is still being seen as the birthplace of democracy and the western world. Find this museum in the heart of Athens. Stoa – Agora Museum On the premises of the Agora you will find the Stoa. It was build in the 2nd century BC and nowadays it houses the Agora Museum. It is a very good museum especially if you want to know more about the form of art 2 millennia ago and learn about the meaning behind the rocks that make up the ruins of Agora nowadays. Find the Stoa on the premises of the Agora.

Adrianou, Athina 105 55, Greece

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Piraeus (Athens), Greece

Piraeus (Athens) Cruise Ship Schedule

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Cruises from/to Piraeus (Athens), Greece

Piraeus (athens), greece cruise port.

Piraeus is the port cruise ships use to access Athens, the city that is considered the cradle of Western Civilization. Athens is credited with the creation of the modern democracy. During the 5 th century, Athenian residents had freedom of speech, and the government had organized social welfare programs. This peaceful time spurred great achievements in philosophy by Socrates, medicine by Hippocrates and history by Herodotus. Today, Athens holds onto the accomplishments of its past, but continues to modernize and make the city a more approachable city to cruisers. With an improved public transportation system and 10 miles of streets designated for pedestrians only, there has never been a better time to cruise to Athens and enjoy the city’s past.  Featured below are a few of our favorite experiences for the cruise port of Athens, Greece:

• The National Archaeological Museum is a must-see spot for anyone interested in the roots of Athens and ancient civilizations. Here you’ll find artifacts from the Mycenaean period and Cycladic period, along with Egyptian art and frescoes and vases from Santorini.  
• The Acropolis is a must when cruising to Athens. The Acropolis is also home to the Parthenon, and its famous columns, and the Temple of Athena Nike.  
• Greek food is popular world over, but in Athens you can experience the real deal. Products like Greek yogurt, feta cheese and Kalamata olives all have Greek origins. Try Souvlaki, which is grilled meat with tzatziki on a pita. This dish is often served at restaurants and stands within the city.  
• Explore the Kanellopoulos Museum which has jewelry, weapons and other artifacts from ancient Greek history. The collection is all housed in a mansion built in 1884.  
• Take a ride on the funicular in Kolonaki for a trip up Lycavittos Hill for stunning views of Athens. If you wish, you can hike up the hill, but be sure to stay hydrated – especially if you visit this hot city in the summer.

Top 10 Cruises to Piraeus (Athens), Greece

• Seven Seas Mariner 17 NIGHT Mediterranean - Eastern CRUISE Departing From Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy (Sep 2024)
• MSC Sinfonia 7 NIGHT Mediterranean - Eastern CRUISE Departing From Piraeus (Athens), Greece (Sep 2024 - Oct 2025)
• Seven Seas Mariner 9 NIGHT Mediterranean - Eastern CRUISE Departing From Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy (Sep 2024)
• Wind Surf Adriatic Archipelagos & Greek Goddesses Departing From Piraeus (Athens), Greece (Sep 2024 - Sep 2025)
• Norwegian Epic 10 Night Greek Isles & Italy (CIV/CIV) Departing From Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy (Sep 2024 - Oct 2025)
• Sun Princess 16 NIGHT Europe CRUISE Departing From Piraeus (Athens), Greece (Sep 2024)
• Nieuw Statendam 28-day Iberian Adventure Ancient Mysteries & Egypt Departing From Amsterdam, The Netherlands (Sep 2024)
• Explorer of the Seas 7 NIGHT GREEK ISLES CRUISE Departing From Ravenna, Italy (Sep 2024 - Sep 2025)
• MSC Opera 7 NIGHT Mediterranean - Eastern CRUISE Departing From Bari, Italy (Sep 2024 - Oct 2025)
• MSC Sinfonia 7 NIGHT Mediterranean - Eastern CRUISE Departing From Split, Croatia (Sep 2024 - Nov 2024)

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Athens (Piraeus), Greece

Cruises from Athens (Piraeus) depart from spring through fall. Piraeus serves as Athens' primary port. Attractions here include archeological and maritime museums, the hilltop quarter of Kastella, Mikrolimano's seafood restaurants and the remains of the Piraeus Wall. After making the 6-mile journey to Greece's capital city, head to the Acropolis, the 7-acre rock formation that's home to the Propylaea, Erechtheum, Parthenon and Temple of Athena Nike. Nearby, the Acropolis Museum features exhibitions dedicated to these monuments and offers views of the city. Guided excursions may visit the Temple of Olympian Zeus; the Theatre of Dionysus, possibly the world's oldest theater; and the Panathenaic Stadium, site of the first modern Olympics. Occurring every hour on the hour, the changing of the guard ceremony at the Monument of the Unknown Soldier is a spectacle worth seeing. Food tours entice with Athenian delicacies such as olives, feta cheese and baklava.

