Athens
Athens, Greece, is a city where every step is a walk through history. The birthplace of democracy and philosophy, Athens is a vibrant metropolis that seamlessly blends its ancient past with a bustling modern present. For cruisers, the port of Piraeus serves as the gateway to the city’s timeless wonders, including the iconic Acropolis and its magnificent Parthenon. Athens is a destination that is not just to be seen but to be felt, as its ancient ruins provide a powerful backdrop to a lively and captivating city.
⛵ Port Introduction
The main cruise port for Athens is Piraeus, which is located about 7 miles (11 kilometers) from the city center. It is one of the busiest and most important ports in the Mediterranean. It has three passenger terminals, which can accommodate even the largest cruise ships. Your ship will dock directly at the pier, so no tender is required. The walk from the ship to the terminal is short, but the walk from the terminal to the metro station can be quite long, about 1-1.5 miles (2 km).
⚓ Terminal Information
The Piraeus cruise port is a sprawling complex with multiple berths and three passenger terminals. The newer sections, Terminal A and B, are well-equipped with modern facilities. The walk from the ship to the terminal is on a flat surface. Once you are in the terminal, you can get a taxi or take public transportation to get to the city center.
🚻 Terminal Facilities
The South Terminal, where most major cruise lines dock, offers excellent accessibility features and a variety of amenities. You'll find a tourist information desk with friendly staff, restrooms, and a duty-free shop. The port also provides free Wi-Fi in some areas. A dedicated assistance center on the ground floor can arrange wheelchair rentals and accessible transport. Tour pickups and a taxi stand are located just outside the terminals.
🗣️ Language
The local language is Greek. While English is spoken in the main tourist areas, it is not as universally spoken as in some other European ports. It is a good idea to have a few basic Greek phrases on hand.
A few useful phrases:
Yassas (YAH-sahs) - Hello
Efharisto (ehf-hah-rees-TOH) - Thank you
Parakalo (pah-rah-kah-LOH) - Please/You're welcome
Pou einai? (poo EE-nay) - Where is...?
Posa kanei? (POH-sah KAH-nee) - How much is this?
💰 Money
The currency is the Euro (€). Credit cards are widely accepted everywhere, and contactless payments are very common. It is a good idea to have some cash on hand for smaller purchases from street vendors or for bus tickets. ATMs are available at the port and throughout the city, but it's best to use an ATM from a reputable bank to avoid high fees.
🚗 Transportation
To get from the cruise port to the main city of Athens, you have a few options:
Metro: This is the most recommended way to get to Athens from the port. The Piraeus Metro Station is located about a 20-30 minute walk from the cruise terminals. From there, you can take the Green Line to Monastiraki or the Blue Line to the Acropolis. The metro is affordable and efficient, with a one-way ticket costing a few Euros.
Taxis: Taxis are available at the cruise terminal. The fare to the Acropolis or the city center is fixed and should be around €20-€25. Be sure to confirm the price with the driver before you get in. Taxis are a good option for a group.
Bus: The public bus system is also an option. The X80 and 843 bus lines can take you from the port to the city center.
Hop-on-Hop-off Bus: A hop-on-hop-off bus service is also available at the port and is a convenient way to see the city's highlights.
♿ Accessibility
Athens has an accessibility rating of 5 out of 10. While the Piraeus cruise port has invested heavily in accessibility, the city of Athens itself can be a challenge. The historic city center has ancient cobblestone streets, and many of the sidewalks are uneven. The metro connection from Piraeus to central Athens is wheelchair accessible, but elevators can be out of service without warning. The Acropolis archaeological site is partially accessible, with a dedicated elevator for visitors with mobility issues, but the terrain is uneven.
🚶♀️ The best way to get to town from cruise port
The best way to get to the historic city center of Athens is to take the metro. It's an easy, affordable, and scenic ride that will take you right to the heart of the city, where you can walk to all the main attractions.
🚽 Toilet
Public toilets are not very common in Athens. Your best bet is to use the restrooms in museums, cafes, and restaurants. Some places may charge a small fee. In Greece, it is common practice not to flush toilet paper down the toilet. You'll find a small can next to the toilet where you should dispose of the paper.
💊 Drugstore
Maria Christoulaki Pharmacy: 24 Sotiros Dios, Piraeus, 185 35. This is located in Piraeus, a short taxi ride from the cruise port.
Apotheke: There are many pharmacies in Piraeus and throughout Athens.
✨ Authentic Experience
Walk the Plaka and Dine on Local Gyros or Souvlaki: Instead of a long tour, take a walk through the charming and historic Plaka neighborhood. This is one of the city's oldest and most picturesque areas, with narrow, winding streets and a variety of shops and cafes. For a truly authentic meal, find a local souvlaki or gyro joint and have a quick and delicious meal.
Visit the Acropolis Museum: While the Acropolis itself is a must-see, for a deeper understanding of the history and significance of the site, visit the Acropolis Museum. This modern museum, located at the foot of the Acropolis, houses all the artifacts found on the site.
Explore the Central Market (Varvakeios): For a taste of local life, visit the Central Market, a vibrant and bustling food market where locals shop for fresh produce, meat, and fish. It's a sensory overload, with the sights, sounds, and smells of a traditional Greek market.
