Piraeus Packages/Deals & Travel Agents Near Me

Overview

Introduction

Most people simply pass through Piraeus, Greece's largest port city, to board cruise ships or hydrofoils to the islands.

Piraeus can seem congested and industrial along the waterfront, but there is another side to this fascinating place. It has its fair share of charming eateries and often overlooked attractions.

The pretty fishing harbor of Mikrolimano Bay is a good place for a cool evening outing or dining in a seafood restaurant. You can spend the evening in an open-air cafe or in one of the area's lively nightclubs.

Piraeus also has a few other attractions, including the Hellenic Maritime Museum and an archeological museum.

Piraeus may not have the cosmopolitan cachet and renown of Athens, but for those seeking a slice of genuine, informal Greek atmosphere, it is well worth exploring. And for ship aficionados, Piraeus is practically paradise.

Location

The shipping movements in Piraeus Harbor are mind-boggling. Ferries of every shape and size keep its waters in a constant swirl of motion. Visiting cruise ships add to the colorful parade of ferries.

For a bit of local Piraeus flavor, visitors can check out charming Zea Marina (also known as Passalimani), some five or six blocks from the central port via Charliaou Trikoupi Street. Originally the ancient port of Piraeus, it is now a busy yacht harbor brimming with restaurants, boutiques, cafes and the maritime museum.

Shore Excursions

Most ships offer prepackaged excursions to Athens and sites in the vicinity. On full-day visits, passengers can venture into Athens on their own, if they prefer.

The Piraeus Metro Station is a mile/kilometer or so from the passenger terminal via Akti Miaouli, the bustling boulevard encircling the harbor. En route, there are plenty of kiosks and cafes offering chilled water, fresh juices, a deliciously flaky tyropita (cheese pie) or an espresso.

Once at the station, the green-line train stops at Thissio or Monastiraki, the exits for the Acropolis and its nearby attractions. Always allow a little extra time for the return journey in case of delays or full trains at rush hour.