Driving Directions and Parking Information Akti Miaouli 10 Pireas 185 38 Head to Attiki Odos/A62 and drive for 6km, continue onto Leof. Koropiou Aerodromiou. After that, use any lane to turn left onto Leof. Varis Koropiou (signs for Glyfada/Vari.) Drive on Leof. Varis Koropiou for 10km, continue onto Leof. Varis Varkizis for 2km. Use the right two lanes to turn right onto Leof. Kon/nou Karamanli (signs for Mediterraneo Hospital.) Stay on this road for 14 km, then stay left to continue on, and go for another 4km. Use any lane to turn left onto Eth. Antistaseos, then any lane to turn right onto Dim. Gounari. Stay on Dim. Gounari until you reach Atki Posidonos, and use the left two lanes to turn left onto it. Go 1km then take a slight right onto Atki Miaouli, then after 1km, turn right to stay onto Atki Miaouli. Your destination will be Akti Miaouli 10.

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Athens (Piraeus) Greece Port Guide

As the capital of Greece and one of Europe’s most bustling cities, Athens is powered by 5,000 years of history. At night, the city glows from afar, light reflecting off the ancient ruins. Today travelers flock from around the world to experience its history while on cruises from Athens. After all, the art, theatre, architecture, and philosophy of Athens had ripple effects through the fabric of entire civilizations.

Take in thousands of years of history through timeless excursions while on a cruise from Athens. The departure port of Piraeus is one of the busiest commercial ports in the world, servicing many Mediterranean cruises , and sits on a natural, sandy bay where local Athenians often relax on summer weekends. Piraeus offers travelers stopping through on their Greek island cruises from Athens opportunity to explore, shop, and eat traditional Greek dishes.

A Greek island cruise from Athens wouldn’t be complete without seeing the metropolis’ major sites—the unforgettable Acropolis, the Parthenon, a hike up Mount Lycabettus, or tours of museums containing antiquity’s greatest treasures dating back to the 5th century BC. Though Athens is a city of ruins, it’s the very essence of modern Greece.

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Athens City Stays

Embark on an in-depth experience in the city where your cruise starts. Stay in accommodations we’ve carefully selected. Enjoy tours guided by experts to see the must-sees and do the must-dos. Take private transportation between your airport, hotel, and ship.

Guided Tour Highlights:  Step back in history when you explore Athens and some of its ancient ruins, such as the Acropolis and Parthenon. Get swept up in the Monastiraki Flea Market. Discover the local culture, savor the cuisine, and explore the art of this captivating city.

Top Sights & Attractions for Cruises to & from Athens

The acropolis and the parthenon.

Greek island cruises from Athens would be missing a critical piece of the city without a trip to the Acropolis. You’ll trek the 490 feet up into the Plaka District along narrow, paved streets surrounded by aromatic olive trees. At the Acropolis, the world-famous Parthenon stands apart from any other structure in the modern or ancient world—it’s instantly recognizable as a symbol for everything Athens, similar to Rome’s Colosseum or the Taj Mahal in Agra. Come see why its Doric columns have withstood war, invasion, destruction, and simply the test of time. 

Plaka District

The Plaka district surrounds the Acropolis. Wander through this charming stretch of narrow paved streets into handcrafted shops, restaurants, countless cafes, and bars. In the 1970s, the district was a prime area for nightlife, but cracking down on the local noise ordinances turned the Plaka District into a quieter, more commercialized neighborhood. Shops and restaurants quickly boomed there, and now the Plaka is popular with tourists looking for shopping and leisure.

Olympic Stadium

Athens is the birthplace of the Olympic Games, and it’s one of the biggest events in the world today, celebrating culture and peace among the world’s nations. Athens has hosted the modern Olympic Games in 1896, 1906, 2004, and most recently, the Special Olympics in 2011. The city’s Panathenaic Stadium, a 45,000-seat outdoor stadium, is instantly recognizable and centrally located in the heart of Athens. Don’t forget to take a look at which events are happening during your Greek island cruise from Athens. 

