Visiting Athens is a dream come true for many travelers and history enthusiasts. However, many may not want to take a plane or travel by car. Thankfully, an Athens cruise port can welcome you and your family while offloading some travel stress.
Going to Athens via cruise can help you experience the city, shops, and temples without much worry or concern. Before you arrive at the port in Athens, you’ll need to be ready to travel around the city, be mindful of food options, and know how to use the currency in the area.
Read on to learn everything you’ll need to know to visit Athens via cruise.
Port Overview
There are three ports in Athens, Greece the cruise ship may dock. The closest port to the city center is the Port of Piraeus. The other two ports, Rafina and Lavrio, sit nearby the Athenian airport, making them good choices for those traveling home via airplane.
Those who stop in Athens for a few days before resuming their cruise will likely port at the Port of Piraeus, which is a short distance from the city and will give you the most time to explore.
Sightseeing & Activities
Athens is rife with sightseeing sites and activities for you to enjoy while your cruise stops in the city. Many cruises may only stop for a day or two, meaning you’ll have to choose your top sites before arriving to prevent losing time.
Marina Zea
Marina Zea is close to the Piraeus port and remains one of the top locations for superyachts to board. This location has a long history and was initially where the Greek army hosted its naval operations. This area received a total renovation in 2004 when the Olympic Games were held in the marina, making it a stunning, clean, and modern facility.
Near the marina is a naval museum where you can learn more about Athenian military history and how Greece contributed to contemporary wars.
Municipal Gallery
The Municipal Gallery is one of the most famous museums in Athens and contains almost 3,000 artworks from Greek artists in the 1800s and 1900s. This location was a factory built in 1833 but turned into a museum to showcase stunning artwork from artists over the centuries. The Municipal Gallery has survived sicknesses, wars, and other global quarrels.
The Municipal Gallery is open almost daily with free admission, making it a perfect place for you and your family to save money while experiencing a vital slice of Athens.
Archaeological Museum
The Archaeological Museum is a vital part of Greek culture and life. This museum is one of the best places for travelers who love ancient Greek history and mythology. The Archaeological Museum has artwork and artifacts from Greece’s long history and displays unfathomably old items.
There is a small admission fee per person, but this admission allows unlimited access to the exhibitions and collections you can’t see anywhere else.
Piraeus Municipal Theater
The Piraeus Municipal Theater is 130 years old, built in June 1884. The Piraeus Municipal Theater has been home to many plays and performances since its opening and can house up to 1400 people. You may be lucky enough to catch a performance at this theater while your cruise ship remains in the city.
However, if you know the dates that your cruise ship will be in Athens, consider purchasing a ticket in advance to ensure you have a seat. Space fills quickly for these performances since this theater is a popular tourist destination.
Shopping & Food
Athens is a perfect location to get souvenirs and try some of the best foods in the area. These shops and food spots can give you an idea of Athenian culture in a pinch. Consider stopping in for a new trinket to take home or a taste of authentic Athens cuisine.
Monastiraki Square
Monastiraki Square is a shopping center and marketplace full of culture and atmosphere. This area is always lively and home to some of the best bars, clubs, and restaurants. In Monastiraki Square, you’ll be able to buy plenty of snacks and food items from vendors in the area while getting a good look at tons of souvenirs and things that are bound to strike your fancy.
Monastiraki Square blends Athenian culture with the modern world, allowing you a taste of what it’s like to live in Athens.
O Kostas
This location is a must-do for tourists everywhere. O Kostas is often hailed as one of the best street food areas for locals and visitors alike. You can pop by O Kostas to try one of their finger foods or skewers that many visitors claim are the most authentic Greek food you’ll ever have.
Served with pita bread and vegetables, these meals are both healthy and delicious, meaning you’ll be happy to have worry-free seconds.
O Thanasis
O Thanasis is a perfect restaurant for those needing to rest and recuperate after a long day of shopping in the marketplace. This cute location has plenty of outdoor seating, perfect for days with sunshiny weather. You can also choose to sit inside.
Those with health restrictions or adhering to a vegetarian diet are welcome as this family-owned restaurant has some of the best vegetable-based meals in the area. Consider stopping by for a healthy vacation meal.
Athens Central Market
Like Monastiraki Square, Athens Central Market is a place where you can buy plenty of souvenirs and other items to bring home or enjoy while on vacation. Athens Central Market has everything you can imagine, from fresh produce to handmade goods.
Athens Central Market is like a farmers market with plenty of vendors selling homemade goods they produce as a business. This location is a great way to understand Athenian life while allowing you to stay on a budget since most items are not too expensive.
