Friday, 26 February 2010

  • Start a Cruise at Piraeus, Greece

    piraeuscruiseterminala1   Introducting Piraeus

    Piraeus has been an important Greek city and port since the Golden Age of Athens. The city was originally designed by Hippodamus, a knowledgable architect. Further development took place during the times of the Persian War, when Piraeus was integral to the Athens defence, as the linking corridor between the city and port was strengthened by strong walls. Later, during the Renaissance era, Piraeus was named 'Porto Leone', due to the magnificent marble lion statue standing over the harbor. The statue was removed and moved to Venice, where it can still be seen today.  Nowadays Piraeus is the largest port in Greece, and one of most significant in the Mediterranean Sea. From Piraeus, travellers leave for a multitude of destinations in the widely dispersed Greek Islands and beyond.

    Recently the correct spelling of Piraeus is now Pireas, and all signs have been updated accordingly.

    It's only 7 miles from Piraeus to Athens, and most travellers will spend the visit in Athens.  Situated on a plain surrounded by four mountains, Athens can get hot, sticky and dirty in summer.  However at its center stands the magnificent Acropolis, a don't miss attraction for travellers from all around the world.  Near the Acropolis lies the welcoming friendly district of Plaka, a place full of historic interest, and the Acropolis and Plaka are the staple of  travellers.

    Piraeus Port

    Your ship will dock in the Port of Piraeus situated on the southern side of the city.  The port sits on the Saronic Gulf, in the Aegean Sea. The port is first and foremost a ferry port, providing a service to the many Greek Islands. Greece is made up of a multitude of islands, so ferries are essential and ferries arrive at and leave from Piraeus 24 hours a day. The cruise terminals aresituated on the quays to the southern side of the port.

    Cruiseliners lay up at either Cruise Terminal A or Cruise Terminal B. Cruise Terminal A, accessed 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, lies at the entrance of the harbour, protected by the Termistokleous breakwater..  The cruise ship capacity of Piraeus is about 11 cruise ships. 

    A map of Piraeus port can be found at http://www.olp.gr/Images/Epivatiko/skarifima_epivatikou_limaniou.pdf

    The cruise ship itineraries from Piraeus visit|include} a selection from ports in the Greek Islands, Israel, Egypt, Turkey and the Black Sea. For full cruise schedule details see Cruises From Piraeus.

    Sightseeing in Athens

    The Acropolis
    The main tourist draw in Athens is the Acropolis. There is a 12 euro fee to gain entrance into the Acropolis.
    The top attracation 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 built in around 400BC. The beauty of these ancient monuments makes the Acropolis known all over the world.  There is a 12 euro fee to gain entrance.
    At the top of the Acropolis sits the beautiful Parthenon, a superb classical Greek temple, a magestic sight from  everywhere in the city.
    Another iconic building is the Erechtheion. The 6 ladies that serve as pillars are fakes, you can see 5 originals in the Acropolis museum. Number 6 is in the British Museum in London, as well as substantial parts of the Parthenon frieze.

    Syntagma Square
    Look at the soldiers dressed in their unique skirt with coordinated tights and bizarre shoes. Especially
    recommended is the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

    Roman Forum  in Plaka
    Just down from the Acropolis is the Plaka District. This pretty area is made up of narrow meandering streets.
    The Roman Agora can be found at the west side of Plaka. Here sits the impressive Horologion of Andronikos, an eight faced tower with a different wind god mounted on each side. Joint ticket with Acropolis.

    The Shops in Plaka
    There are a ton of local products worth considering. 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 fascinating.

    Restaurants in Plaka
    Relaxing in one of the pavement restaurants savouring a dish of tasty food with a glass of ouzo is a very enjoyable way to while away the evening.

    Things to See in Piraeus

    Marina Zea is the next bay to the main harbor, and where the luxury yachts moor.  The area has a laid-back cosmopolitan vibe, and friendly shops and restaurants.

    Hellenic Maritime Museum
    Chronicles the history of Greek ships, both ancient and modern.

    Archeological Museum
    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.

    Getting to the Piraeus Cruise Terminals

    From the Piraeus Electric Train station
    It's about 1 mile from the station to Cruise Terminal A, and about a mile and a half to Cruise Terminal B. Walking's not practical, as its a substantial hike on a very hot day.  Instead walk over the main road via the new bridge for pedestrians. Catch a coach to your cruise terminal (lines 832, 833 843 or 859)..

    From Athens to Piraeus Port
    Metro Line
    The best method of travelling from Athens to the Port of Piraeus is by the metro railway.  ISAP Line 1 (green line, Kifissia to Piraeus) joinsAthens directly to Piraeus Port. Look at the metro map (http://www.urbanrail.net/eu/ath/athens.htm)  for the route to take.
    By Bus
    There are two buses that shuttle between Athens and Piraeus. Buses Nos 040 and 049 operate 24 hours a day, and run every 20 minutes from 6am until midnight and then hourly. Bus No 040 runs between Syntagma square (Plaka district) in Athens and Akti Xaveriou in Piraeus (situated right between the cruise terminals).  Bus No 049 links Omonia Square in Athens and Themistokleous Square in Piraeus.  Get off at Karaiskaki sq in front of port gate E8, and here get a 843 bus to the cruise terminals at gate E11 or E12.
    Taxi
    Taxi fares are generally modest in Greece, but dishonest drivers are not uncommon, so it's best to use the service recommended by your hotel. You will be charged extra for luggage (EUR0,30 for each piece), and more for entrance to the port ( EUR0,60). The journey between Athens' center and Piraeus  takes around 30 min and the taxi fare is around EUR20.

    Travelling from Athens Airport to Piraeus Port
    Metro Rail
    Blue Line 3 connects Athens airport to Monastiraki where you switch to green Line 1, taking you to Piraeus. The journey time between the airport and Piraeus is about an hour and a quarter.
    Bus
    Bus number E96 runs 24 hours between the airport and Karaïskaki Square in Piraeus, with services every 20 minutes. The bus departs from the area outside arrivals Gate 5. When you get to Piraeus take another bus to the cruise terminal (number|no 832, 833, 843 or 859).
    Taxi
    There's a surcharge for trips to/from the airport, Baggage costs more per item and the trip takes at least one hour (iit's 30 km between the airport and Piraeus port) so the cab price can be €50 or even more.

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