Where Do Cruise Ships Dock in Athens? (A Complete Guide)

AvatarByDale Richard Cruise/Cruising

Cruise Ships Dock in Athens at Several Ports

Athens, the capital of Greece, is a popular destination for cruise ships. The city is home to some of the world’s most famous landmarks, including the Acropolis, the Parthenon, and the Temple of Zeus. There are several ports in Athens where cruise ships dock, each with its own unique advantages and disadvantages.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the different ports in Athens and discuss the factors you should consider when choosing where to dock your cruise ship. We’ll also provide tips on how to make the most of your time in Athens, whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler.

Which Port is Best for You?

The best port for you will depend on your interests and budget. Here is a brief overview of the three main ports in Athens:

  • Piraeus Port is the largest port in Athens and the main hub for cruise ships. It is located about 10 kilometers (6 miles) from the city center. Piraeus Port is well-connected to the city by public transportation, making it easy to get to the Acropolis and other attractions.
  • Limani Akti Miaouli is a smaller port located closer to the city center. It is a popular choice for cruise ships that offer day trips to Athens. Limani Akti Miaouli is not as well-connected to public transportation as Piraeus Port, but it is still within walking distance of many attractions.
  • Rafina Port is the furthest port from the city center. It is a good option for cruise ships that are looking for a more peaceful and secluded setting. Rafina Port is not as well-connected to public transportation as the other two ports, but there are taxis and buses available.

    Port Terminal Location
    Piraeus Port Athenian Port Authority 10km south of Athens city centre
    Rafna Port Rafna Port Authority 20km east of Athens city centre

    Cruise Ship Docks in Piraeus

    Piraeus Port Authority

    The Piraeus Port Authority (PPA) is the largest port authority in Greece and the Mediterranean Sea. It operates the port of Piraeus, which is the largest port in Greece and the second-busiest container port in the Mediterranean. The port of Piraeus is also a major cruise ship hub, handling over 5 million cruise passengers per year.

    Cruise Ship Terminals

    The port of Piraeus has three cruise ship terminals:

    • Terminal A: This terminal is located on the eastern side of the port and can accommodate ships up to 300 meters long. It has a capacity of 2,500 passengers and is used by most major cruise lines.
    • Terminal B: This terminal is located on the western side of the port and can accommodate ships up to 250 meters long. It has a capacity of 1,500 passengers and is used by smaller cruise lines.
    • Terminal C: This terminal is located on the northern side of the port and can accommodate ships up to 180 meters long. It has a capacity of 1,000 passengers and is used by river cruise lines.

    Cruise Ship Berths

    The port of Piraeus has 13 cruise ship berths, which are numbered 1 to 13. Berths 1 to 4 are located in Terminal A, berths 5 to 8 are located in Terminal B, and berths 9 to 13 are located in Terminal C.

    Cruise Ship Docks in Lavrion

    Lavrion Port Authority

    The Lavrion Port Authority (LPA) is a small port authority that operates the port of Lavrion, which is located on the eastern coast of Attica, Greece. The port of Lavrion is a major shipping hub for the region and is also a popular destination for cruise ships.

    Cruise Ship Terminals

    The port of Lavrion has one cruise ship terminal, which is located on the western side of the port. The terminal has a capacity of 1,500 passengers and is used by smaller cruise lines.

    Cruise Ship Berths

    The port of Lavrion has one cruise ship berth, which is located on the western side of the port. The berth is capable of accommodating ships up to 200 meters long.

    The port of Piraeus is the largest cruise ship port in Greece and the Mediterranean Sea. It handles over 5 million cruise passengers per year and has three cruise ship terminals. The port of Lavrion is a smaller port that is also a popular destination for cruise ships. It has one cruise ship terminal and one cruise ship berth.

    3. Cruise Ship Docks in Rafina

    Rafina Port Authority

    The Rafina Port Authority () is responsible for the management and operation of the port of Rafina, which is located on the east coast of Attica, about 25 kilometers from Athens. The port is the second largest in Greece in terms of passenger traffic, after Piraeus, and handles a wide variety of cargo, including containers, general cargo, and cruise ships.

