If you are visiting the Greek capital city of Athens as part of a cruise holiday then you’ll find that your cruise ship will dock in Piraeus. Piraeus is one of the busiest shipping ports in the entire world and can be a little overwhelming as you look at it from the comfort of your cruise ship.

Piraeus

From Piraeus it is around 10km to the centre of the capital city of Athens. One great way to get around that I recommend is by taking one of the many hop-on, hop-off sightseeing buses that are available. There are a number of different bus operators waiting at the port and the majority of which come with earphones so you can tune into the audio commentary which provides details of the history of Greece and Athens and more information on the sites and attractions that you pass along the way.

On my last visit to Athens I took one of the red City Sightseeing bus tours from the port into Athens. I decided to get off the bus at the world famous Acropolis. From where the sightseeing buses and taxis drop you off (the furthest point they are allowed to drive to), there is still a significant climb to the top of the hill upon which the Parthenon and Acropolis sit imposingly overlooking the sprawling city of Athens.

Acropolis

If you’re visiting Athens in the searing hot summer months then I recommend that you complete this climb as early in the day as possible, before the sun becomes too strong. Although the climb isn’t too far or too strenuous, the heat of the day can make it very tough. I also recommend buying bottles of water from one of the vendors at the bottom of the hill before you begin. You’ll thank me when you get to the top!

The steps are also uneven and have become quite slippery as a consequence of the millions of people who have walked this path before you, so sensible shoes with good grips are a must. Unfortunately I’ve witness people taking a tumble on this path before so take good care.

Athens is a city which has more than 6 million residents and the view of the city that you have from the top of the hill where the Parthenon and Acropolis sit is absolutely stunning. The city just seems to stretch as far as the eye can see, broken only by the numerous green hills within the city.

Parthenon

There are also many taxis available at Piraeus port which can take you to the city of Athens if you decide not to take one of the hop-on, hop-off city sightseeing bus tours. Many taxi drivers offer day tours of the city and the surrounding areas in their taxis. This can be a cost effective option if you are in a group of four people who could split the cost of the taxi rather than buying 4 bus tickets, which aren’t cheap. I always recommend agreeing a price with any taxi driver before you get into his cab.

Thanks Emma