Athens (Piraeus)
Port of Call – Athens (Piraeus)
Athens is a mandatory stop-over on most Mediterranean cruise itineraries, containing some of Europe’s great sights and wonderful year-round weather. The city is bustling, gritty and chaotic, and consequently not to everyone’s liking. The key to enjoying the experience is to outsource the driving to a guide, and to read up as much about Greek history as you can to make the historical sites come alive.
Cruise ships dock at Megas Limani harbour within the Port of Piraeus, located seven miles (11km) from central Athens. Be wary of pickpockets around the port area. Shuttle buses take passengers from the berths to the international terminal. There one can find shops, tourist information, and a metro connection to central Athens.
Shopping in Athens (Piraeus)
There is a decent open-air market in Piraeus, but most cruise visitors head to the more picturesque Plaka District where every worthy shop and Greek souvenir can be found. Be warned that many shops close for siesta sometime between 1pm and 5pm on weekdays, and all day on Sundays. The flea market in Monastiraki is well worth a visit as is the Central Market whic presents a vibrant glimpse into authentic Athens life.
Best Buy:
Olive oil, ouzo, leather items
Dining in Athens (Piraeus)
Daphne’s – celebrated Greek restaurant in the centre of Athens
Vlassis – take your cue from the locals who flock here for the souvlaki
Spondi – by consensus the best restaurant in Greece
Best Dish:
Dolmadakia (meat or rice rolled in grapevine leaves)
Travel to Greece
Overview
Greece is easily one of the world’s best destinations. From historic sightseeing to glorious beaches, travellers truly are in for a treat. Most visitors begin their trip in Athens, where Classical Greece colours the modern capital through famous structures such as the Parthenon and the Acropolis. There are also many wonderful museums; Syntagma Square is the city’s social, political and commercial hub.
From Athens, many venture out to the islands. Mountainous Crete is the most popular and features sparkling beaches, spectacular green outcroppings, ancient Minoan sites, and the famous Samaria Gorge Trail. Other popular island destinations include Corfu, for its mythic significance, Santorini, for its volcanic history and vibrant nightlife, and Rhodes, which is a World Heritage Site. History buffs should head to the Peloponnese Peninsula for the region’s ancient ruins and battlefields.
Climate in Greece
Greece’s Mediterranean climate gives it long, hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Summer temperatures are tempered by breezes called ‘Meltemia’, and the Etesian wind which blows north across the Aegean Sea. Rainfall is generally low in most of the country and heaviest in the mountainous regions, where snow is likely and temperatures can get severe. Mercury on the mainland regularly hits the high spots.
Summer (between June and August) is Greece’s peak holiday season and draws millions of beach lovers to its gorgeous coastline. Autumn is pleasant for travellers who prefer smaller crowds and milder conditions, while winter (December to February) sees the coldest, most variable weather and is the least popular time to visit. Travellers looking to explore Greece’s cultural and historical attractions should not be put off by the winter months.
Health Notes when travelling to Greece
There are no specific health risks but everyone 12 years of age and older should get fully vaccinated for COVID-19 before visiting Greece. Most health problems come from too much sun and too much food or alcohol, though there’s also the risk of encountering sea urchins, jellyfish and mosquitoes. Medical facilities in major cities are excellent but some of the smaller islands are a long way from a decent hospital. Larger towns and resorts have English-speaking private doctors and the highly professional local pharmacies can usually deal with any minor complaint. Travellers should take along any necessary prescription medication. Food and water are safe, but those visiting for short periods should consider sticking to bottled water. After Brexit, the Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) replaced the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for UK citizens. The GHIC allows UK citizens access to state healthcare during visits to the EU. The GHIC is not valid in Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Switzerland, nor is it an alternative to travel insurance.
Safety Notes when travelling to Greece
Though Greece is a safe destination, peak tourist season usually sees a spike in petty theft cases, especially in crowded areas. Visitors should conceal valuables or store them in hotel safes and watch out for pickpockets. Violent crime is rare but there have been incidents on some islands; visitors travelling alone should not accept lifts from strangers.
Customs in Greece
Though more traditional than the British in some ways, most Greeks are friendly and welcoming enough to seem intrusive to reserved British tourists. Greeks are also the heaviest smokers in Europe and will often ignore the smoking ban in public places. Swimwear is expected on the beach but tourists should dress properly in bars and restaurants.
Duty Free in Greece
Travellers visiting from inside the EU can bring in 800 cigarettes, or 200 cigars, or 400 cigarillos, or 1kg of tobacco, 10 litres of spirits with an alcohol volume over 22 percent, 20 litres of spirits with an alcohol volume under 22 percent, 90 litres of wine and 110 litres of beer.
Visitors arriving from outside the EU and are over the age of 17 will not pay duty for 200 cigarettes, or 50 cigars, or 100 cigarillos, or 250g of tobacco, 1 litres of spirits with an alcohol volume over 22 percent, 2 litres of spirits with an alcohol volume under 22 percent, 4 litres of wine and 16 litres of beer.
