June 2020: We will arrive in Athens the evening at 20:45pm, planning to take the early morning ferry to Milos. We will have 2 full days in Athens after exploring the islands for 2 weeks.
Where would be the best area in Athens to over night after late arrival and for earlt departure from the port (pireas). Stay in Athens city center close to metro line that goes to Pireas Port?
Kindly advise. Thanks in advance
The Milos morning ferry doesn't leave Piraeus until 07:00 and the Metro starts operating at 05:30, so you have plenty of time to get to Piraeus if you stay in Athens. Take the Blue Line Airport Metro into Athens to the Monastiraki Metro Station. Find a hotel nearby such as the Attalos Hotel. From Monastiraki it's a fast ride to the ferry port on the Green Line.
Good advice, with just one added tip. On both the Airport Metro line, AND the "Green Line" that goes from Monastiraki station to Pireaus -- be VERY careful about pickpockets. Athens is a safe city, a record of lower petty crime than most other European capitals but the "pickers" do target those 2 Metro lines... because of all the unwary tourists who use them, and aren't used to public transit, AND also carry valuable stuff carelessly. These crooks (99% of whom are non-Greek) work in groups, sometimes cause disturbances & jostle people who are coping with big luggage or backpacks, then suddenly exit and whoops!! people realize their wallets or phones are missing.
Just be sensible: just for the metro ride (not on boats or planes) keep important cash, credit cards, passports etc in a money belt (or my favorite, a "neck pouch" that hangs down flat under shirt) OR, for women, in ZIPPED inside pocket of daybag with ZIP top, worn crosswise in front, hand on zipper. Wear backpacks on your FRONT during ride. Men, NOTHING of value in any pocket... even if u think you'd feel a hand - these guys are too good. be aware, choose seats near the exit doors, then enjoy the ride. By the above prudent measures, I've used the Metro many times, more than 50, with no incident.
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You could take the x96 bus direct from the airport to Pireas and find a hotel near the ferry port. No problems with pickpocket on the bus.
Even better idea Stanbr (as usual). With y our late arrival, no point at all in staying in Central Athens Hotel.
Thanks for the comments and tips. Also thought is would be best to take metro or bus directly to Pireas the evening, as we are not going out to explore when we arrive we would just want to rest and get up early to catch the first ferry to Milos. Checked Booking.com and there are many option close to port. Thanks again. :)
