Travelers Guide to Athens

If you plan to visit Greece and travel to different islands by ferry, your journey will start from Athens. It is the capital of Greece and has a rich historical legacy and beautiful neighborhoods. Moreover, the modern city has three ports ideal for departure for ferry trips to the Aegean Sea. This article will cover information about the three Athens ports. All the ports in Athens have daily ferries that take tourists to the islands of the Aegean Sea.

Guide to 3 Athens Destination Port

During summers, Greece sees an exponential increase in international travelers by 20 million. Furthermore, visiting the islands on the Aegean Sea is among the top of the list of all travel itineraries. Here is a guide to ports in Athens.

1. Piraeus

This is the largest port among all the three ports in Athens. Secondly, it is situated on the west coast of Attica. This port is just 10kms away from Athens's center and is easily accessible by various modes of transportation. Further, Piraeus port has 12 departure gates connected by free bus service. Moreover, this port is a hub for top ferry companies like Hellenic Seaways, Anek Lines, Blue Star Ferries, Seajets, and Minoan Lines. Piraeus port is also popular because it provides certain facilities to passengers like air-conditioned waiting rooms, toilets, and a refreshments. This port has five passenger terminals and 130 parking spaces. In addition, the port also has a currency exchange near terminal 4 and an ATM nearby as well.

2. Rafina

The Rafina port is the second-largest port in Athens. This port lies 28kms away from Athens, and ferries regularly sail to popular tourist destinations like Andros, Mykonos, Santorini, Naxos, Tinos, Paros, Amorgos, Ios, and Koufonisia. Some popular ferry companies in Rafina include Golden Star Ferries, Seajets, and Fast Ferries. Unlike the other two ports in Athens, Rafina is the closest to the airport. Rafina provides some excellent facilities to the passengers like 160 parking spaces and an outdoor covered seating area. Moreover, this port has one main terminal and a separate area for catamarans. Further, the street behind the port has ATMs of some popular banks in Greece like Piraeus Bank and Euro Bank. Additionally, tourists can also try local seafood from all the restaurants near the port while waiting for their ferry.

3. Lavrio

The Lavrio port is the third-largest port in Athens regarding daily passenger footfall. It is located on the south-eastern tip of the Attica region and is right next to the resort town of Lavrio. Moreover, Lavrio roughly serves 180 thousand passengers per year. Most ferries sail to Cyclades and Aegean islands and are an excellent alternative for Rafina port ferry rides. It is closer to the airport, and passengers can travel in a relaxed manner because of the low average footfall. Ferry companies like Hellenic Seaways and Blue Star operate from this port. Furthermore, Lavrio port is well connected by taxis and public transport like KTEL buses.

Key Takeaways

A few things about Athens Ports for every traveler should know about bus routes from the city center to the port. Secondly, one should also know about the timings for the ferry they want to book and travel. Further, individuals should choose the ports based on their requirements and not on which port is popular. As a first-time visitor, one can check and compare ferry routes and schedules online. Individuals can also find ferry companies and the ticket prices there. Finally, knowing about all Athens ports will help individuals navigate the city.

Also, Read:

• Top 5 Amazing Beaches in Dubrovnik
• Top 5 Best Hot Springs In Iceland