Ermou Street
Nothing screams Greece like Ermou Street. This cobblestoned pathway is ancient and will make you feel like you’re walking through time. On Ermou Street, you’ll find places to stop for finger foods, snacks, and full meals. You’ll also be able to browse through contemporary shops with plenty of artwork, styles, and items you’ll love.
Interestingly, most shops in Ermou Street will be closed on Sundays, so consider doing something else during this time.
Nearby Beaches To Check Out
Athens is a coastal city, meaning it lies on the beach and water. Tons of stunning beaches line the city’s edges, allowing you unforgettable views of the ocean surrounding the city. These beaches are only a few of the premier tourist destinations that will make your trip memorable.
Freatida Beach
Freatida beach has rocky and shelly shores, making it a good location for a leisurely walk along the coast. You may not want to take a dip in these waters since the sand is full of jagged rocks and shells that can easily injure you. However, Freatida Beach offers some of the most stunning views of the ocean’s crystal clear waters beside Athens.
Freatida Beach is close to the Piraeus Port, allowing you to visit this beach without worrying about straying too far from your cruise ship.
Astir Beach
Astir Beach has everything for a sunny, fun day in the water. This beach is outfitted with dozens of shaded pavilions for you to sit and rest under. Additionally, you’ll be able to enjoy the crystal-clear waters just a few feet from your umbrella and lounge area.
There is some space further from the shaded lounges to offer areas for you to enjoy volleyball or sand sports. Children will love this area if they enjoy building sand castles.
Schinias Beach
Schinias Beach is a popular location for many tourists and can be used for a dip in the ocean or a place to gather and enjoy the sun. This location has plenty of umbrellas, but you’ll need to bring your chairs if you want to lounge and relax.
This location may have a lot of shells and rocks, so be mindful of any cuts you may get from running into the ocean.
Other Things To Do
Athens is a lively city with tons of things to do besides shopping and eating. One of the best things to do in the area is view ancient, archaeological sites, learn about the culture, and explore contemporary art. You may also want to take walks through the nature preserves or appreciate the local architecture.
Visit Temples
Athens has many archaeological sites and artifacts for you to enjoy. When you aren’t shopping, enjoying a meal, or traveling through the city, consider stopping by one of the temples for a near-otherworldly experience. The architecture of these temples is a wonder, as is the feeling you’ll be overwhelmed with.
These temples are thousands of years old and can offer you a perspective shift as you look at the way they are crumbling with time.
Browse Marketplaces
Athens is a perfect place to window shop and browse for unique, everyday items. These marketplaces can be a stunning dip into what daily life is like for locals. Additionally, you may find something you want to bring home with you and cherish forever!
Marketplaces are also a perfect place to meet new people, learn about culture, and try authentic foods.
Learn About Ancient History
One of the best things to do in Athens, Greece, is learn about the ancient history of the area. Athens is an ancient city and has temples dating back thousands of years. This city is thought to have been named after a dispute between Poseidon and Athena, where Athena won the favor of the humans in the city and thus the city was named after her.
This story and many others are depicted through artwork, architecture, and writing that date back thousands of years.
Currency
You can expect to use Euros when traveling to Athens. Greece only accepts Euros in most of its stores and you may need to visit a currency exchange to get enough money to spend on souvenirs, food, and activities in the area.
Those traveling from the United States can expect their dollar amount to be about the same as the Euro amount after the exchange since the two hold about the same amount of purchasing power.
How To Get To Athens From The Cruise Port
Public transportation is one of the best ways to get to Athens from your cruise port. Athens is rife with metro lines, buses, and taxis. You can choose one of these options to get to the center of Athens quickly and without much fuss.
Any public transportation you choose will likely cost you, so be prepared to spend some money on getting to and from your cruise port. The fastest method will likely be the metro.
Cruise Lines That Sail to Athens
There is no shortage of cruise lines that will sail to Athens. However, most of these cruise lines will pick up somewhere in Europe. You may need to travel to a location in Europe to catch the cruise ship before departing for Athens.
One of the most popular cruise lines that sail to Athens is Oceania Cruises, a line that frequents the area and focuses on the Mediterranean. Browse a few lines to see which has a package that appeals most to you. Many of these cruise lines may only stay in each location for a day or two.
Final Thoughts
Athens, Greece is a vacation destination unlike any other and can be the perfect location for a stunning adventure – especially when taking a cruise. The Athens cruise port is close enough to the city you’ll be able to explore this ancient location in only a few days while your cruise ship is parked at the port.
Consider shopping, getting a taste of the local cuisine, or seeing the historical sites in the area. Be mindful of the currency used in Athens before you dock and know the directions from the cruise port to the city. You can use public transportation to explore the city, which lies close to the port.
