We will be arriving in arriving in Athens the day before our ferry to Sifnos late September. Where should we stay for easy access to the port, but also have restaurants for dinner? Easiest transport from hotel to Piraues port? We travel with one carry-on each plus a backpack. Thank you!
Posted by
France Southwest - Occitanie
3852 posts
What the vast majority of people (myself included) usually do when catching a ferry the day after arriving in Athens is spend the night in Piraeus. There are plenty of hotels right by the port, so you'll be right there to catch your morning ferry.
The metro to Piraeus runs directly from the Athens airport.
Piraeus is a lively city that's bustling about 20 hours a day. You'll find tons of taverns, restaurants, bars, shops and boutiques. There are also plenty of bakeries serving breakfast from 6:00 AM, in case the hotel breakfast doesn't appeal to you. There’s even a great archaeological museum and a maritime museum.
If you're taking a Seajets ferry, it departs from Gate E9. Check out this map where I’ve listed a few favorites along with the locations of the port gates:
https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1b5T69no_NoFqRP30wWaIi3I8WjtjGYI&usp=sharing
Posted by
Philadelphia, PA, USA
3758 posts
It depends a lont on when your plane arrives -- AND when your Sifnos ferry leaves ... you need to share both, for bet advice. If you are arriving from 2pm on, sure, go to Piraeus, enjoy a sunset there at a fish restaurant & have an early night l If you arrive by 9:30 am, why not enjoy part of a day in Athens. Book a room on a quiet street near the Acropolis (we can recommend some)... have a relaxed dinner & early night after your long flight, and next AM have a taxi booked to take you right to the on-ramp of your ferry. You can buy your ticket at any ticket agency around your hotel. If a ferry is at 7:30 or 8, I 'd consider staying in Piraeus, but otherwie Athens.
Posted by
OP
Texas
24 posts
Thank you for the helpful map and the great advice. This is our first visit to Greece and we are looking forward to the adventure.
We will be arriving after 2 PM and our ferry leaves at 9 AM (if the schedule stays the same). It is with Seajets Olympic Champion Jet.
Any suggestions on places to stay. We are not high end accommodations people. We prefer clean, comfortable, well located small (family own is the best) establishments. Also, any suggestions on places to have dinner?
Posted by
OP
Texas
24 posts
Just realized the map has some favorites listed. My apologies
Posted by
France Southwest - Occitanie
3852 posts
Most hotels in Piraeus near the port are basic 2-star places (or not much more).
We’ve stayed at the Filon Hotel, the Triton Hotel, and another one I can't remember the name of. The comfort level is pretty basic, but it’s fine just for spending the night.
There’s a new hotel that's well-located and looks a bit more "comfortable and modern", the Athenarum Portus Life & Style Hotel (never been there).
They’re all saved on my map.
If you arrive at 2:00 PM, you can get to Piraeus around 4:30 PM, no matter which mode of transportation you choose.
The X96 Bus (€5.50) and Metro (€9.00) goes directly to the port. Depending on where your hotel is located, you could also get off at the Dimotiko Theatro metro station, which is the stop right after Piraeus.
An (honest) Taxi will cost around €65.
The Seajets Olympic Champion Jet will leave right on time, and by on time, I mean 9:00 AM, not 9:10 AM. It will have been docked since the night before, so make sure you're at Gate E9 to board by 8:30 AM at the latest.
E9 Street View: https://maps.app.goo.gl/LSb6yeDFi3ak7CqRA
Given the countless number of restaurants, you’ll have no trouble finding something you like. Of course, you'll find plenty of seafood spots, but there's also plenty of street food, fast food, pizzerias, grills, etc.
If you're not exhausted, you can take a 15-minute walk to Zeas Marina. There are no ferries there, only luxury yachts