Introducing Piraeus
Piraeus has been the port of Athens since the Golden Age. The port at Piraeus was conceived at the beginning of the fifth century BC by Themistocles, who realized the potential of its 3 deep water bays. The early buildings were consolidated by Pericles with the construction of 'the Long Walls' to protect the route to Athens. Nowadays Piraeus is an important center in its own right, containing much of Greater Athens' industry. For the majority of tourists, though, it is the inter-island ferries based in Piraeus that provide the reason for passing through. The port sees the departure of up to 60 ferries each day.
Beware that the Greek signs will use the spelling Pireas, rather than Piraeus.
Athens is only seven miles from Piraeus, and the majority of travellers will spend the visit in Athens. Situated on a plain between four mountains, Athens can get hot, sticky and dirty in summer. However at its center stands the magnificent Acropolis, a magnetic attraction for tourists from all over the globe. Jusrt North of the Acropolis lies the cosmopolitan tourist-friendly area of Plaka, a place full of historic interest, and these two are the main draw for travellers.
Piraeus has been the port of Athens since the Golden Age. The port at Piraeus was conceived at the beginning of the fifth century BC by Themistocles, who realized the potential of its 3 deep water bays. The early buildings were consolidated by Pericles with the construction of 'the Long Walls' to protect the route to Athens. Nowadays Piraeus is an important center in its own right, containing much of Greater Athens' industry. For the majority of tourists, though, it is the inter-island ferries based in Piraeus that provide the reason for passing through. The port sees the departure of up to 60 ferries each day.
Beware that the Greek signs will use the spelling Pireas, rather than Piraeus.
Athens is only seven miles from Piraeus, and the majority of travellers will spend the visit in Athens. Situated on a plain between four mountains, Athens can get hot, sticky and dirty in summer. However at its center stands the magnificent Acropolis, a magnetic attraction for tourists from all over the globe. Jusrt North of the Acropolis lies the cosmopolitan tourist-friendly area of Plaka, a place full of historic interest, and these two are the main draw for travellers.
Piraeus Port
Your ship will berth in the Port of Piraeus located on the southern fringe of the city. The port sits on the turquoise-colored Aegean Sea. The port is an important ferry terminus, serving the numerous Greek Islands. Greece is made up of a multitude of islands, thus ferries are vital and ferries sail in and out of Piraeus 24 hours a day. The cruise ship berths are on the quays to the southern side of the harbor.
Cruise ships moor at Cruise Terminal A or Cruise Terminal B. Cruise Terminal A, approached by gate E11, is located in the middle of the harbour sandwiched by the Mioulis and Xaveris docks. Cruise Terminal B, approached by gate E12, sits at the mouth of the harbor, shielded by the Termistokleous pier. The capacity of Piraeus is around eleven cruise ships.
Piraeus makes an ideal departure port for cruises to the Eastern Mediterranean, including the exciting destinations of the Holy Land and Egypt. For full cruise schedules from Piraeus, see cruises from Athens Greece.
Your ship will berth in the Port of Piraeus located on the southern fringe of the city. The port sits on the turquoise-colored Aegean Sea. The port is an important ferry terminus, serving the numerous Greek Islands. Greece is made up of a multitude of islands, thus ferries are vital and ferries sail in and out of Piraeus 24 hours a day. The cruise ship berths are on the quays to the southern side of the harbor.
Cruise ships moor at Cruise Terminal A or Cruise Terminal B. Cruise Terminal A, approached by gate E11, is located in the middle of the harbour sandwiched by the Mioulis and Xaveris docks. Cruise Terminal B, approached by gate E12, sits at the mouth of the harbor, shielded by the Termistokleous pier. The capacity of Piraeus is around eleven cruise ships.
Piraeus makes an ideal departure port for cruises to the Eastern Mediterranean, including the exciting destinations of the Holy Land and Egypt. For full cruise schedules from Piraeus, see cruises from Athens Greece.
