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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). 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.
Pre-Voyage ATH Airport Transfer to La Plaka
For those seeking a break from the urban landscape, the nearby Athens Riviera offers beautiful beaches where you can soak up the sun and take a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear waters of the Aegean Sea. From Glyfada to Vouliagmeni, these coastal areas provide the perfect escape from the bustling city. From trendy bars and rooftop lounges to traditional taverns featuring live music and dancing, there is something for everyone.
Direct Bus X80 to the Athens Center
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. Piraeus cruise port has 3 passenger cruise terminals that can accommodate up to 11 cruise ships, and each terminal has its own terminal building.
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Beyond Piraeus and Athens
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. 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.
Established in 1935 and expanded in 1966, the Piraeus Museum is small in size, yet holds a number of significant pieces in its collection. The exhibits relate the history and the rise and fall of the ancient city. Like every other large port in the world, Piraeus had its own vibrant red light district located in the narrow backstreets of the harbour until the late 1960s. If you wish to splash out on an evening of fine dining in a magnificent setting, then Varoulko is your top choice in the city and one of the few Greek Michellin-starred restaurants.
Visiting Athens on a Cruise: Tips & Things to do
Built on top of the hill dominating the historic heart of Athens, Acropolis ranks among the world’s most stunning ancient ruins. Few ports in the World are truly unique but Santorini is undoubtedly one of a kind. Cruise ships anchor in an vast bay formed by a collapsed volcano, between the still-active crater and multi-hued cliffs. In mid-July 2020, the European Commission approved a new cruiseferry service Piraeus-Cyprus, state-funded annually with EUR 6,7 million (~USD 7,6 M).
Arriving at the Port of Piraeus Cruise Terminal by Cruise
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One of the standout features of Athens is the Acropolis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a symbol of ancient Greece. Perched on a rocky hill, the Acropolis is home to the iconic Parthenon, a temple dedicated to the goddess Athena. Standing tall for over 2,400 years, the Parthenon is a testament to the architectural marvels of the ancient world. Most of the novelty of Orizontes is the fact that it’s located on Mount Lycabettus, the highest peak in Athens. Come for homemade bread, an extensive wine list, and classically Mediterranean lamb and fish dishes. Wonders never cease to occur in Athens, and if a few hours is all you have to explore the navel of Western Civilization, then a careful selection of activities in a timely manner is all you need.
While it might not have as many as Athens, Piraeus is home to a few fine museums that offer very compelling exhibits and don’t require the best part of a day to visit. Rafina itself is a charming coastal town with a vibrant harbor area. Numerous taverns, seafood restaurants, and cafes line the waterfront, offering delicious Greek cuisine and stunning views of the crystal-clear waters of the Aegean Sea. Take a leisurely stroll along the promenade, soak up the sun, and savor the relaxed atmosphere before setting sail. Rafina Cruise Port, located on the eastern coast of Attica, is a charming and picturesque port that serves as an alternative to the bustling Piraeus Port in Athens. Known for its tranquil atmosphere and stunning harbor, Rafina is an excellent choice for those looking for a more relaxed departure point.
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If you have some extra time before or after your cruise, consider exploring Lavrio town itself. Its small but charming center offers traditional Greek architecture, quaint cafes, and friendly locals who will make you feel right at home. Traveling from Athens city center to Rafina is also convenient.
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. Greek island cruises from Athens would be missing a critical piece of the city without a trip to the Acropolis.
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. 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. 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.
Relax knowing you’re booking the lowest airfare and have a dedicated team helping you get to your ship—and back. The best time to visit Athens is during spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October). The weather is pleasant, and tourist crowds are relatively smaller. Summer months can be quite hot, with increased tourist traffic, while winter months are cooler and have shorter daylight hours. Here, one can walk along paths once trodden by philosophers and explore the ancient ruins that resonate with the voices of history.
Most are located at Gate E3, between Gate E5 and E6, at Gate E7, E8 and E9 and at Gate E11. For the current arrival and departure times of the ferries, please refer to the website of the respective provider. 36 check-in counters spread over 6 halls can handle up to 1,200 passengers per hour.
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. Then, while you explore the city, your luggage is taken to the airport.
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. 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.
The new (passenger and car ferryboat) service will include either Limassol or Larnaca, with a possible intermediate Greek Island stop along the route. However, since 2009, the port's container handling performance was hugely improved - from ~1,5 million TEUs (2009) to about 3,58 million TEUs (2014). 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. As it can get very crowded during high season, it is recommended to purchase tickets online in advance. Additionally, you have the option to purchase some ferry tickets online in advance, saving you from standing in line or missing your desired ferry.
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