Port of Departure Piraeus (Athens), Greece
The Greek port of Piraeus at evening time. Athens is 10km away, an easy 20 minute journey by metro railway.
Piraeus, Port of Athens
Piraeus has been a major port even since the Golden Age of Greece. The city was planned by Hippodamus, an accomplished architect. Further development took place during the times of the Persian War, when Piraeus was integral to the defence of Athens, as the linking corridor between the city and port was strengthened by stone walls.
Later, during the Renaissance era, Piraeus was named 'Porto Leone', due to the beautiful marble lion standing over the harbor. Unfortunately, the lion was stolen and moved to Venice, where it still stands.
Today Piraeus is the biggest port in Greece, and one of most important in the Mediterranean Sea.
Cruises from Piraeus leave for a multitude of destinations in the Greek Islands and beyond. Most cruise passengers arrive by air, and it's an easy transfer from Athens airport to the port.
Note that the Greek spelling of Piraeus is Pireas, and all signs show the Greek name.
Piraeus Port
The Port of Piraeus is on the southern edge of the city, on the Saronic Gulf coastline (part of the Aegean Sea). The port is first and foremost a ferry terminus, serving the Greek Islands. Greece has many islands, so ferries are essential and sail in and out of Piraeus 24 hours a day.
The cruise ship berths are on the quays to the southern side of the port. Cruise ships moor at Cruise Terminal A or Cruise Terminal B.
Cruise Terminal A, approached by entrance E11, is located in the middle of the harbour between the Mioulis and Xaveris docks.
Cruise Terminal B, approached by gate E12, sits at the entrance of the harbour, inside the Termistokleous breakwater.
The maximum load of Piraeus port is four large cruise ships.
Cruises from Piraeus
There's a wide selection of cruises from Piraeus, including the Aegean sea and its marvellous Greek Islands, mighty Istanbul towering over the Dardanelles, the fascinating Ukrainian ports of the Black Sea or southwards to the archaeologist's dream Egypt.
Out and About in Piraeus
It's only seven miles from Piraeus to Athens, and the majority of travellers will spend the port call in Athens. Athens is a hot, big, crowded and busy city packed with traffic and people. However at the city's center lies the impressive Acropolis, a don't miss attraction for tourists from all over the globe. Near the Acropolis lies the welcoming friendly area of Plaka, a place full of historic interest, and the Acropolis and Plaka form the main draw for travellers.
Athens
The Acropolis
The top attraction in Athens is the Acropolis, a 150 m (512 ft) rock in the center of the city topped with a series of temples erected in around 400BC. The beauty of these ancient monuments makes the Acropolis world-famous. There is a 12 euro fee to gain entrance. At the top of the Acropolis sits the magnificent Parthenon, an amazing classical Greek temple, a majestic sight from almost everywhere in the city. Nearby stands the Erechtheion. The 6 ladies that act as pillars are not real, you can see 5 originals in the Acropolis museum. Number 6 is in the British Museum in London, as well as large pieces of the Parthenon frieze.
Syntagma Square
See the soldiers dressed in their distinctive skirt with white tights and bizarre shoes. Be sure to see the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Plaka
Just down from the Acropolis sits the Plaka District. This pretty area is made up of meandering pedestrianised streets.
Roman Forum
The Roman Forum can be found at the west side of Plaka. Here you'll see the beautiful Horologion of Andronikos, a 8 faced tower with a different wind god on each side. Shared ticket with Acropolis.
Shopping in Plaka
There are many local products worth purchasing. Olive oil, small carpets, and leather shoes are all sourced locally and give great value for money. The local antique market is always bustling and interesting.
Restaurants in Plaka
Dining in one of the pavement restaurants savouring a plate of tasty Greek food with some ouzo is a great way to pass the lunch hour.
Piraeus
Marina Zea
Zea, also called Pasalimani, is where you can catch one of the Flying Dolphins to the islands in the Saronic Gulf, and you'll also find the most fantastic yachts moored in the marina, one of the largest in Europe. There are lots of restaurants, shops, and tavernas along the shore; if you like boat-watching, sit outside a café and watch the activity in the beautiful harbor.
Hellenic Maritime Museum
This nautical and naval museum has many exhibits showing Greek ships, both modern and ancient. There are paintings, ship models, flags, maps, and all sorts of ship paraphernalia. A section of the wall built around Piraeus by Themistocles in ancient times is here, and so are some items from Aristotle Onassis’s yacht. There are some weird little objects in this museum, such as ship models that prisoners carved from bone, and many very interesting exhibits for those interested in naval history.
Archeological Museum
The archeological museum has exhibits from ancient times, such as statues that date back to the 4th century BC. There is a very large funeral monument, grave markers, and important bronze statues of Apollo, Athena, and Artemis. Sculptures from both the Classical and Roman periods are on display, as are many treasures excavated in Piraeus; there are also ruins of an ancient theater nearby.
Travelling to Piraeus Cruise Terminals
From the Piraeus Metro Line station
It's around one mile from the rail station to Cruise Terminal A, and around a mile and a half to Cruise Terminal B. Walking's not practical, as its quite a hike on a boiling hot day. Instead walk over the main road via the new bridge for pedestrians. Catch a bus to your terminal (number 832, 833 843 or 859)..
From Athens City Center to Piraeus
Metro Rail Line
The easiest method of travelling from Athens to Piraeus Port is via the metro railway. ISAP Line number one (green, Kifissia - Piraeus) links Athens directly to Piraeus Port. The trip takes about 45 minutes.
Bus
There are two buses that shuttle between Piraeus and Athens. Buses Numbers 040 and 049 operate 24 hours a day, and run every 20 minutes from 0600 until midnight and then every hour. Bus No 040 runs between Syntagma square (Plaka district) in Athens and Akti Xaveriou in Piraeus (situated right between the cruise terminals). Bus No 049 runs between Omonia Square in Athens and Themistokleous Square in Piraeus. Alight at Karaiskaki square which is in front of gate E8, and from here take a 843 bus to the cruise terminals at gate E11 or E12.
Taxi
Cab fares are generally low in Greece, but dishonest taxi drivers are not uncommon, so it's best to use the service recommended by your hotel. You will be charged more for baggage, and extra for entrance to the port. The trip between Athens' center and Piraeus takes around 30 minutes.
Travelling from Athens Airport to Piraeus Port
If you're boarding one of the cruises from Piraeus, you'll probably arrive at Athens airport. You have 3 options for the transfer, Metro Line, Bus, or Taxi.
Metro Train
Blue Line 3 joins the airport to Monastiraki where you switch to Line 1, taking you to Piraeus. The journey time between the airport and Piraeus is approximately 75 minutes.
Bus
Bus number E96 runs 24 hours a day between the airport and Piraeus's Karaïskaki Square, with a bus each hour. The bus departs from the area outside arrivals Gate 4. On arrival at Piraeus you need to catch a further bus to the cruise terminal (number 832, 833, 843 or 859).
Taxi
A surcharge is added for trips from the airport, luggage costs more per item and the journey takes more than one hour (it's 30 km between the airport and Piraeus port) so the cab fare can come to 50 euros or even more.
Cruise Port Map (click on image for larger image)
Port Authority Piraeus Port Authority
Port Website Port of Piraeus (Athens)
Current Marine Traffic Piraeus (Athens) Marine Traffic
Currency EUR
Timezone EEST
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Cruises From Piraeus (Athens), Greece
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