Athens Cruise Ship Destination Port

Cruise Ship Port of Call information like Port News, Weather, Transportation Options, Things to Do and See, Area Events, Medical Care, Crime and Safety Review

 

 Weather

Personal Safety

Source: U.S. Department of State

You should take the usual safety precautions you would in any urban or tourist area during a visit to Greece. Crimes against tourists (such as pick-pocketing and purse-snatching) occur at popular tourist sites and on public transportation. If you travel by Metro, keep track of your purse/backpack/wallet at all times. Thieves will often try to create a diversion to draw your attention away from your immediate surroundings. These diversions can include accidentally sneezing or spilling something on you and loudly accusing you of having bumped into them. Thieves ride the trains in from the Athens Airport, so be especially careful when you first arrive. You may be tired and a bit disoriented and you may have just visited the ATM or exchanged money. Be discreet when discussing plans and organizing your belongings upon your initial arrival. Always keep a close eye on your suitcase. Try to avoid standing near the doors, as thieves will often wait to strike just as the train/bus doors open and then dash onto the platform and disappear into the crowd. Omonia, Vathi, and Kolokotroni Squares in Athens, while very close to the tourist sites, are areas with high crime rates; Glyfada Square has a significant organized-crime network associated with its clubs, which should be avoided if you get a hard-sell pitch for business. Never agree to go to a bar or club with someone you have just met on the street. Sexual assaults of U.S. citizens, including date or acquaintance rape, are not uncommon. Drink alcohol in moderation and stay in control. Never leave your drink unattended in a bar or club. Some bars and clubs serve counterfeit or homemade spirits of unknown potency.

Getting Around 

Metro

Reach central Athens using the Metro. A taxi can take you to the metro station for about 5 euro. Metro Tickets are good for 90 minutes (valid for buses, metro or tram) and are €1.40 (May 2013).  Remember to validate your ticket by time stamping your ticket in the machines. 

Bus/ Walking
Buy a bus ticket at self serve machines at the station when you enter or at the staffed service counters to the right. Remember to validate your ticket before boarding. If you plan on doing more than three trips, it is more economical to buy a day pass. Coming back, use the pedestrian overpass to cross the street and to catch the same bus back to the terminal.

ports > destinations > Athens, Greece
 

Athens, Greece

With a unique combination of pleasant climate, beautiful coastline, rich history and diverse culture the Mediterranean region is the most popular tourist destination in the world.

The port of Piraeus has been an active port since ancient time and serves as the gateway to the wonders of ancient Athens.  It is the largest passenger port in Europe and is comprised of three harbors.  The port is located about 8 miles from Athens City Center. Cruise ships dock at the southern side of the port at Cruise Ship Terminal A or B.

Athens Acropolis

Need to Know

Greece is part of the Eurozone.  It is common to leave a small tip, 5-10% when dining out.  Taxi drivers don't expect to be tipped.  A value-added tax of about 19% is added to most purchases.

Good to Know

Port of Entry - Piraeus

The Port of Piraeus is the gateway to Athens. The port offers two cruise ship terminals, duty free shops, Tourist Police, Customs office and other essential services for the passengers.

Port Authority

Address: 10, Akti Miaouli Str.              
185 38 Piraeus, Greece 
Telephone: (+30) 210 4550000 -100
http://www.olp.gr/en/

Time Zone

GMT + 2/3 (Daylight Savings)  (EST + 7)

Map Coordinates

37.942971 N, 23.621625 E

Climate

The climate is typical Mediterranean with mild, rainy winter and warm an dry summers.  There are extended periods of sunshine throughout the year. Temperatures in the winter average between 10-12 Celsius and 25-28 Celsius in the summer.

Things to do and see

The Acropolis

No visit to Athens is complete without visiting the Acropolis. The Acropolis dominates the Athenian landscape.  Visit the temples at the top, including the Parthenon and Erechteum.  Admission in May 2013 was €12.

The Plaka

Dating back to the 5th century BC, the Plaka is the oldest district in Athens. Its narrow streets feature boutiques, cafes, and tavernas.

Temple of Zeus

The columns from the largest temple in ancient Greece dominate Athens' city center.

Olympic Stadium

The modern 2004 Olympic stadium was built from the 1896 stadium and on the foundations of a 4th-century BC arena.

Athens Museums

Visit world-class collections at the Museum of the City of Athens, the Byzantine & Chrisitan Museum, the Museum of Cycladic Art, the Acropolis Museum, and the National Archaelogical Musuem.

Shopping

Shops open in the morning and generally stay open until 9 p.m. except Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays when they may close at 2:30 p.m.  Shops away from tourist areas may close for afternoon siesta and reopen around 5:30 p.m.

The Monastiraki Flea Market is a popular destination to stumble across rare and unique antique, books, collectables, as well as jewelry and clothing.  It's best visited on Sundays.

The Agora, or Athens' Central Market, is a delight to the senses.  Dine on olives,spices, oils, and cheeses or at any of the tavernas surrounding the market.

Ermou Street, located off of Syntagma Square, is a foot-traffic only street lined with Greek and European shops.