Cruises from Athens depart from Piraeus, the port of Athens about 7.5 miles (12km) from its city center. Before you leave on your cruise to Greek islands, take time to explore Athens' sun-dappled blend of ancient city and modern metropolis. Get up close to fascinating symbols of Western Civilization, such as the Parthenon, built in the 5th century B.C. See stone-carved stadiums and temples that dwell alongside stacked apartments. Watch the tangerine sun sink into sprawling cityscape from the top of Areopagus Hill. Share a mezze platter with friends, some ouzo and some laughs before it’s time to depart on your cruise from Athens.
Our Worry-Free Promise program provides peace of mind where you can change your mind or even cancel the cruise up to 30 days before you sail for any reason and receive a Future Cruise Credit (FCC). If you test positive for COVID-19, you can receive the same FCC all the way to sailing day. Learn more or enroll in Worry-Free Promise.
HERE ARE THE COVID-19 PROTOCOLS CURRENTLY PLANNED FOR GUESTS, WHICH ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE AS FURTHER DETAILS ARE ESTABLISHED. THEY WILL BE UPDATED IN ACCORDANCE WITH GUIDANCE FROM PUBLIC HEALTH AUTHORITIES.
Things to do in Athens
National Archaeological Museum
A collection of more than 11,000 Greek artifacts make this museum one of the most significant in the world. Golden death masks, larger-than-life bronze gods and black-and-terracotta pottery portray a panorama of Greek civilization. Highlights include the Antikythera Mechanism, a mechanical calculator designed to calculate astronomical positions, and dramatic Grecian frescoes depicting mysterious blue monkeys.
It’s impossible to miss the Parthenon, the majestic ruin rising above Athens. You’ll catch glimpses of it as you travel around the city. But to truly understand the significance of this 2,500-year-old symbol of ancient Greece, a trip up to the Acropolis—the high hill it sits on—is a must. The crowds at the Parthenon will be thick. Plan to visit early or late in the day.
A visit to this museum is a must for history enthusiasts and amateur archaeologists. See findings from the slopes of the Acropolis, from the Bronze Age to the Roman and Byzantine Greece. Reinforced glass floors offer an exciting view of the excavation below. The bittersweet highlight is the Parthenon frieze, an incredibly detailed marble sculpture, the majority of which is housed in the British Museum.
This hilly district is undoubtedly the most scenic of Piraeus. Amble through Kastella’s winding uphill rues, past forgotten mansions with curled iron balconies. Take in dazzling sea views from the hill’s summit and see islands twinkling on the horizon. Catch a concert at the open-air Veakio Theatre. Make your way back down to Mikrolimano, the ritzy yacht-lined harbor for an al fresco lunch or dinner.
Founded around 1900, this kafeneion is a popular place in Dexameni square for an after-movie ouzo or a mezze (a bite). Get cozy and people-watch at a tiny table sidled up to a pedestrian walkway. Enjoy basil meatballs, deep-fried whitebait, and grilled halloumi (cheese) with candied figs.
A trip to Athens isn’t complete without climbing its highest peak. Don’t sweat it; the funicular whisks visitors up every half an hour. According to legend, Lycabettus was once the refuge of wolves, but now it is home to an open-air amphitheater, a restaurant with sweeping views, and St. George, a quaint Greek Orthodox church. See the island of Aegina shimmering on the horizon or watch the sun rise or set here; it’s magical.
Santorini is the crown jewel of Greece’s Cyclades. A massive volcano caldera, brilliant white clifftop villages, and legendary wines list just some of the island’s many attractions.
Crete is a gift of natural splendors and ancient sites. Explore its picturesque villages and crystalline waters, then visit the Palace of Knossos, a massive archeological site that dates back thousands of years.
No place compares to glamorous Mykonos. Take a dip in the crystal-clear Aegean, then savor bruschetta-like mostra for a late lunch. As the tangerine sun sets over the horizon, the island’s sizzling nightlife awakens.
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When was Piraeus (Athens) founded? Piraeus was founded in the early 5th century B.C., when it was selected to become the port of Athens
Where is Piraeus (Athens) located? Piraeus is located approximately 5 miles southwest from the city of Athens
What is the population of Athens? 664,046
What language is primarily spoken? Greek
What is the time zone of Piraeus (Athens)? Eastern European Time (EET) and Eastern European Summer Time (EEST)
Athens, Greece is GMT/UTC +2h during Eastern European Time
Athens, Greece is GMT/UTC +3h during Eastern European Summer Time
What currency is used in Piraeus (Athens)? Euro (EUR)
How do I book a flight to Athens? At Holland America we offer cruise travelers low prices on their flights. Please see more information on our Flight Ease program here.
What are some of the top places to see in Athens? Visit our Athens port page for more information on our top travel recommendations.
What should I expect boarding to like for my cruise departing Athens? Please visit our cruise preparation FAQ for information on how to access or print boarding passes, how to check in online, and to see if you need a passport.
Can I book an airport shuttle to my cruise departing Athens? Book an airport transfer from the airport to your ship after you book a cruise with Holland America Line. We make getting to and from your cruise comfortable, convenient and hassle-free. For more information on EXC City Stays & Overland Tours, please visit: https://www.hollandamerica.com/en_US/pre-post-travel-cruise.html
Are you an already booked guest with Holland America Line? For booked guests, please see our travel planning details on how to book an airport transfer.
Book flights that depart and arrive in time for Greece cruises from Athens with Holland America Line Flight Ease®. Find low prices, loads of options, and enjoy flexibility and support should plans change.
There is a lot of ground to cover, we make it easy to schedule transfers between the airport and ship. Arrange ground transportation ahead of time and breeze to and from your Greece cruise.
