Piraeus, Greece

Currency: Euro (EUR)

Language: Greek

Time Zone: GMT +3

Cruises to Athens disembark at the port of Piraeus, which lies 7 miles to the southwest of the city centre.

Athens is a popular port-of-call on Greek and Mediterranean cruises. From the cruise ship terminal it’s an easy walk to the restaurants and bars of Piraeus’ attractive harbour district, while further along are a number of hidden coves and marinas. 

Most Athens cruise passengers enjoy a short walk towards the shops and open-air market of Piraeus’ town centre, where they can buy olives, wine and local crafts as well as designer clothes and leather goods. Bear in mind most local shops close around 2pm and re-open around 5pm after a siesta so plan your day around this.

Many cruise lines have shore excursions into Athens itself, which prove popular with visitors calling at the port. However, those who have booked late cruise deals without this option can take trains direct from Piraeus to Athens, where they can visit the Acropolis and Plaka shopping district.  The station is just 20 minutes' easy walk from the terminal.

A cruise to Athens is incomplete without visiting the Acropolis. From here, you can view the spectacular Parthenon - a 2,400 year old temple devoted to the goddess Athena and visit for a small entrance fee. The Erechtheion is another temple, supposed to have the marks of Poseidon’s trident; the Acropolis museum will tell you far more and contains five of the original ladies that used to serve as its pillars – the current pillars are reproductions. It is easy to spend several hours on these sites and in the museum alone.

Other attractions visitors can see include the awe-inspiring Theatre of Dionysos, the Panathenaicon Stadium (site of the first Olympiad); the Temple of Zeus and the spectacular Hadrian’s Arch. Don’t forget to visit the restaurants, shops and antique market of the Plaka district where you can enjoy a glass of ouzo the local alcoholic drink and a snack at one of a number of quaint sidewalk cafes.

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