    Cruise Ship Terminals

    The port of Rafina has two cruise ship terminals, Terminal A and Terminal B. Terminal A is located on the western side of the port and can accommodate ships up to 300 meters in length. Terminal B is located on the eastern side of the port and can accommodate ships up to 250 meters in length.

    Cruise Ship Berths

    The port of Rafina has a total of six cruise ship berths, three at Terminal A and three at Terminal B. The berths are equipped with a variety of facilities, including water, electricity, and waste disposal.

    4. Other Cruise Ship Docks in Athens

    Elefsina Port

    The Elefsina Port () is located on the west coast of Attica, about 20 kilometers from Athens. The port is primarily used for the handling of bulk cargo, but it also handles a small number of cruise ships. The port has one cruise ship berth, which can accommodate ships up to 200 meters in length.

    Sounion Port

    The Sounion Port () is located on the south coast of Attica, about 60 kilometers from Athens. The port is primarily used for the handling of fishing boats, but it also handles a small number of cruise ships. The port has one cruise ship berth, which can accommodate ships up to 150 meters in length.

    Marathon Port

    The Marathon Port () is located on the east coast of Attica, about 40 kilometers from Athens. The port is primarily used for the handling of fishing boats, but it also handles a small number of cruise ships. The port has one cruise ship berth, which can accommodate ships up to 100 meters in length.

    The port of Rafina is the main cruise ship port in Athens. The port has two cruise ship terminals, Terminal A and Terminal B, which can accommodate ships up to 300 meters and 250 meters in length, respectively. The port also has six cruise ship berths, three at Terminal A and three at Terminal B. The berths are equipped with a variety of facilities, including water, electricity, and waste disposal.

    Other cruise ship docks in Athens include the Elefsina Port, the Sounion Port, and the Marathon Port. These ports are smaller than the port of Rafina and handle a smaller number of cruise ships.

    Q: Where do cruise ships dock in Athens?

    A: Cruise ships dock at the Port of Piraeus, which is located about 10 km from the city center. The port is the largest in Greece and the third largest in Europe, and it handles over 20 million passengers each year.

    Q: What are the different terminals at the Port of Piraeus?

    A: The Port of Piraeus has six terminals, which are used by different cruise lines. The terminals are located on both sides of the main harbor, and they are all connected by a pedestrian walkway.

    Q: How do I get from the Port of Piraeus to the city center?

    A: There are several ways to get from the Port of Piraeus to the city center. You can take the metro, the bus, or a taxi. The metro is the fastest and most convenient option, and it takes about 30 minutes to get from the port to the city center.

    Q: What are the best things to do in Athens?

    A: There are many things to see and do in Athens, including visiting the Acropolis, the Parthenon, and the Temple of Zeus. You can also explore the city’s many museums, art galleries, and restaurants.

    Q: What is the best time to visit Athens?

    A: The best time to visit Athens is during the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and the crowds are smaller. However, the city is also beautiful during the summer, when the days are long and sunny.

    there are three main cruise ship terminals in Athens: Piraeus Port, Lavrio Port, and Rafina Port. Piraeus Port is the largest and busiest cruise ship terminal in Greece, and it is located just a short distance from the city center. Lavrio Port is a smaller cruise ship terminal that is located about an hour outside of Athens. Rafina Port is another smaller cruise ship terminal that is located about an hour and a half outside of Athens. Ultimately, the best cruise ship terminal for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.

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    Dale Richard
    Dale Richard
    Dale, in his mid-thirties, embodies the spirit of adventure and the love for the great outdoors. With a background in environmental science and a heart that beats for exploring the unexplored, Dale has hiked through the lush trails of the Appalachian Mountains, camped under the starlit skies of the Mojave Desert, and kayaked through the serene waters of the Great Lakes.

    His adventures are not just about conquering new terrains but also about embracing the ethos of sustainable and responsible travel. Dale’s experiences, from navigating through dense forests to scaling remote peaks, bring a rich tapestry of stories, insights, and practical tips to our blog.