A few useful tips if you are passing through Athens:

Athens

There is a constant misunderstanding about Athens! For foreigners, Athens is all one big city. Actually, Athens and Piraeus are cities in the great municipality of Attica. If you want to go to the port, you go to Piraeus, which is on the west coast of Attica, or Rafina, which is another, smaller port on the east coast. Don't be afraid of finding your destination, taxi drivers just need to know which island you are going to and they will take you to the right dock!

Airport "Eleftherios Venizelos"

The new airport opened in March 2001. It is in Spata, which is about 30 km northeast of Athens. The airport offers many services like car hire, money exchange, international press, souvenirs (last minute!) and snack bar. There is a good bus connection (frequent and cheap!) to Piraeus (E96) and the center of Athens. Otherwise hop on a taxi, especially if you do not know how to find your exact destination!

For more information on the airport & how to get to and from it, check here:
 

Piraeus

If you arrive in Athens Airport and want to travel to one of the islands, take the bus or taxi to Piraeus (it will take about 2 hours if there is not too much traffic), which is where you will find most of the boats to the islands. If you have a lot of luggage, I recommend taking a taxi. Taxi drivers just need to know which island you are going to and they will take you to the right dock! (Read our taxi tips first!).

Rafina

Second most important port with connections to many islands, closer to the new airport in Spata.

Overnight in Athens

 Finding a hotel in Athens that is good, comfortable and fairly cheap is not easy. We would recommend staying

- in Plaka in the center of Athens so you can visit some of the most important monuments such as the Acropolis on foot;

- in Glyfada if you'd like to be between the airport and the center AND near the beach, and

- in Piraeus if you want to be close to the port.

Tip

Many of the boats to the islands leave very early in the morning. It is a good idea to call our travel agency if you need to stay in Athens upon arrival in Greece. On your way back ask us, wherever you're staying we will surely be able to recommend a good place and make a reservation for you.

Metro

There are new very modern subway lines that will comfortably take you through the center of Athens and connect you with Piraeus. From Omonia Square or Syntagma you can even walk directly to the Acropolis.