Acropolis Museum

Make it a point to visit the Acropolis Museum, a comprehensive catalogue of Greek art, culture, and philosophy dating back to the 5th century BC. You’ll find artifacts from the Bronze, Roman, and Byzantine ages as well. This joint effort between a Greek architect and an American architect opened in 2009, making it one of Athen’s youngest can’t-miss attractions for tourists and history buffs. 

Mount Lycabettus

Athens is known for a hilly, rolling landscape. Its highest point is Mount Lycabettus, which ascends over 900 feet high. Getting to the stop is an adventure in and of itself. Start by taking a cable car toward the top of the mountain. Then, climb around 100 steps from the cable car station to the summit. There, you’ll find the terrace atop Mount Lycabettus promises breathtaking panoramic views not only of the metropolis of Athens but also the port of Piraeus and its many docked ships. 

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Top things to do in athens, hike the acropolis.

You’ll break a sweat getting there, but the view of these famed, ancient ruins including the Parthenon is well worth the climb. An unmissable activity for anyone visiting Athens. Treat yourself to Greek sweets in the Plaka District once you’re done taking in the sights.

Go Museum Hopping

While on your cruise from Athens, you can’t miss the chance to museum hop from one Greek masterwork to the next. Beyond the incredible ruins and sites available in Athens, their exhibits are unmatched. Take, for example, the Numismatic Museum of Athens, which has the largest collection of modern ancient coins in the world. Or see the National Archaeological Museum, which is home to antiquity’s greatest artifacts and a true display of the lasting effects of Greek civilization. 

Run the Famous Olympic Stadium

The Olympic Stadium is an iconic excursion for sports lovers and Olympic Game fans. Named for the 1896 Olympic marathon gold medalist Spyros Louis, the Olympic Stadium opened in 1982.

Walk Along the National Garden

The National Garden is a large public park and is conveniently located near the Olympic Stadium. After your stop at the Stadium, take a long walk through the National Garden for a glimpse of Greece’s natural environment and plant life both native and exotic. The Garden is home to 7,000 trees, a getaway from the city even in the middle of Athens. 

See As Many Historic Ruins As You Possibly Can

Soak up the Acropolis, the Parthenon, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Temple of Hephaestus, and so many other ruins while you’re in Athens. If you think ruins are difficult to differentiate, you’re missing out on Athens, where each structures has its own style and historical significance. Thousands of years of civilization will starkly contrast with the modern Athenian cityscape. 

Top Food and Drink Spots Near the Athens (Piraeus) Cruise Port

Varoulko - Piraeus

Address: Akti Koumoundourou 52, Mikrolimano, Piraeus

This restaurant serves a variety of fresh seafood dishes and main courses cooked expertly, like white fish served with zucchini cream and horseradish, or cuttlefish risotto, or delicious leek soup.

Strofi - Athens

Address: Rovertou Galli 25, 11742 Athens, Greece

Just steps from the Acropolis, you’ll find Strofi, a restaurant that has been open since 1957. Try lamb stuffed wrapped in vine leaves and stuffed with cheese, or octopus with olive oil and oregano. Enjoy the outdoor dining area, with views of the Acropolis in the near distance.

Orizontes - Athens

Address: Lycabettus Hill, Athens, Greece

Most of the novelty of Orizontes is the fact that it’s located on Mount Lycabettus, the highest peak in Athens. Talk about views. Come for homemade bread, an extensive wine list, and classically Mediterranean lamb and fish dishes.

Mama Psomi - Athens

Address: 42-44 Zacharitsa St, Koukaki

This family-owned bakery is a favorite, providing everything from pies with sweet filling to bulgur wheat bread or walnut bread. Find and quickly devour these at Mama Psomi’s.

Culture & History of the Athens (Piraeus) Cruise Port

Clues point to settlement in Athens dating as far back as the Neolithic period. In the 6th century BCE, Athens saw both geographic and cultural growth, where new structures and sculptures were built to replace more rudimentary, earlier works on the Acropolis. The Acropolis quickly became a symbol of the city. In the 5th century BC, Athens became the first democratic city-state, or polis, to be brought into existence, and its effects on history rippled well into the modern era.

