Cruise From The Heart Of The Aegean - Piraeus, Athens, Greece

The History of Piraeus

Piraeus has served as the port for Athens since the Golden Age. The port was conceived during the the fifth century BC by Themistocles, who foresaw the potential of its three deep water harbors. The early buildings and docks were extended by Pericles with the construction of fortified 'Long Walls' to protect the corridor to Athens. Today it is a substantial city in itself, handling much of Greater Athens' commerce. For the majority of visitors, however, it is Piraeus's inter-island ferries that are the reason for coming. The port despatches up to 60 ferries each day.

Incidentally the correct Greek way to spell Piraeus is now Pireas, and all signs have been changed accordingly.

Athens is just seven miles from Piraeus, and most tourists will spend the majority of their visit in Athens, rather than Piraeus. Situated on a plain surrounded by five mountains, Athens can get hot, sticky and dirty in summer. But at the city's center stands the iconic Acropolis, a magnetic attraction for travellers from all around the world. Near the Acropolis lies the welcoming tourist-friendly district of Plaka, a place full of historic interest, and the Acropolis and Plaka form the main draw for travellers.

Port of Piraeus
Your ship will dock in the Piraeus Port located to the south of the city. The port sits on the Saronic Gulf, in the Aegean Sea. Piraeus port is a major ferry terminus, providing a service to the many Greek Islands. As Greece is made up of many islands, ferry traffic is vital and ferries arrive at and leave from Piraeus round the clock. The cruise ship berths are on the southern side of the port.

Cruiseliners moor at Cruise Terminal A or Cruise Terminal B. Cruise Terminal A, accessed by gate E11, is situated in mid-harbour sandwiched by the Mioulis and Xaveris quays. Cruise Terminal B, approached by gate E12, lies at the mouth of the harbour, inside the Termistokleous pier. The cruise ship capacity of the port is up to 11 ships, depending on their size.

The cruise ship routes from Piraeus include a wide selection from ports in the Greek Islands, Israel, Egypt, Turkey and the Black Sea. For a comprehensive listing of cruises, Cruises From Piraeus.

Sightseeing in Athens

The Acropolis
The main attraction in Athens is the Acropolis. It costs EUR12 for admittance into the Acropolis.
At the top of the Acropolis stands the magnificent Parthenon, a superb ancient Greek temple, a magestic sight from everywhere in Athens.
Another iconic building is the Erechtheion. The 6 caryatids that act as pillars are replicas - you can see 5 of the originals in the Acropolis museum. Number 6 is in the British Museum in London, together with large pieces of the Parthenon frieze.

Syntagma Square
Look at the soldiers wearing their one-of-a-kind skirt with white tights and oddball shoes. A memorable sight is the changing of the guard ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Plaka
Just down from the Acropolis sits Plaka. This pretty area is made up of pedestrian streets, shops and pavement restaurants.

Roman Forum in Plaka
The Roman Agora is situated at the west side of Plaka. Here sits the interesting Tower of the Winds, a 8 sided tower with a different wind god on each side. Shares ticket with Acropolis.

The Shops in Plaka
There are a ton of local products worth considering. olive oil, small carpets, and leather shoes are all sourced nearby and give great value for money. The local antiques market is bustling and interesting.

Restaurants in Plaka
Dining in one of the pavement restaurants enjoying a plate of local food with a glass of ouzo is a very enjoyable way to spend the evening.

Things to See in Piraeus
Marina Zea, the leisure marina - pretty waterside, with cafes and bars.

Hellenic Nautical Museum - painting, models, flags, maps all with a Greek nautical theme.

Archeological Museum - impressive bronze statues of the Greek gods, from both the Classical and Roman periods.

Getting to the Cruise Terminals
From the Piraeus Metro Line station
It's around 1 mile from the station to Cruise Terminal A, and about a mile and a half to Cruise Terminal B. Walking's not practical, as its quite a hike on a boiling day. Instead walk over the main road via the new bridge for pedestrians. Take one of the following buses to the cruise terminal: 832, 833, 843, 859.

From Athens City Center to Piraeus Port
Metro Line
The best way to travel from Athens to the Piraeus Port is via the metro electric rail line. ISAP Line 1 (green, Kifissia - Piraeus) joins the city of Athens directly to Piraeus Port. Look at the metro map (http://www.urbanrail.net/eu/ath/athens.htm) for the correct route to take from your location in Athens.
By Bus
There are 2 buses that travel between Piraeus and Athens. Buses Nos 040 and 049 operate all day, running every 20 minutes from 6am until midnight and then every hour. Bus No 040 runs Cruise Departure Port - Piraeus, Greecebetween Syntagma square (Plaka district) in Athens and Akti Xaveriou in Piraeus (situated right between the cruise terminals). Bus No 049 links Omonia Square in Athens and Themistokleous Square in Piraeus. Get off at Karaiskaki square which is opposite gate E8, and from here take a 843 bus to the cruise terminals located at gate E11 or E12.
Taxi
Taxi fares are relatively low in Athens, but scam taxi drivers are fairly not uncommon, so use the service arranged by your hotel. It's extra for baggage (EUR0,30 for each item), and extra for entrance to the port ( EUR0,60). The trip between Athens' center and Piraeus takes around 30 min and the taxi fare is around EUR20.

Travelling from Athens Airport to Piraeus
Metro Train
Line 3 links the airport to Monastiraki station where you change to Line 1, taking you to Piraeus. The journey time between the airport and the port is about an hour and a quarter.
Bus
Bus no X96 runs day and night between the airport and Piraeus's Karaïskaki Square, with services 3 times an hour. The bus leaves from the area outside arrivals Gate 5. On arrival at Piraeus catch a further bus to the cruise terminals (numberno 832, 833, 843 or 859).
Taxi
There's a surcharge for trips from Athens' airport, luggage costs more per item and the ride takes at least 1 hour (iit's 30 km between Athens' airport and Piraeus port) so the cab price can come to €50 or more.