Doing Business in Greece
Greeks prefer to dress formally in dark-coloured suits for men and stylish outfits for women. Punctuality is important to them though meetings may not start immediately. Visitors should offer a firm handshake and maintain eye contact when greeting Greek men and women for the first time, and print business cards in both Greek and English. There is no ritual surrounding the exchange of business cards.
As Greeks like getting to know their colleagues before conducting any serious business, it’s unlikely a deal will take shape at the first meeting. The local culture follows a hierarchical structure and visitors should show respect in the same way. Gift giving is common in social settings but not necessarily in business.
Communication in Greece
The international access code for Greece is +30 and the outgoing code is 00, followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom). Free WiFi is available at cafes, hotels, restaurants and similar establishments throughout Greece; purchasing a local prepaid SIM card can be a cheaper option to paying high international roaming costs.
Tipping in Greece
A service charge is automatically added to most restaurant bills and an additional tip is not expected, though it’s always welcome. Rounding up the bill is sufficient for drinks at cafes; taxis, porters and cloakroom attendants will expect a tip.
Passport/Visa Note
The borderless region known as the Schengen Area includes the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland. All of these countries issue a standard Schengen visa that has a multiple entry option, and which allows the holder to travel freely within the borders of all the aforementioned countries.
Non-EEA travellers to Greece must hold visible means of financial support to cover their stay in the country. It is also recommended that non-EEA members hold return or onward tickets, and the necessary travel documentation for their next destination. Passengers not holding onward tickets may be asked for proof of sufficient funds for their return or onward journey. It is highly recommended that travellers’ passports have at least six months’ validity remaining after the intended date of departure from their travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
Entry Requirements
- Entry requirements for Americans:
US citizens must have a passport that is valid three months beyond the period of intended stay. No visa is required for a touristic stay of up to 90 days within a 180 day period.
- Entry requirements for Canadians:
Canadian citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least three months beyond the period of intended stay in Greece. No visa is required for a touristic stay of up to 90 days within a 180 day period.
- Entry requirements for UK nationals:
British passports endorsed ‘British Citizen’, ‘British Subject’ (containing a Certificate of Entitlement to the Right of Abode issued by the United Kingdom), and ‘British Overseas Territories Citizen’ issued by Gibraltar, only need to be valid for period of intended stay in Greece. All other endorsements require at least three months validity beyond the period of intended stay in Greece.
A visa is not required for passports endorsed ‘British Citizen’, ‘British Subject’ (containing a Certificate of Entitlement to the Right of Abode issued by the United Kingdom), and ‘British Overseas Territories Citizen’ issued by Gibraltar. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days in a 180 day period for holders of passports with any other endorsement.
Holders of identity cards issued by Gibraltar authorities, and endorsed ‘Validated for EU travel purposes under the authority of the United Kingdom’, do not require a visa to visit Greece.
- Entry requirements for Australians:
Australian citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least three months beyond the period of intended stay in Greece. No visa is required for a touristic stay of up to 90 days within a 180 day period.
- Entry requirements for Irish nationals:
Irish citizens must have a passport that is valid on arrival in Greece. No visa is required.
- Entry requirements for New Zealanders:
New Zealand citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least three months beyond the period of intended stay in Greece. No visa is required for a touristic stay of up to 90 days within a 180 day period.
- Entry requirements for South Africans:
South African citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least three months beyond the period of intended stay, and a valid Schengen visa, to enter Greece.
Tourist Offices
Greek National Tourism Organisation, Athens: +30 21 870 7000.
Greece Embassies
- In the United States:
Greek Embassy, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 939 1300.
- In Canada:
Greek Embassy, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 238 6271.
- In the United Kingdom:
Greek Embassy, London, United Kingdom: +44 20 7313 5600.
- In Australia:
Greek Embassy, Canberra, Australia: +61 2 6271 0100.
- In Ireland:
Greek Embassy, Dublin, Ireland: +353 1 676 7254.
- In New Zealand:
Greek Embassy, Wellington, New Zealand: +64 4 473 7775.
- In South Africa:
Greek Embassy, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 12 348 2352.
Foreign Embassies in Greece
- American Embassy
United States Embassy, Athens: +30 21 721 2951.
- Canadian Embassy
Canadian Embassy, Athens: +30 21 727 3400.
- British Embassy
British Embassy, Athens: +30 21 727 2600.
- Australian Embassy
Australian Embassy, Athens: +30 21 870 4000.
- Irish Embassy
Irish Embassy, Athens: +30 21 723 2771.
- New Zealand Embassy
New Zealand Consulate-General, Athens: +30 21 692 4136.
- South African Embassy
South African Embassy, Athens: +30 21 617 8020.
Public Holidays Around the World
Planning your year? Knowing public holidays in different countries can help you plan trips, schedule events, or understand global schedules. Below, find a comprehensive list of public holidays sorted by country.