During the Roman and Hellenistic periods, Athens saw an increase in its importance in trade and commerce, producing and shipping more oils and goods to Italy. As the Roman Empire saw its zenith, Athens was a particular favorite of Emperor Hadrian, who built Hadrian’s Library on the north side of the Acropolis in 132 AD. However, as the Roman Empire fell into decline, Greece’s global prominence sharply withdrew. Like many parts of Greece, Athens switched hands frequently throughout the centuries. In the 19th century, the Turks possessed the Acropolis until 1833, when Athens was selected as the capital of the kingdom of Greece. During World War II, Athens was thankfully spared of major destruction.

Ancient Greece had immense impact on the Romans and other European political structures as well. America’s Founding Fathers looked to Greek democracy as an inspiration for certain elements of the government of the United States. The spirit of Greece as a pioneer of progress and resilience in the face of endless occupations is marked in its enduring, preserved structures. Long after we’re gone, Athens will still stand. Experience Athens’ rich history for yourself with any number of guided tours or visit its incomparable museums.

Athens Port Facilities & Location

Greek island cruises from Athens depart from the port of Piraeus. It’s one of the most serviced ports in the world and has three large cruise terminals (simply named Terminals A, B, and C). All terminals have air conditioning, free Wifi, and restrooms. Terminal A is walking distance to the city center of Piraeus, making it easy to shop for souvenirs or grab a bite to eat.

You have two options to get to Athens from the terminals: take a taxi, available from every terminal gate, for a 20-30 minute ride to Athens, or you can take a subway train from Piraeus.

Transportation in Athens (Piraeus)

Public Transport

The subway station is located at the very north of the Piraeus port gate, and you can get around on the Green, Red, and Blue subway lines depending on your destination. Ticket cost varies from €1 for a one-hour trip to €3 for a day pass.

Taxis are available at every cruise terminal gate and all over the city center. Most taxis are metered. You can typically find a taxi close to hotels or tourist spots like historical sites. Most taxis don’t accept credit cards, so be mindful to carry extra euros with you to cover your fare.  

Shopping Near the Athens (Piraeus) Cruise Port

The port of Piraeus has an abundance of shops, making it easy to pick up a quick souvenir along the way. You’ll find a variety of shops along Sotiros Dios, which is a pedestrian shopping street lined with name-brand stores and smaller locally owned boutiques, as well as cafes and unfussy restaurants.

Local Currency & Tipping Customs

While in Greece, you’ll use the Euro as your primary form of currency. Smaller shops and businesses frequently don’t accept credit cards, so ask before using one. Tipping taxi drivers isn’t common, but rounding up to the nearest euro is polite, especially if you had a helpful driver. Leave some a 10% tip behind at a restaurant if there is no service charge included. Don’t forget to tip your tour guide! €5-€10 is polite when taking a guided tour in Athens.

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Cruise from Athens (Piraeus), Greece

Athens (piraeus) shore excursions, amazing experiences coming soon., sorry, there are no excursions for this port at this moment., things to do in athens (piraeus).

Take Me to Church

The Agia Triada church in Greece

The Agia Triada is one of the finest examples of Byzantine-style churches in Greece. The Church of St. Nicholas, which overlooks the port, has a magnificent interior filled with orthodox icons, frescoes and sculptures.

Mediterranean Romance

Mikrolimano harbour in Greece

Part of the Castella district, Mikrolimano is the smallest and most picturesque port of Athens, making it perfect for a romantic afternoon. Take a leisurely stroll along the promenade to take in the amazing views, then settle in a cafe or taverna for some fresh seafood or a refreshing drink with your cruise to Athens.

Boats and the Bronze Age

The Naval Museum has exhibits that present ship building from ancient times to the present day. You will be fascinated by the Neosoikoi, the archaeological remains of the ship sheds where local craftsmen maintained and repaired the boats. Art lovers will have plenty to see at the Piraeus Archaeological Museum, from Bronze Age sculptures to classical Hellenistic pottery.

Local Cuisine

Try the local dishes prepared with sun-ripened tomatoes, eggplant, bell peppers and fresh seafood like mussels and grilled octopus. Look for trovolia, a typical fresh cheese to savor with marinated olives. Ask for recommendations on local wines — the most common white is lively, floral and aromatic Moschofilero, while the red of choice is Xinomavro, an indigenous grape with a bold, complex flavor.

You may want to bring back home some of the typical liquors such as the anise-flavored Ouzo or the strong Tsipouro. Greek olives, spices and capers can be vacuumed-packed, making for convenient souvenirs. Look for locally made leather sandals, pottery and hand-painted ceramics. You'll find most shops in the Psyri district, not far from the Acropolis during your Athens cruise.

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