Crowned as one of Europe’s most bustling cities, the capital of Greece is a destination that must be explored at least once. Athens boasts a rich history (over 5,000 years’ worth to be precise) plus local culture, art, theatre, architecture, cosmopolitan vibes and more – making it a hot spot for those seeking diversity on their travels. And it doesn’t stop there either; the city is home to one of the busiest departure ports in the world, Piraeus, and luckily for you we have a collection of fabulous cruise holidays departing from Athens ready to whisk you away on an adventure you won’t forget. So, who’s ready to sail?
When is the best time to cruise from Athens?
The best time to hop on a cruise from Athens is between May and October, when the city and its surrounding Greek Islands experience wonderfully warm weather and plenty of sunshine. July and August are generally the most popular months for cruise ships, during peak summer season – but if you’re after slightly cooler weather and less touristy crowds, departure in June and September is recommended.
Which cruise lines sail from Athens?
A variety of luxury cruise lines sail out of Athens, including Oceania, Silversea, Azamara, Seabourn, Regent Seven Seas, Virgin Voyages as well as several mainstream cruise lines such as Princess Cruises, MSC Cruises and more.
Where do cruises from Athens go to?
There’s a whole host of exciting destinations waiting to be explored on a cruise departing from Athens. You can drop anchor in locations including the Greek Islands and Cyprus, Israel, Italy, Venice, Malta, Turkey and beyond – or if you can’t decide on one destination, why not take a tour of the Mediterranean and tick off a few different destinations while you’re at sea?
What should you do whilst you’re in Athens?
This captivating capital is the beating heart of Ancient Greece; here you’ll find a labyrinth of cobbled alleys fringed with cutting-edge galleries, neoclassical buildings, crumbling centuries-old ruins and cosmopolitan restaurants and bars, too – serving up something for everybody.
The Acropolis is undoubtedly the city’s major draw, an iconic landmark perched atop a rocky outcrop for no less than 2,500 years – history lovers can meander the preserved architecture including the famous Parthenon Temple.
If you like to live like the locals do, head to one of the capital’s oldest and busiest areas, the bustling Monastiraki Neighbourhood. Navigate the crowded pedestrian alleys and you’ll be met by huge flea markets with antique shops, handicraft stalls, handmade goods and beyond – it’s where all the locals come to shop. Plus, the atmospheric rooftop bars are rather inviting after a hectic morning of shopping.
If you want to retreat away from the hustle and bustle and don’t mind an afternoon wander, head to the beautiful National Gardens, covering 16 hectares of landscaped grounds, paths, and ponds – plus there’s a small zoo, perfect for little explorers to admire. Or, if you like to soak up the culture of a destination, Athens plays host to a couple of fantastic museums sure to entertain you for an hour or two – including the Museum of Cycladic Art and The National Museum of Contemporary Art.
Finally, you can’t visit Athens without sampling the cuisine. There’s a host of walking tours for foodies to experience while in the capital, serving up a splash of history with some of the best food and wine in Greece. Or, why not create your own foodie tour by seeking out the best foot spots in the city? O Thanasis is one of the best places to sample Yogurtlu and Souvlaki (even the locals eat here) and be sure to treat yourself to a Loukoumades while you’re here – a sweet tooth’s dream!
Extend your stay?
Like what you see? There are plenty of opportunities to turn your cruise into a multi-centre escape, so you can spend a little longer exploring the destinations you love. If you’re island hopping the gorgeous Greek Isles, why not hop off and spend an evening or two in stunning Santorini? Where white-washed cliffside villages serve up panoramic views of the caldera and twinkling Aegean Sea. Or, perhaps your cruise stops at Venice and you’ve always wanted to visit the beautiful region of Lake Garda? Extend your stay and discover the famous Lakes just two-hours from the enchanting canal city.
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