Excursions
In Athens
The Acropolis
The most popular focus of the visitor's attention in Athens is the Acropolis. There is a 12 euro fee to enter into the Acropolis.
The major sight in Athens is the Acropolis, a 150 m (512 ft) rock in the center of the city topped with a number of temples that were erected in around 400BC. The beauty of these ancient monuments makes the Acropolis known all over the world. It costs 12 euro to enter.
At the top of the Acropolis sits the beautiful Parthenon, an amazing classical Greek temple, a magestic sight from almost everywhere in the city.
Nearby stands is the Erechtheion. The 6 caryatids that serve as pillars are not real, you can see 5 originals in the Acropolis museum. Number 6 is in the British Museum in London, together with substantial parts of the Parthenon frieze.
Syntagma Square
Look at the soldiers wearing their unique skirt withwhite tights and bizarre shoes. Don't miss is the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Plaka
Just down from the Acropolis sits the Plaka District. This area is made up of pedestrian meandering streets.
Roman Forum
The Roman Agora is located towards the west end of Plaka. Here you'll find the remarkable Tower of the Winds, an eight sided tower with a different wind god in a frieze on each side. Joint ticket with Acropolis.
Shopping in Plaka
There are a lot of local products worth purchasing. olive oil, small carpets, and leather shoes are all sourced locally and offer great value for money. The local antiques market is always bustling and interesting.
Dining in Plaka
Dining in one of the sidewalk restaurants enjoying a dish of tasty food with some ouzo is a very enjoyable way to spend the lunch hour.
In Piraeus
Marina Zea
Zea, also called Pasalimani, is the place to catch one of the Flying Dolphins to the islands in the Saronic Gulf, and there are also the most fantastic yachts moored there in the marina, which is one of the largest in Europe. There are lots of restaurants, shops, and taverns 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 equipment used on ships. 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.
In Athens
The Acropolis
The most popular focus of the visitor's attention in Athens is the Acropolis. There is a 12 euro fee to enter into the Acropolis.
The major sight in Athens is the Acropolis, a 150 m (512 ft) rock in the center of the city topped with a number of temples that were erected in around 400BC. The beauty of these ancient monuments makes the Acropolis known all over the world. It costs 12 euro to enter.
At the top of the Acropolis sits the beautiful Parthenon, an amazing classical Greek temple, a magestic sight from almost everywhere in the city.
Nearby stands is the Erechtheion. The 6 caryatids that serve as pillars are not real, you can see 5 originals in the Acropolis museum. Number 6 is in the British Museum in London, together with substantial parts of the Parthenon frieze.
Syntagma Square
Look at the soldiers wearing their unique skirt withwhite tights and bizarre shoes. Don't miss is the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Plaka
Just down from the Acropolis sits the Plaka District. This area is made up of pedestrian meandering streets.
Roman Forum
The Roman Agora is located towards the west end of Plaka. Here you'll find the remarkable Tower of the Winds, an eight sided tower with a different wind god in a frieze on each side. Joint ticket with Acropolis.
Shopping in Plaka
There are a lot of local products worth purchasing. olive oil, small carpets, and leather shoes are all sourced locally and offer great value for money. The local antiques market is always bustling and interesting.
Dining in Plaka
Dining in one of the sidewalk restaurants enjoying a dish of tasty food with some ouzo is a very enjoyable way to spend the lunch hour.
In Piraeus
Marina Zea
Zea, also called Pasalimani, is the place to catch one of the Flying Dolphins to the islands in the Saronic Gulf, and there are also the most fantastic yachts moored there in the marina, which is one of the largest in Europe. There are lots of restaurants, shops, and taverns 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 equipment used on ships. 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.
Useful to Know
Currency EURO
Language Greek
Timezone GMT+2
Piraeus Port Authority Website www.olp.gr
Currency EURO
Language Greek
Timezone GMT+2
Piraeus Port Authority Website www.olp.gr